Urges Homeowners to visit KeepYourHomeIllinois.org for Assistance

CHICAGO - February 1, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that, one year after he launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) in his State of the State address, more than a half-million people have connected to its free statewide resources to help keep their homes.

"I launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network to help give Illinois families the guidance they need to stay in their homes," Governor Quinn said. "Knowledge is power. By accessing this free, centralized source of trustworthy information we can help homeowners do what's best for their families, while strengthening communities and our economy."

As a result of the IFPN, 561,000 people have been connected to foreclosure prevention help:

·         446,000 homeowners have accessed the IFPN website or the Illinois Hardest Hit program website.

·         More than 60,700 people have called IFPN help hotlines.

·         More than 44,500 homeowners have received homeownership counseling.

·         More than 3,400 people have attended a series of IFPN workshops across the state.

·         More than 6,300 homeowners have received mortgage payment assistance with $144.1 million in funds approved through the Illinois Hardest Hit program.

Families are urged to reach out today to access the free resources that have helped so many other homeowners across Illinois. All of the services are available by visiting www.keepyourhomeillinois.org, calling the toll-free hotline (1-855-KEEP-411), or visiting 80 counseling agencies throughout the state.

In February 2012, Governor Pat Quinn created the IFPN to give Illinois homeowners access to a trusted and reliable source where they could receive one-on-one counseling, legal advice and financial assistance. Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) partnered to establish this free, one-stop resource.

"When families fall behind on mortgage payments due to a job loss or pay cut, Governor Quinn's Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) stands ready to help them," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "IFPN coordinates every available statewide resource for homeowners, and provides critical tools - such as counseling. Homeowners who undergo counseling are twice as likely to keep their homes."

IFPN has made a difference in the lives of so many Illinois families, such as Maria Perez of suburban Carol Stream. After her divorce in 2008, Perez struggled to pay her mortgage and save for her two sons' college education.

When she lost her job as a school registrar last year, Perez turned to the DuPage Homeownership Center - which assisted her in applying for temporary financial assistance available under IFPN's flagship program, the Illinois Hardest Hit program. The program enables qualified unemployed or underemployed homeowners to get current on their payments or receive monthly assistance.

"The Illinois Hardest Hit program bought me some time to consider my options calmly. It gave me time to breathe," said 48-year-old Perez.

IFPN events to enable homeowners to receive counseling or legal advice, apply for financial assistance and potentially receive an on-site loan modification from participating lenders are scheduled this spring. IFPN's next regional events are planned for Peoria and Rockford in April and June, respectively.

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CHICAGO - February 1, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 1864

An Act Concerning: Education

Reduces the tuition rate requirement that community colleges must attain in order to receive an equalization grant.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4110

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Creates a new property tax exemption for certain commercial businesses that lease property at the Quad City International Airport.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: June 1

 

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LeClaire is Among the Top 15 "America's Coolest Small Towns - 2013" following the first round of voting last fall in the Budget Travel on-line contest, and we can be chosen as the COOLEST!!!!   To Vote Daily, go to: http://www.budgettravel.com/contest/americas-coolest-small-towns-2013,14/ or to the website for Budget Travel.  LeClaire IS the Coolest, and We Can Win!! Tell everyone you know everywhere to vote for LeClaire!!!

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS!

Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc. - Dr. Lisa Arndt, 3359 Middle Road - Ste. 1, Bettendorf, IA 52722. www.arndtchiropractic.com  Dr. Arndt is a National Board Certified Chiropractor and Registered Nurse, proud of providing "Gentle" chiropractic care for the QC community. Accepting new patients! 563-332-2211

Operation American Made - Darrin Lampman, CEO, PO Box 28, LeClaire, IA 52753. 563-729-1022. www.operation-american-made.com  Online auction of American made products, benefiting local vendors.

Conceptual Designs - Michelle Blunk, Owner, 2117 State Street - Ste. 110, Bettendorf, IA 52722.  563-823-6123  www.conceptualdesignsinc.com Conceptual Designs is a full service design firm that specializes in commercial interior design and interior architecture, professionally licensed in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. We excel in providing unique solutions for not only commercial interiors, but offices, retail spaces and healthcare facilities as well.

It is time again to join or to renew your membership with the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce! Please see the attached form to complete and return with your payment.  Thank you for your current and past membership, and certainly let us know if you have any questions in regard to your membership or about the Chamber in general. Let's have a Great 2013!  After all - "It is all there....In LeClaire!"

 

CALENDAR

February 1st - First Friday - Downtown LeClaire - 5-8 p.m. Mississippi River Distilling Company  will be releasing new seasonal, "Dry Dock Sorghrum"!!  Yum!!  Get your free Valentines Day glass with any bottle of spirits purchased while they last! Spirited Chef Stepahanie's food samples and recipes will be available!  www.mrdistilling.com
Get started on Valentine's Day early with wine samples at Wide River Winery!! Enjoy Gold Medal winning Pursuit of Happiness. Serving dips and delicious chocolate from The Sweet Life paired with our award winning locally made wines. Shop www.wideriverwinery.com

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals open until 7:00 p.m. Free appraisals.
Karaoke at Sneaky Pete's from 9:00 P.M.-1:00 A.M., 207 North Cody Road, LeClaire, IA (563) 289-4277

Many other restaurants and shops will be open late!

February 3rd - Family Yoga - Reusable Usables  Family Yoga - 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5 per person or $15 for up to four people.  Taught by yoga Jennifer Vondracek, Executive Director of Yoga.  Family Yoga will be held once a month for families with children ages 2 & up.   No experience necessary!  For schedule  for Women's Full Moon Yoga Circle 2013, or with questions, please contact jenniferv@yogag.org or 563-289-3946 Reservations are appreciated but not required, via facebook or email. Cost: $8 Donation.Class held at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center Studio 122, 328 N Cody/LeClaire, IA  52753   www.reusableusables.org

February 8th - Reusable Usables NEW Freezer Meal Workshop 6:30 PM.  Let's get together and make enough meals to fill our freezers!  Bring your bags filled with designated "protein" and other groceries. Go home with 10 meals, each feeding a family of 4-6, ready to freeze - just thaw, cook and enjoy!   $73 (includes all Wildtree products, recipes and shipping). Contact Kate Ramsdell ramsdellgirls@yahoo.com•www.mywildtree.com/katewildtree/  (This is an "Adults Only" event.)

February 9th - Trivia Night - LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Participants may bring beer, wine, snacks and soda. Water and snacks will also be for sale. Up to eight people per table. $10 per person with a $50 table minimum. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Contact Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703 for reservations or information. Don't have enough for a full table? Come anyway and we can put you on a table that needs people!

February 12th - Chamber Network Lunch - Location TBD!

February 14th - Valentine's Day at Crane and Pelican - 3 Course Dinner - $45 per person ($90 per couple) Details and Menu at www.craneandpelican.com

February 14th - Valentine's Day at The Faithful Pilot - 2 seatings - 5:30 and 8:00p.m. $75 per person, 5 courses. 563.289.4156 www.faithfulpilot.com

February 24th - The Buffalo Bill Museum will Celebrate Buffalo Bill's Birthday! 12 noon to 4 p.m. (closing).  A party with refreshments, free admission, and a "Buffalo Bill & Annie Oakley Look-Alike Contest" for children (Judging at 2pm). Bring your camera and have your photo taken with William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Annie Oakley!   (And, have you seen the expanded Buffalo Bill exhibit yet?!) Hope to see everyone there! www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com

February 25th - Chamber Economic Development Meeting 8:00 a.m. Great River Financial, LeClaire.

 

Save the Date

March 1st - First Friday in LeClaire!

 

FYI

Please note - the Chamber has a new email address - leclairechamber@gmail.com

The LeClaire Information Center is seeking volunteers to serve as "Ambassadors" introducing visitors to the attractions, shops, neighborhoods, and business opportunities in LeClaire. Training is provided; schedules are flexible. If you want to share the excitement of LeClaire, please consider this opportunity to serve your community. Call 563-289-4242 (ext 1135) or email Cindy Bruhn, Tourism Manager, at Info@VisitLeClaire.com If you would like to share information about events, promotions, news, etc., with Tourism, please send an email to info@visitleclaire.com. Your information will be shared with Shopkeepers, the Chamber and the Tourism Board and will be promoted on Facebook and in monthly emails.

The Buffalo Bill Museum is participating in Younkers' annual "Community Day" fundraiser of $5 coupon books valid March 1-2, 2013 at Younkers and affiliated stores on March 1-2, 2013. The booklets contain a $10 discount on an item priced at $10 or more; a tiered shopping pass for 20%-15%-10% off an item; a 30% "early bird coupon' valid 7-10am, Saturday only; and 13 other merchandise coupons.     Every $5 purchase directly benefits the museum.  It can be purchased at the museum, from one of its board members, or on-line through a link posted on the museum's Face Book page (Buffalo Bill Museum LeClaire).  Online purchases will be mailed without an additional charge!  Because it is valid at the many stores affiliated with Younkers (Bon.Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's Elder-Beerman, Herberger's) it can be purchased for family and friends anywhere in the United States!

Reusable Usables Women's Full Moon Yoga Circle 2013 For schedule or with questions, please contact jenniferv@yogag.org or call 563-289-3946. Reservations are appreciated but not required via facebook or email. Cost: $8 Donation. Classes held at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center Studio 122, 328 N Cody/LeClaire, IA  52753  www.reusableusables.org

Reusable Usables Planet Green After School Classes Planet Green After School Program for ages 5-12. Learn creative and fun ways to respect our planet with hands on eco-friendly art and educational activities based on the Iowa DNR Planet Patrol Series. Thanks to grant funding from Iowa DNR. Ask about our sibling discounts. Pre-register in advance by calling 563-289-3936 or at www.reusableusables.org Planet Green class options and fees: Option #1: Class two times per week - TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $36 per student per month Option #2: Class one time per week - TUESDAYS OR THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $25 per student per month.

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

$1,000 Ascentra Credit Union Scholarship Competition is Underway; Ascentra Credit Union is encouraging the youth in our community to further their education by providing two $1,000.000 scholarships each year. Entrants must have an account established in his or her own name at Ascentra. One scholarship is for high school students planning to enter college.  The other scholarship is for members age 19 or over, considered non-traditional-aged or continuing education students.   The scholarship entrants will be judged on a 500 word essay on the topic, "With college tuition costs dramatically increasing year after year, besides scholarships, what are some ways that students can help offset the costs of higher education?" All entries are judged on their essay, resume, awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer services and work experience. Applications can be picked up at any of our branches or printed off of our website at www.ascentra.org.  The link to the form can be found on our Community Involvement section of our News/Events/Promotions page.  The deadline to apply is March 1, 2013. Awarding a total of $2,000 in scholarships is another way Ascentra Credit Union recognizes that financial planning and education is essential to lifetime success for our members and community.   "Listening, caring, doing what's right" are words the credit union follows every day.

Meals for Seniors at the First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

 

2013 Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Centers:

February 9th - Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship

March 9th - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

April 6th - LeClaire Little League

May 4th - LeClaire Lions

June 8th - Buffalo Bill Museum

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

 

LeClaire Park Board Special Events Calendar

Spring 2013 - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt ( Hollyhock Park )

Spring 2013 - Cinco de Mayo

May 18, 2013 -French Market Days - Plant exchange, sale benefiting Parks Dept.

Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion ( Hollyhock Park )

Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 9-11, 2013 - Tug Fest

October 13, 2013 - Apple Fest

 

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions

February 1, 2013

Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 11-0570

DALE BOELMAN and NANCY BOELMAN vs. GRINNELL MUTUAL REINSURANCE COMPANY

No. 11-1637

HARDIN COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT 55, DIVISION 3, LATERAL 10 vs. UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY

February 1, 2013 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa - "Theatre as a Community Collaboration"

Six talented individuals from REM Iowa Developmental Services Hiawatha (RDS) have
spent six exciting weeks preparing for a very special night.  As a cooperative effort
of REM Iowa Developmental Services, Theatre Cedar Rapids and Legion Arts, this self-named
group, the "Team of Super Awesome Rock Stars", will present "Three Awesome Fables"
at CSPS Hall on Friday, February 8th at 6:00pm to an audience of invited peers,
family, and community members.

Theater Cedar Rapids Education Coordinator Mike Wilhelm coached the actors weekly
with exercises to encourage self-expression and interactions between players.  Legion
Arts has generously allowed the use of the historic theater at CSPS Hall in Cedar
Rapids so the participants could have the full experience of presenting on a stage
where scores of artists have presented before them.   Local artist Sonya Darrow
worked with the actors to create inspiring and creative costumes.  Musician and
teacher Brook Hoover was eager to lend his musical talents to the show by collaborating
with the troop of six on innovative sound techniques.  Todd Kimm of Legion Arts
was instrumental in catching the vision and bringing the team together to make the
project a great experience. The actors responded with teamwork, cooperation, and
pride in their accomplishments.

The RDS actors have had a wonderful time learning about movement, projecting their
voices, and following stage direction.  "I like it.  I think it's fun," says Douglas
Franta, one of the actors.  Shawn Stender also had an enjoyable time, "It's great
and very beautiful," he says of the experience.   Stephanie Bawek, Program Director
and Kevin Connor, Program Coordinator will lend their acting chops to the performance
as well.   Kevin believes the experience will be a memorable one for RDS, "The individuals
involved relish the idea of being in the theatre," he commented.  Felicia Sales,
actor from RDS, agrees, "I like to be a mouse and I really enjoy it!"

The theatre experience exemplifies the RDS mission of quality programming and community
integration. It is one of many opportunities individuals in our services enjoy along
with art classes, music therapy, and fun fitness coaching.   We hope the relationships
created within the community through this project will continue to inspire opportunities
and enhance lives.

For more information please contact TCR Education Coordinator Mike Wilhelm at 319-366-8591
or mike@theatrecr.org.

About Theatre Cedar Rapids

Among the region's largest and longest-operating community theatres, Theatre Cedar
Rapids is located in the Iowa Theater Building in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids,
Iowa.  Founded by regionalist artist Grant Wood, TCR is a nationally-recognized
501(c)3 nonprofit community theatre embarking on its 79th season of quality local
programs that reach more than 55,000 eastern Iowans of all ages.  Core goals of
the organization center on the quality and accessibility of programs.  During the
August to July season, the 11 full-time staff, part-time help and contract artists
fill more than 3,000 volunteer placements and work together to create an ambitious
lineup of musicals, comedies, dramas and classics in addition to providing theatre
education programs. The mission of Theatre Cedar Rapids is "to provide quality theatre,
maximizing community participation and education in theatre arts to Cedar Rapids
and the surrounding region."

Quick Facts:

* 35,000 hours volunteered last year
* Over 60,000 patrons and participants last season
* Founded by artists Grant Wood and Marvin Cone in 1925
* An independent certified public accountant audits the theatre annually

The Davenport Public Library now offers digital magazines through Zinio!  It's FREE! It's FUN! It's yours now with your Davenport public library card!

Zinio provides a quick and easy way for library patrons to read digital copies of their favorite magazines. Using their Mac, PC, Kindle, iPad, etc., reading fans will be able to access the library's catalog of selected digital magazines. Zinio's unique digital platform recreates a magazine page-for-page, including highly visual full-color pictures, while taking the reading experience even further through intuitive navigation, key word article search and interactive rich media elements such as audio and video.   Some of the 100+ magazines offered include, Consumer Reports, Car & Driver, Good Housekeeping, The Economist, ESPN Magazine, and Esquire!

Here are a few additional notes to remember:

  • The Davenport Public Library has subscribed to approximately 150 titles for its patrons.
  • Start at www.davenportlibrary.com in order to access the subscriptions the library has purchased for patrons to use for FREE!
  • This process allows you to check out full issues of the magazines.
  • There's no waiting.  Issues can be used by an unlimited number of people.
  • There might be an app available for your device that would allow you to download content to read when you are offline.

For more information call the Davenport Public Library reference department at (563) 326-7832 or visit us online at www.davenportlibrary.com.

***

Kenosha, Wis. - Carthage College has named outstanding scholars to its Dean's List for academic excellence during the fall semester of 2012.

Dean's List honors are accorded Carthage students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average while carrying at least 14 credit hours during a semester.

Students from the local area receiving Dean's List honors include :  Erin Holst of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Jennifer Lynn Fyfe of Davenport, Iowa.

ABOUT CARTHAGE COLLEGE
Established in 1847, Carthage is a college of the liberal arts and sciences affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The College enrolls 2,500 students and is situated on the Lake Michigan shore in Kenosha, Wis., midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. The Collegiate Learning Assessment has ranked Carthage among the top eight percent of colleges and universities nationwide for the academic gains of its students.

-30-

Oskaloosa, Iowa- William Penn University is pleased to announce that Carmen Cristina Wetzel of Bettendorf and Lisa Ann Lacy of Davenport have been named to the President's List for the fall 2012 semester. To be included on the President's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale.

William Penn University is alos pleased to announce that Blake Younkin of Bettendorf has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2012 semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.5 - 3.89 on a 4.0 scale.

William Penn University was founded by Quakers in 1873 and is located in Oskaloosa, Iowa. William Penn University has recently expanded both programming and facilities. For more information, visit the university's website at www.wmpenn.edu or call 1-800-779-7366.

MOLINE, IL - WQPT-Quad Cities PBS, in conjunction with a collaboration of area non-profit organizations focused on bullying in our community (known as CARE QC - Connecting Anti-Bullying Resources and Education), will host a series of community conversations, television programming and online activities to inform parents, students and teachers about the resources available to combat bullying.

"CARE QC was formed as a result of information gathered during WQPT's 'American Graduate' work last year. At the community forums convened to discuss the drop-out crisis and the need for mentors in our community, we discovered that bullying was one of the top factors in a student's decision to drop out of school," said WQPT Interim General Manager Jamie Lange.

The community conversations will be held from 5-7:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18 at the Martin Luther King Center in Rock Island, and Wednesday, Feb. 20 Wednesday, Feb. 20 at the Moline Public Library.

In addition, Ballet Quad Cities will offer a free performance of "The Ugly Duckling" from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 at Davenport North High School. The dance performance carries an anti-bullying message about treating on another with respect. Renowned anti-bullying expert Dr. Jennifer Caudle will host a short program following the event.

Related programming featured on WQPT includes:

Sunday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.: "Official Best of Fest: Bullies." Get a glimpse into the world of bullying with two short films from Australia and the UK.

Sunday, Feb. 17, 8:30 p.m.: "Dissed Respect." The impact of bullying encourages dialogue about the need to reduce the high-risk behavior of bullying.

Monday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m.: "Teaching Channel: Bullying at School." The program visits three schools where parents, teachers and students are implementing bullying prevention programs.

Monday, Feb. 18, 9 p.m.: "Enough is Enough." Learn about the evolving interactive web, social networking and cyber-bullying. Learn how to protect your child on all internet enabled devices.

For more resources, interactive surveys and information, visit wqpt.org/stopbullying.

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities.

President Obama's nominee to be Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, failed miserably when faced with hard questions from the Senate Armed Forces Committee today. He could not, or refused to, answer for his past anti-Israel and seemingly pro-Iran positions. Instead he only offered confirmation that he should not be the Secretary of Defense.

Today's hearing proved without a doubt we must stop Hagel from being our next Secretary of Defense.

Hagel Calls Ahmadinejad's Government "elected, legitimate."

Hagel was trying to defend his refusal to vote to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization. In doing so he called Iran several times as an "elected, legitimate government," and again said the Iranian regime was a "legitimate, independent government."

It was a slip or he wasn't thinking, but it shows his disposition towards Iran that we have disturbingly seen several times. It is outrageous to legitimize a government led by a madman like Ahmadinejad, who has publicly denied the holocaust ever occurred, and called for the state of Israel to be "wiped off the map." 

If Hagel thinks that kind of conduct passes as 'legitimate government' then we'd hate to see how he would react as an ambassador of American interests abroad.

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Hagel Agreed, in 2009 Interview, America is "the World's Bully"

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) literally blew Hagel out of the water when he played a very damning quote of Hagel conducting a 2009 interview on Al-Jazeera News wherein Hagel AGREED WITH an e-mailed comment from a woman who identified the United States as "the World's Bully."

Cruz played the soundbyte for the whole committee and all attendees to hear for themselves:

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