01 Jul 2013

Loebsack Statement on Supreme Court Marriage Equality Rulings

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the United States Supreme Court ruled that the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional.  Loebsack was the first member of the Iowa delegation to sign on to the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal DOMA.

"Today is a great day for equality and marriage," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased the Supreme Court took two important steps towards ending discrimination.  The decision today reaffirms nationwide what we Iowans already know? that love knows no bounds and all couples should have the same rights as their neighbors."

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01 Jul 2013

Lt. Governor Simon issues statement on Supreme Court decisions

By Kara Beach
CHICAGO - June 26, 2013. Following the United States Supreme Court's historic decisions on civil liberties this morning, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon issued the following statement:

"I am thrilled by the Supreme Court's ruling in Windsor today to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. This decision supports one of the fundamental principles of our country?equality?and brings us one step closer to the nation we aspire to be.

"I appreciate the Court's decision in Perry, and am excited for all California couples whose marriages are once again recognized. The decision strengthens my resolve to work harder in Illinois and throughout the country to ensure full marriage equality.

"I look forward to renewing that commitment to equal rights with Illinois families and advocates this Sunday at the Pride Parade in Chicago as we continue working toward marriage equality in Illinois."

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01 Jul 2013

Loebsack, Braley, Bustos Introduce Senate Farm Bill in House

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced today that he has introduced the Senate farm bill in the House of Representatives.  He was joined by Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) as original cosponsors.  Last week, the House failed to pass a farm bill to go to a conference committee with the Senate.  On June 10th, the Senate passed a long-term, five year farm bill on a strong bipartisan basis.  The legislation introduced today (HR 2498) has the exact text as the Senate bill, which was supported by both Iowa Senators Grassley and Harkin.  Loebsack, Braley and Bustos supported the House legislation last week to move the bill forward.  The entire bipartisan Iowa delegation voted for the bill.

"After voting down the farm bill last week, the House must act quickly to move the farm bill process forward. The Senate voted in a strong bipartisan fashion to move the Farm Bill forward and it is time House leaders bring up this legislation and allow a vote on the bill," said Congressman Dave Loebsack. "I know the Farm Bill is critical for Iowa's farmers, rural communities and economy.  While the Senate legislation is not perfect, Congress must provide our farmers and rural communities some certainty.  Partisan bickering will only further delay enactment of a long-term Farm Bill."

"It's time for the House to do its job and pass a long-term extension of the Farm Bill. It's a necessity for rural America. Farmers and agricultural producers need the Farm Bill so they can have the assurance they need to continue to invest in the future, create jobs, and grow the economy," Congressman Bruce Braley said. "The Senate has passed a bipartisan Farm Bill and it's time the House does the same."

"Our entire region of Illinois has been thirsting for the certainty and predictability of a bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.  "Our economy needs a Farm Bill, I fought to move this process forward, and partisanship sadly stood in the way of a House version.  We owe it to the American people to get this done, so I'm calling House leadership to swiftly schedule a vote on this bipartisan Senate-passed Farm Bill.  It may not be perfect, but Senate Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to get a bill passed, and the House should do the same."

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01 Jul 2013

KIRKWOOD COMM. COLL. SPRING DEAN'S LIST

By Angie Parenteau

[Cedar Rapids, Iowa] --Kirkwood Community College has released its Dean's List for the Spring 2013 Semester. These students have achieved a 3.3 grade point average or higher after completing 12 or more credit hours with the college.

Kirkwood students from the area earning this distinction are listed below.

from Bettendorf:
Audra Bates, Liberal Arts - AS;
Morgan Helgerson, Liberal Arts - AA;
Thomas McNair, Liberal Arts - AA;

from Davenport:
Kelly Bartman, Nursing - AAS;
Ellen Conklin, Liberal Arts - AA;
Anna Jordan, Liberal Arts - AA;
Shyanne Saladino, Nursing - AAS;

01 Jul 2013

UW-MADISON SPRING DEAN'S LIST

By Susannah Brooks

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean's List for the spring semester of the 2012-2013 academic year.
Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. Most call the honor "Dean's List", but some grant the "Dean's Honor List" and "Dean's High Honor List."
To view an online listing, visit http://registrar.wisc.edu/deans_list.htm. For questions or concerns about eligibility, please contact deanslist-registrar@em.wisc.edu
Below are the students from your circulation area who have received this honor:

  • Adam Vesole, School of Business, Dean's List from Bettendorf
  • Mehmet Badur, College of Engineering, Dean's Honor List from Moline
  • Evan Price, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Dean's List from Moline
  • Andrew Hoogerwerf, College of Engineering, Dean's Honor List from Rock Island
01 Jul 2013

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY'S SPRING DEAN'S LIST

By Jackie King

AMES, Iowa - More than 6,250 Iowa State University undergraduates have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2013 spring semester Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

Students listed below qualified for the Dean's List

Bettendorf, IA
Alison Marie Aquino, Kinesiology and Health;
John Morgan Beck, Biology (AGLS);
Carolyn Elizabeth Bennie, Psychology;
Jamie Marie Blaser, Event Management;
Stephanie Ann Blaser, Dietetics (H SCI);
Jessica Marie Blaum, English;
James Dewey Boddie, Software Engineering;
Kimberly Ann Booe, Chemical Engineering;
Matthew Roger Brown, Management Information Systems;
Molly Rebecca Bryant, Journalism and Mass Communication;
Sarah Anne Buck, Psychology;
Kailey Victoria Bueker, Elementary Education;
Erin Elizabeth Claeys, Chemical Engineering;
Elizabeth Rose Coffman, English;
Rachel Erin Dolehanty, Elementary Education;
Gabriel S. Domingues, Agricultural Systems Technology;
Madeline Skye Duque, Marketing;
Dillan P. Dwyer, Mechanical Engineering;
Zachary J. Edwards, Accounting;
Brendan David Elizondo, Interdisciplinary Studies;
Safwan Elkhatib, Kinesiology and Health;
Katherine E. Finnegan, Animal Ecology;
Taylor Marikey Finney, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
Christopher Joseph Foss, Mechanical Engineering;
Elizabeth Anne Fry, Kinesiology and Health;
Jenna Corinne Fussell, Biology;
Taylor Marie Gibney, Mechanical Engineering;
Jeremy Thomas Gillam, Mechanical Engineering;
Justin James Gizicki, Agronomy;
Amanda Michelle Haffarnan, Nutritional Science (H SCI);
Amanda Erin Hale, Communication Studies;
Jiyeon Han, Microbiology;
Andrew J. Hartman, Computer Engineering;
Natalie S. Heiderscheit, History;
Kelly Marie Hering, Psychology;
Tyler J. Hoelting, Pre-Athletic Training;
Carolyn Anne Johnson, Animal Science;
Kelsey Lynn Kraft, Construction Engineering;
Elizabeth Ilene Larsen, Psychology;
Mikaela Marie Leners, Physics;
Jesse William Leonard, Mechanical Engineering;
Lance Tyler Lipovic, Graphic Design;
Samantha Ann Matt, Open Option (LAS);
Mara McConnell, Linguistics;
Thomas Ray McGee, Industrial Engineering;
Christopher P. Meadows, Mechanical Engineering;
Tyler Benjamin Meseke, Biology;
Amanda Lauren Miller, Kinesiology and Health;
Matthew Henderson Miller, Political Science;
Brock Robert Mills, Psychology;
Emily Jeanne Misak, English;
Mary Kate Misak, Event Management;
Catherine Helen Mullen, Biology (AGLS);
Amanda Lee Oswald, Civil Engineering;
Emily M. Oswald, Psychology;
James Vance Park, Biology;
Katelynn E. Piotter, Elementary Education;
Keaton Michael Sandeman, Environmental Science (AGLS);
Caleb D. Schulze, Electrical Engineering;
Grant Bradley Sherrard, Animal Science;
Amrinder Singh, Biology (AGLS);
Brian Christopher Sipple, Management Information Systems;
Benjamin Timothy Stecker, Kinesiology and Health;
Cameron B. Thompson, Computer Science;
Emma Grace Thompson, Kinesiology and Health;
Joshua C. Thompson, Physics;
Andrew J. Tjaden, Pre-Business;
Erin Cathleen Toohey, Biology (AGLS);
Emory Stephen Traicoff, Mechanical Engineering;
Heather M. Vandewostine, Veterinary Medicine;
Kelly Ann Wagner, Dietetics (H SCI);
Chad Edward Wisham, Civil Engineering;
Robert W. Wright, Industrial Engineering;
Samantha Christine Zust, Kinesiology and Health;


Court, IA
Courtney Brianne Thompson, Dietetics (H SCI);


Davenport, IA
Grant L. Albansoder, Civil Engineering;
Joshua John Arguello, Architecture-Professional Degree;
Ashley M. Arnold, Anthropology;
Beth Anne Baustian, Dietetics (H SCI);
Heather Nicole Bennett, Sociology;
Nathan Joseph Bierl, Music;
Bethanie Marie Blake, Architecture-Professional Degree;
Callie Renee Blake, Elementary Education;
Molly E. Bridges, Elementary Education;
Rebecca Joy Briesmoore, Civil Engineering;
Matthew Samuel Brueggen, Finance;
Margaret Marie Carlin, Community and Regional Planning;
Abigail Nicole Clevenger, Animal Science;
Neal Robert Crooks, Aerospace Engineering;
Elizabeth Marie Doebel, Mathematics;
Jacob Patrick Fennelly, Accounting;
Trevor Murphy Fennelly, Finance;
Ashley Nicole Freese, Event Management;
Marinda R. Gacke, Biology (AGLS);
Brittany Grosskopf, Environmental Science (LAS);
Christopher Thomas Harre, Civil Engineering;
Troysheana Q. Hawkins, Liberal Studies;
Kathleen Marie Hoil, Performing Arts;
Amanda Rose Holtman, Landscape Architecture;
Christine Nicole Jensen, Aerospace Engineering;
Kayla Marie Kaasa, Biology (AGLS);
Malcolm Andrew Kelly, Mechanical Engineering;
Joseph Valarius Kern, Construction Engineering;
Danielle Marie Kimler, Electrical Engineering;
Nicholas Aaron King, Landscape Architecture;
Emerald Patricia Klauer, Graphic Design;
Joseph Edward Kopacz, Mechanical Engineering;
Austin Miles Laugen, Computer Engineering;
Kristina Ann Lund, Family Finance, Housing and Policy;
Amanda Margaret Malin, History;
Megan Elizabeth Maller, Music;
Vanessa Lynn McNeal, Child, Adult, and Family Services;
Gregory Paul Miers, Supply Chain Management;
Jacob M. Neff, Chemical Engineering;
Sarah Maria Neighbour, Graphic Design;
Emily Mary Neubauer, Elementary Education;
Hanna Thi Nguyen, Mechanical Engineering;
Kara Nhu Nguyen, Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management;
Amanda Leanne Pastrnak, Advertising;
Bailey Christine Randone, Communication Studies;
Brylee S. Raupp-Timmons, Computer Engineering;
Erin Bates Sickels, Kinesiology and Health;
Brian Vincent Skalak, Advertising;
Matthew J. Skoglund, Chemical Engineering;
Aaron Wayne Stechmann, Industrial Technology;
Matthew James Stegemann, Electrical Engineering;
Cody Michael Thiessen, Mechanical Engineering;
Amanda Michelle Trammell, Animal Science;
Sarah Jane Vance, Pre-Graphic Design;
Jeramie Lee Vens, Electrical Engineering;
Katherine Michelle Walton, Psychology;
Benjamin M. Wells, Mechanical Engineering;
Kelsie Deanne Witt, Apparel, Merchandising, and Design;
Connor S. Young, Biology;


Moline, IL
Evan Daniel Aubry, Landscape Architecture;
Kelsey Breann Carlson, Animal Science;
Amy Katharine Schaefer, Pre-Business;
Kevin Craig Shedd, Mechanical Engineering;
Caleb Jack Spiegel, Architecture-Professional Degree;
Steven Anthony Vogel, Pre-Business;


Rock Island, IL
Ryan Joseph Bush, Industrial Design;
Joseph Michael Johnson, Mechanical Engineering;
Daniel Joseph Siroky, Architecture-Professional Degree;

01 Jul 2013

Flooded Park Forces Blues Festival To Move to Downtown Davenport

By Karen McFarland

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society voted at a special board meeting tonight to move the 29th Mississippi Valley Blues Festival from its home in Davenport's LeClaire Park to a downtown Davenport location.  The Park is predicted to be flooded during the dates of the Blues Festival, July 4 through 6.  The Army Corps of Engineers predicts that the Mississippi River will crest above flood stage this weekend, and will not have receded enough by July 4 to make the Park usable.

The MVBS board, after lengthy discussions of many alternatives, decided on a location on 3rd Street in downtown Davenport, with use of the Adler Theatre for Tent Stage performers.  Bandshell acts will perform on a stage on 3rd Street west of the skywalk, weather permitting.  If the weather does not cooperate, the Bandshell stage performances will be moved to the Great Hall of the River Center.

"Of course we didn't want to have to move from LeClaire Park," said Karen McFarland, Entertainment Committee Co-Chair.  "But the 3rd Street and Adler venues will still provide great quality music, and parking is abundant in the area."

Further details about the layout will be forthcoming, including the free parking for motorcycles, vendor spaces, and admission gates.

The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival was forced by the flooded Mississippi River to move three previous times:  during the great flood of 1993 (when the festival moved to the municipal airport in Mount Joy) and also in 2001 (in the parking lot of Modern Woodmen Park), and 2008 (on 2nd Street in downtown Davenport).

The Festival volunteers are experts at moving logistics in a hurry.  And this year's move to 3rd Street promises to run smoothly, "given the mistakes we made and now know how to avoid from 2008," said McFarland.

01 Jul 2013

Simon: Don't double student loan rates

By Rick Martin

Organizes students to lobby against interest rate hike

CHICAGO - June 25, 2013. With interest rates on student loans set to double within a week, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon is working with Illinois students to lobby Congress to take action. For the second year in a row, Simon is encouraging students across the state to urge Congress to stop interest rates from doubling on July 1.

"The cost of college is a growing barrier for students to enroll in and complete college," said Simon, the state's point person on education reform. "If Congress allows interest rates to double, higher education will become too pricey for many more middle class families."

Student loan interest rates had previously been expected to double during the summer of 2012; however, students nationwide demanded change. Young people took to Facebook and Twitter asking their elected officials to take immediate action, and President Obama signed a temporary rate freeze. Simon has advocated for passage of a long-term solution that would avert the need for last-minute, piecemeal fixes.

In her first two years in office Simon visited each of Illinois' 48 community colleges and 12 public, four-year universities, hearing time and again that the cost of education is a growing strain on students and families throughout the state. Using that network, Simon on Wednesday will urge members of the Illinois delegation to endorse a solution and take action to prevent student loan rates from doubling.

The hike on federal subsidized loans to undergraduates would cost the average Illinois student more than $1,000 each year. In Illinois, there are more than 360,000 borrowers who would be affected.

To join in the effort, post on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #DontDoubleMyRate, or find contact information for your elected representative here.

"Students need to explain what $1,000 means to them, whether that's books, housing or the ability to enroll in the first place," Simon said. "Higher education is an equalizer. We cannot let students be priced out of school."

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01 Jul 2013

Governor Quinn Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on the Voting Rights Act of 1965

By Grant Klinzman
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down a key portion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965:

"Voting is a fundamental right in our democracy, and the Voting Rights Act has been a critical and effective means to guarantee that right.

"I am disappointed by the Supreme Court decision announced today, which halts nearly 50 years of civil rights progress.

"I join President Obama in urging Congress to pass new legislation that will ensure every American has equal access to the polls. I will contact the members of Illinois' Congressional delegation and urge them to make this a priority."

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01 Jul 2013

Herb Alpert to Premiere Newest Single & Video Puttin' On The Ritz

By Jennifer Gross

Directed by CON-APP - Glenn Kaino & Afshin Shahidi with

Napoleon & Tabitha D'umo and Produced by Kerith Lemon

Los Angeles, CA (June 25, 2013) - Herb Alpert, founder of A&M Records and one of the most successful trumpet performers in pop history is releasing his newest single and music video Puttin' On The Ritz on Tuesday, June 25th.   The music video will premiere on VEVO and the single will be available for a $1.29 download on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify and more. Alpert delivers a refreshing contemporary interpretation of the classic song first released in 1930, inspired by the 'swanky' Ritz Hotel. The track's groove inducing beat married with the classic vocals by Lani Hall and an iconic trumpet solo would compel anyone to get up and dance along.

"I always felt that if a song is fun to play then it would be fun to listen to. This recording seemed to me that it had international appeal, and we wanted to make a music video that conveyed the sense of fun that you hear." Stated Herb Alpert, "We had a wonderful team that collaborated to bring the music video to life, Glenn Kaino added his brilliant creative vision and Tabitha and Napoleon were the perfect choice since Lani and I admire their choreography on So You Think You Can Dance."

The Puttin' On The Ritz music video is a creative collaboration between Alpert, artist Glenn Kaino and filmmaker Afshin Shahidi with choreographers Napoleon & Tabitha D'umo from So You Think You Can Dance and produced by Kerith Lemon. One long camera shot follows the lead dancer on a musical journey motivating everyone to join the promenade. The music has an undeniable charm and that coupled with an energetic and intricate dance routine creates a magical pied-piper like scene illustrating the energy and delight of the popular song. The video features musicians Lani Hall, Bill Cantos, Hussain Jiffry and Michael Shapiro and stars dancer Vincent Noiseux, top 20 of the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, alongside corps dancers like Kherington Payne and others that have been seen on So You Think You Can Dance, America's Best Dance Crew, Dancing with the Stars, This is It, Step Up and more.

"The song is magical, anyone who hears is it compelled to dance." said Kaino, "Inspired by the contagious nature of the music, we imagined a world where everyone was down to jump in and start dancing whenever they heard the beat, and then told that story in one long, enchanted scene."

Not only is Puttin' On The Ritz the newest featured track on Alpert's album Steppin' Out, release slated for late Summer 2013, but the song and choreography from the music video will be featured in the Zumba Fitness World Party video game which has a launch date of October 2013

Herb Alpert Bio

Herb Alpert began playing trumpet at the age of eight and after serving in the army and a short stint as an actor, he returned to music.  He rose to fame with the Tijuana Brass with hits such as, The Lonely Bull, Tijuana Taxi, Spanish Flea, This Guy's in Love With You and Rise.  He alongside business partner Jerry Moss founded A&M Records, one of the most prosperous artist-owned companies ever established.  Among it's greatest successes were the Carpenters, Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker, Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, The Police, Sting and Janet Jackson.

Alpert also tackled other forms of media, exhibiting his abstract expressionist paintings and sculptures and co-producing a number of Broadway successes, including Angels in America and Jelly's Last Jam. He also established the Herb Alpert Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to establishing educational, arts, and environmental programs for children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm4DJxrjNqk

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