18 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn Directs State Agencies to Further Strengthen School Emergency Response and Prevention

By Leslie Wertheimer

Coordinated Effort Will Review and Recommend Improvements to Existing Programs and Policies; New School Safety Video to Be Released in Early January 

CHICAGO - December 18, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies will review existing programs for student protection and determine whether improvements can be made. Following the recent horrific massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, state agencies in Illinois will work together to assist local school districts and local law enforcement in the review to aid in emergency response planning and ensure they can provide support to local jurisdictions in a timely and efficient manner.

Today's directive is part of the governor's ongoing commitment to ensuring safe schools in Illinois.

"We want the parents of Illinois to know their children are as safe as possible when they are at school," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois has increased emergency preparedness and collaboration between local police and schools in recent years, but we must continue to take every step possible to make our schools even safer. This coordinated effort will assist local police and school officials to make sure our students are protected."

In the coming weeks, Governor Quinn will convene experts from the state and local public safety, education, public health and mental health agencies to discuss violence prevention and response strategies.

In addition, the School and Campus Security Training Program, a cooperative effort of the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Terrorism Task Force and the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, will soon roll out a School Safety Drill Video and Computer-Based Training tutorial, which reflect best practices based on lessons learned from real life emergency events. The videos will be free and available for distribution for public and private schools by early January 2013. The videos detail specific actions for administrators, teachers and support staff for each drill, based on post-incident reports and de-briefings from real school events.

Since 2009, schools in Illinois have been required to perform an emergency drill at least once per year. In addition, schools must have emergency and crisis plans in place and review them annually.

Since 2005, the School and Campus Security Training Program provided more than 250 K-12 school safety planning courses attended by more than 8,600 participants representing 817 public school districts and 545 non-public schools. In 2012 the program delivered 55 preparedness training courses for both K-12 and higher education institutions, which were attended by 1,486 participants, to update emergency operations plans and increase their capacity to respond to and recover from all hazards, including active shooters. Currently, there are 11 courses scheduled from January through March of 2013.

"School-based emergency management teams, with plenty of back-up members, have become a standard part of education," said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. "Efforts to keep our students safe require districts to build and maintain close relationships with their community responders as they run the law enforcement drills required under the School Safety Drill Act."

While significant focus is on planning and preparation to respond to emergency situations, state laws and services also address threats to our students' social and emotional health with requirements to address bullying. ISBE works with partners to provide statewide workshops on school safety and administers federal funds aimed at keeping students safe.

In 2004, Illinois became the first state in the nation to require all school districts to teach social and emotional skills as part of their curriculum and daily school life, from lunch room interactions to after school activities.  As part of these classes, students are required to meet certain benchmarks - such as recognizing and managing feelings, building empathy and making responsible decisions.

For more information, please visit www.ready.illinois.gov and www.isbe.net/safety.

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18 Dec 2012

Royal Neighbors to name $500 surprise Nation of NeighborsSM recipient at Quad Cities Autism Center

By Lynnette Meincke

(Rock Island, IL)– Representatives of Royal Neighbors of America will make a surprise $500 check presentation to Michelle Smyth, founder of the Quad Cities Autism Center in Moline. The funds from Royal Neighbors' Nation of NeighborsSM Program will go toward furthering Michelle's education within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

When Michelle's son was diagnosed with severe autism at age 2, she struggled to find help for him. After facing many closed doors, she decided she would have to provide the help herself. She learned about Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, that, according to the U. S. Surgeon General, is the most effective treatment for children diagnosed with autism. After other parents learned of her son's progress and asked her for help, she opened the Quad Cities Autism Center, and has since served over 75 children and their families.

The more education Michelle receives, the more she can help her son and other children and also train young women who have a passion for making a difference in the life of a child.

What: Surprise $500 check presentation

Where: Quad Cities Autism Center, 2430 6th Ave., Moline, IL

When: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.

Local contacts: Lynnette Meincke, (563) 340-7419

Media is invited to attend: Meet in the Center's gym at 9: 50 a.m.

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1 million to assist 900-plus families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895.

Through the 2012 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities. Each year, Royal Neighbors members and sales agents across the country are asked to nominate individuals they know who want to change their lives for the better. A panel reviews each nomination and determines the recipients and the monetary amounts awarded.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

END

18 Dec 2012

Quad Cities Comic Book Convention

By Alan Morton

The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday December 29 at the Ramada Inn in Bettendorf, IA. The Ramada Inn is located at 3020 Utica Rd (I-74 @ Kimberly Rd / Spruce Hills Dr, IA Exit 2).

It will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM and admission for the public is free. Dealers from three states specializing in comic books new and old, toys and related. Or if you have old comics lying around that you no longer want bring them by dealers are buying. For further information contact Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit www.epguides.com/comics.

18 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Tuesday, December 18, 2012**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO- December 18, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 3237

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Requires that each plumber's license must contain a photograph of the licensed plumber for identification purposes.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: June 1

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18 Dec 2012

As Severe Winter Weather Arrives, So Do Property Damage Risks as a Result of Ice Dams

By Joseph King

A severe winter storm has already dropped significant amounts of snow on the mountains in the Northwest, and now the storm is headed for the Rockies and Midwest. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a blizzard watch for Wednesday in eastern Colorado, Kansas, and a small area of southern Nebraska. Meanwhile, a winter storm watch has been issued from Colorado all the way through the Midwest as far north as Wisconsin.

As severe winter weather arrives, so do property damage risks as a result of ice dams. In fact, ice dams during freezing temperatures can cause thousands of dollars in property damage, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

During freezing weather, heat from your home or business can escape through the roof and melt snow on the roof. The snow melt can trickle down to the roof's edge and refreeze, creating an ice dam that leaves additional snow melt no place to go but inside the attic.

Find out common misconceptions about ice dams below using guidance from IBHS, while ice dam prevention resources are available at DisasterSafety.org.

ICE DAM MYTHS

Ice dams only form around gutters and eaves.

False: Ice dams can also form in roof valleys, pans, and shed dormers.

Heat cables are the answer.

False: Although heat cables can help prevent ice dams from forming, the are not a simple solution. Heat cables only last a few years before they need to be replaced, while it is important to also have proper drainage when using cables.

Ice dams are only a problem for older homes.

False: Ice dams are more common for older homes that have poor ventilation, newer homes can also be a risk of ice dam damage.

for more information about how to make your buildings more resistant to a variety of disasters, large and small. Follow IBHS on Twitter at @DisasterSafety and on

# # #

About IBHS
IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparedness practices.

18 Dec 2012

State Farm Warns Homeowners about the 12 Fire Horrors of the Holidays

By Missy Dundov
December 18, 2012 - The holiday season is the time of year when most people are thinking about shopping for gifts, office parties, and spending time with family and friends. Sadly, this is also the time when home fires peak. Approximately one-third of home fires and home fire deaths occur during December, January and February.
State Farm® reminds consumers that the potential for a home fire is highest during the winter months. A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that nearly 50 percent of Americans age 23 and over increased their chances of a home fire because of decorating for the holidays:
  • 34 percent connect multiple extension cords together
  • 16 percent put up holiday lights without inspecting them for frayed cords
  • 9 percent let their tree dry out after it is decorated in the home
  • 9 percent have lit a fire without an annual chimney inspection
  • 5 percent have left a burning candle unattended
To help keep your family and loved ones safer during the holiday and winter season, learn how to avoid the 12 fire horrors of the holidays.
  1. Cooking Calamities: While November is the top month for grease and cooking-related fires, December is a close second. Unattended cooking remains one of the top causes of home fires. There are a lot of distractions and all it takes is a brief moment for a cooking fire to get out of control. Keep an all-purpose or Class ABC rated fire extinguisher nearby to get a kitchen fire under control.
  2. Space heaters: Home heating equipment is second to cooking fires for causing home structure fires. More than half of home heating fires occur during December, January and February. Avoid setting up a space heater too close to curtains, furniture, or holiday decorations. Remember to keep at least three feet of clear space around it and set it up on the floor unless it is designed for other use.
  3. Children Playing with Fire: The number of fires and deaths caused by children playing with fire goes up significantly during the holidays. Never leave children unsupervised with ignition materials such as matches or lighters.
  4. Burn Wood in the Fireplace: Do not burn trash, cardboard boxes or Christmas trees in the fireplace. These items burn unevenly and may cause a dangerous flash fire.
  5. Caution with Candles: Christmas Day is the peak day of the year for candle fires. Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
  6. Holiday Lights: Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots or broken sockets before putting them up. Remember to turn off holiday lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
  7. Counterfeit Electronics: Christmas lights are the perfect product for counterfeiting - high volume and low manufacturing cost. Look for CSA or UL certification marks that indicate the product was tested and met the product safety standards.
  8. Electrical Outlets: Don't overload your electrical outlets with too many lights or decorations.
  9. Electrical Cords: To reduce the chance of overheating, electric cords should never be bundled together or run under rugs or carpet.
  10. Christmas Trees: Take fire safety precautions when keeping a live tree in the house. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches. Regularly give the tree plenty of water.
  11. Dirty Chimney: Most chimney fires are caused by the buildup of creosote, a highly combustible by-product of burning wood. To protect your chimney from creosote buildup, have it inspected and cleaned annually.
  12. Dirty Fireplace: When cleaning your fireplace, put embers in a metal container and set them outside to cool for 24 hours before disposal.
About State Farm
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit  http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada  http://www.statefarm.ca.
18 Dec 2012

LIVE UNCOMMON / ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS Award $10,000 in Scholarships

By Michelle Russell

LIVE UNCOMMON congratulates six area students who were awarded $10,000 in scholarships underwritten by LIVE UNCOMMON Team Doctors - ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS.

Scholarship Winners include :

  • ANNA FRY, St. Thomas University, Minneapolis, Minnesota - $3,000 Scholarship;
  • DANA EWAN, Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, Iowa - $1,500 Scholarship;
  • AARON PEROUTKA, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa - $1,500 Scholarship;
  • JOE MUELLER, Notre Dame University, North Bend, Indiana - $500 Scholarship.
  • JAKE HAYLES - $3,000 Scholarship is currently a sophomore at Bettendorf High School; and
  • ALI OPPEL - $500 Scholarship is currently a senior at Pleasant Valley High School.

Both JAKE's and ALI's scholarships awarded by ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS will be issued to their colleges of choice at time of
enrollment.

The $10,000 ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS Scholarships were awarded to the top 3 Male and Female finishers competing in the LIVE UNCOMMON Adventure Race held on the RUSSELL CONSTRUCTION campus in Davenport.

18 Dec 2012

Iowa Library Services Chooses LearningExpress as provider of Online Resources

By Deborah Porchivina
New York - December 19, 2012 ? LearningExpress, LLC announces that Iowa Library Services (State Library of Iowa) has selected LearningExpress Library® as their workforce-related online resource for Iowa job seekers. This platform will provide Iowans with anytime, anywhere, online access to a comprehensive selection of career-oriented and academic resources to help with job preparation, career advancement, career changes, and re-entry to the workforce.

Iowa Library Services selected LearningExpress from among several competing organizations in the state's formal RFP process to provide Iowa libraries and workforce centers with an online platform for job seekers, "which prepares them for success in the workplace using tools and resources that improve job skills and vocational test-taking skills."

The online tools from LearningExpress are easy-to-use and user friendly. Included in the Iowa subscription are tutorials, practice tests and exercises, eBooks, and Computer Skills Tutorials. Computer Skills include both Popular Software Tutorials, which help improve one's skills using today's most widely used applications, and Computer and Internet Basics, to guide individuals completely unfamiliar with using computers or accessing the Internet to competency and beyond.

Mary Wegner, State Librarian, Iowa Library Services stated, "Everyone involved in the selection process is very pleased and excited about being able to offer LearningExpress Library through public and academic libraries and Iowa Workforce Development Centers." Through funding from the Iowa Workforce Development agency (IWD), LearningExpress platforms will be available at no charge to all Iowa public and academic libraries.

Mary Wegner's sentiment is resounded by Barry Lippman, President and CEO of LearningExpress: "We are excited to expand our many long-standing working relationships with individual libraries to work directly with the State Library of Iowa and Iowa Workforce Development, to provide comprehensive workforce solutions to all Iowa residents."

About LearningExpress, LLC?LearningExpress, LLC is an educational technology company founded with the mission to help adult and student learners improve basic skills required for academic and career success. The company currently serves over 6,000 public libraries, 5,000 schools, and 1,200 colleges across the United States and Canada, and helps more than 1.8 million adults and students each year. Visit LearningExpress, LLC at http://www.learningexpressllc.com.
18 Dec 2012

Top Western Cities Celebrate New Year's 2013

By Rick Martin

New York is not alone this New Year's Eve.  Large western American cities are also set to host their own, unforgettable, New Year's 2013 parties. The west coast often flies under-the-radar when it comes to receiving national attention for ball-dropping bashes.

"Media attention for the New Year's Eve countdown is usually on New York, USA; Sydney, Australia; and London, England.  America's western cities host great events, too," observes Keith Bansemer, Director of Internet Marketing, at Shindigz.com, a leading, American party products store. "We've compiled a list of some of our favorite, western city New Year's celebrations."

#1 - Las Vegas, Nevada

One of the hottest spots in the country for hosting a New Year's Eve party is Las Vegas, home to glitzy entertainment. Las Vegas has become the host to a weeklong countdown kickoff. From the obvious thrill of the casinos to the abundance of late night clubs, party-goers can immerse themselves in events throughout the city.

Legendary Latin pop star, Pitbull, will perform on December 28 and 29 at The Pearl Concert Theatre inside of the Palms Resort Casino. Partygoers can rock to The Killers for two exclusive nights on December 28 and 29 before going to bridge with the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the evening of December 31 at The Cosmopolitan. Fireworks across the city will follow at midnight and be accompanied alongside a live DJ and open bar.

Those looking to end the year on the softer side can catch The Black Keys performing at The Hard Rock Hotel on December 30 and 31. The atmosphere will allow one to sit back, sip a little scotch on the rocks, and take in the smooth sounds of the bluesy, rock band. Top off the night with a party on the Bridge at the New York-New York Hotel and ring in the New Year with live entertainment and trendy drinks.

#2 - Los Angeles, California

Year-round, party-goers flock to Los Angeles to satisfy their need for entertainment. With everything from high-profile celebrity parties to a low-key party under the stars, Los Angeles has it all New Year's Eve, as well.

Party guests will appreciate two floors of entertainment overlooking Beverly Hills at The Shangrila. Satisfy thirsts near poolside cabanas as live DJ's spin the records. For something different, ring in the New Year at one of the hottest night clubs with Cirque NYE 2012, complete with all of the rudimentary New Year's Eve novelties. Finally, go dressed in the best god and goddess costumes at My Studio Hollywood's New Year's bash.

#3 - Seattle, Washington

In the Pacific Northwest, jump on ship and sail aboard the love boat at Lake Union Park in Seattle. Guest will enjoy an evening under the stars sharing d'oeuvres, music, and an optimistic look into the New Year 2013 before enjoying a complimentary champagne toast under a firework lit sky at midnight.

For something a little more hardcore, attend any one of a number of Seattle's nightclubs. From the Inferno to the Republiq, the nightclubs of Seattle are a popular place for an all-night New Year's Eve celebration. As a can't miss way to kick into the new year, spend an evening of laughter at the Xtreme Theatresports as four teams of five comedians bash it out in an all-out comedic title battle before the 2013 fireworks explode.

#4 - Portland, Oregon

Attend the self-proclaimed "epic gala" that is the 22nd Annual Champagne Ball at the Hilton of Portland. As one of the most popular city parties, guests are invited to ring in the New Year among the other thousand guests in attendance. Enjoy the countdown with parties in four eclectic themed rooms and on three dance floors. The Radical Revolution will pay tribute to the rockin' eighties and the biggest named DJ's in the city will be spin on the ones and twos, all before sharing in the city's largest champagne ball countdown.

Portland will also host the 12th annual New Year's Eve Barfly Bus Tour. Bar-hoppers will have access to eight-ten bars with no cover charge, hors d'oeuvres, and all of the party paraphernalia imaginable.

#5 - San Francisco, California

San Francisco has everything from the most vivacious to mellow of New Year's Eve events. Couples can board the Speak Easy Cruise on the San Francisco Bay and enjoy a four hour excursion while admiring the fireworks overhead.  Others can attend a black-tie affair aboard one of the city's most sought after harbors at the New Year's Eve Family Gala and enjoy entertainment throughout the evening until the ball drops.

Many will simply frequent a local bar just before hitting the pier to watch fireworks light up the skyline at the stroke of midnight. San Francisco is one of the most diverse cities on the west coast and offers something to ring in baby New Year for everyone.

18 Dec 2012

Local Students Earn Degrees from University of Northern Colorado

By Various sources

GREELEY - The following local student was among 786 undergraduate and graduate students who received degrees from the University of Northern Colorado during fall 2012 graduation ceremonies Dec. 14-15.

Lindsey McCalla of Moline, Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science

For more information about spring commencement ceremonies and a profile of the class of 2012 (spring), visit http://www.unco.edu/news/releases.aspx?id=4627.

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