22 May 2013

Courtney Wachal Acknowledged at Mount Union Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation

By Joni Poorbaugh

ALLIANCE, OH (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Courtney Wachal of Bettendorf, IA, a French major, received The John O. Rouse International Travel Prize at the University of Mount Union's Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation on April 23, 2013.

The University of Mount Union's Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation recognizes graduating seniors and underclassman students who have excelled academically, displayed excellent leadership skills and shown dedication to the University and community through outstanding community service initiatives.

Awards were presented to deserving students, ranging from general to discipline-specific.

About the University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union, founded in 1846, is a four-year private institution that has a liberal arts tradition. The University is located in Alliance, OH, 80 miles of both Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Mount Union offers many different programs and career specific undergraduate and graduate programs to its 2,200 students who experience outstanding opportunities for success after graduation. Ranked as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the University is committed to providing a student centered approach and an exceptional educational experience. For more information, visit www.mountunion.edu.

22 May 2013

Senator Durbin To Meet with Faith Coalition for the Common Good's African-American & Latino Immigration Reform Leaders on Monday, May 27 at First Lutheran Church

By Rick Martin

(Illinois) --On Monday, May 27, 2013, as we honor the fallen during the Memorial Day weekend holiday -- leaders, activists and immigrants fighting for a pathway to citizenship --will meet at the First Lutheran Church, 301 W. 4th Street in Beardstown, Illinois, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00, to speak directly with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin about the immigration reform bill.

Immigrants from the community will also share their dreams and stories of struggle and heartbreak in their adopted homeland.  "We are grateful that Senator Durbin is taking time during this holiday weekend to listen to the struggles of our immigrant population," says Sam Komla, President of Beardstown Immigrant Families United, a member of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good.  "We are also looking forward to hearing updates about the movement of the immigration bill from the Senate to the House."

Directly following the meeting with Senator Durbin, there will be a an opportunity for those attending, to participate in a "DREAM FOR ALL" postcard signing campaign, with the goal of 1000 signed postcards which will be presented to Congressman Aaron Schock at a later date.  The postcards ask for compassionate immigration reform now.

Faith Coalition for the Common Good is a Gamaliel affiliate. During the month of May, Gamaliel affiliates across the country are holding Sacred Conversations: A Time to Tell Our Stories about Immigration.  Many of these conversations are open to the public and the goal is to lift-up the stories of immigrants vying for a clear expedited path to citizenship in the United States.

"While congress dithers and collects paychecks during sequestration, jail and shackles have become our immigration policy, a policy that tears families apart and devastates communities," says Executive Director Ana Garcia-Ashley. "We must work harder to make immigration reform happen now. People's lives and dreams are at stake."

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22 May 2013

Area students honored at Illinois College

By MaryEllen Roy

JACKSONVILLE, IL (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- The following students received the following scholarship(s) during the Illinois College third annual Celebration of Excellence, on Friday, April 26.

Taylor Brien of Bettendorf, Iowa received the Raymond L. Gillmore II Memorial Scholarship and the David S. Watson History Award.

Elizabeth Manary of Moline, Ill. received the Earle B. Miller Scholarship in Mathematics, Jeanne Rantz Rammelkamp Scholarship and the Rammelkamp Honor Scholar.

Kelsey McFarren of Fulton, Ill. received the Dennis J. Ryan Memorial Drama Award.

The Celebration of Excellence featured more than 40 students presenting recent research efforts during presentations and poster sessions in various locations on campus. Presentation and poster subjects covered all areas of the liberal arts curriculum.

The Illinois College Department of Music Honors Recital was performed in Rammelkamp Chapel and a dessert reception concluded the Celebration of Excellence activities later that evening. The reception was a final opportunity to recognize various academic departmental honors.

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success. Illinois College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Visit www.ic.edu or call 217-245-3048 for more information.

 

22 May 2013

Kayla Blackburn Joins Nursing Honor Society

By Amy McFadden

DANVILLE , IL (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Kayla Blackburn, a resident of Taylor Ridge, IL, was among 26 students recently recognized as a new member of the Lakeview College of Nursing Honor Society.

Blackburn is a 2007 graduate of Rockridge High School and a 2011 graduate of Monmouth College. She is the daughter of Beth Blackburn of Taylor Ridge, IL.

In order to be considered for the Lakeview College of Nursing Honor Society each student was required to be within the top 1/3 of their graduating class, hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and demonstrate leadership and service through their activities.

Lakeview College of Nursing officials say that in the future they plan to establish a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, a prestigious international nursing honor society. Membership in the College's own honor society is an important step toward this goal.

Lakeview College of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree. It is a single-purpose, private institution that has specialized in nursing education in the Danville, IL area since 1894. Lakeview began offering a cooperative program with Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, in the fall of 2001.

22 May 2013

German Founders Day Celebration

By Kelly Lao

Quad Cities citizens and especially those with German ancestry are invited to participate in two Memorial Day events this weekend.  There will be a Founders' Day Celebration at the Dixon, Iowa Cemetery beginning at 10:00 a.m.  The occasion seeks to honor and remember the contributions of German immigrants to the region.  The venue changes annually so that many final resting places receive recognition.  The celebration will include musical selections, a history of the cemetery, and a brief address. Dixon mayor Steve Laughlin will
serve as master of ceremonies.  Refreshments will be available at the conclusion of the event.  In case of rain the ceremony will take place in the Hope Lutheran Church, directly next to the cemetery.  

There will also be a recognition wreath in place along northbound Gaines Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets in remembrance of the 1848-50 "Kampfgenossen" or German war veterans from Schleswig-Holstein who first fought against Danish control of that region. 

Although unsuccessful, many leaders of that group immigrated to Scott and Rock Island counties where they became leading citizens of their day and contributed immeasurably to the development of their new communities.  A large commemorative stone was re-erected in 2008 to mark their achievements.  

These events are sponsored jointly by the American Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Society, the German American Family Club of Iowa and Illinois, the German American Heritage Center, the German American National Congress (DANK), and the Schuetzenpark Gilde.

Also on Saturday!

All day-drop by!

There will also be a recognition wreath in place along northbound Gaines Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets in remembrance of the 1848-50 "Kampfgenossen" or German war veterans from Schleswig-Holstein who first fought against Danish control of that region.  Although unsuccessful, many leaders of that group immigrated to Scott and Rock Island counties where they became leading citizens of their day and contributed immeasurably to the development of their new communities.  A large commemorative stone was re-erected in 2008 to mark their achievements.

The wreath is sponsored by the German Roundtable

22 May 2013

Naomi Iltis Named to Concordia University, Nebraska's Spring Honors List

By Jenny Hammond

SEWARD, NE (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Naomi Iltis of Le Claire, Iowa, was named to Concordia University, Nebraska's honors list for the second semester of the 2012-13 academic year.

The top 25 percent of undergraduate students who complete at least 12 credit hours qualify for the honors list.

Founded in 1894, Concordia University, Nebraska is a fully accredited liberal arts university committed to excellence in Christian higher education. Concordia was named to the top tier in a U.S. News & World Report's 2012 "America's Best Colleges" ranking in the Regional University- Midwest category and 28th in the "Top 50 Baccalaureate Colleges" of the 2011 Washington Monthly College Rankings. It is one of ten institutions belonging to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's Concordia University System.

Concordia University, Nebraska, is located in Seward, Neb., and currently serves over 2,200 students. Concordia offers more than 50 professional and liberal arts programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit www.cune.edu.

22 May 2013

Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club Announces The 2013-2014 Scholarship Recipients

By Sharon De Frieze

The Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club (RIAWC)honored high school and college-bound students with scholarships during a luncheon on the island May 15. Front row, from left: Alexis Slocum, Karin Carlson, Taylor Horwath, Jori Colarusso, Marina Johnson; back row from left: Erin Toohey, Kelsey Ethington, Mileah Gumpert, Miranda Gumpert, Michael Ryan, Jordan Starkey, Alex Campbell, Jacob Coyne, Maddi Theisen. Not pictured but receiving scholarships " Alex Donovan, Kate Fennelly, Tiffany Merkel, Lindsey Miner.

A total of $20,000 was awarded to 18 students scheduled to attend classes this fall.  For those who received scholarships, 11 are graduating from high school this spring and seven are currently attending college.  Brig. Gen. Duane Gamble, deputy commanding general, Army Sustainment Command, presented the students with certificates that highlighted their selection for the merit awards.

"This is a great day for the Welcome Club and our nation's youth," said Gamble. "You are our future leaders and I am humbled to be here with you."

The purpose of the RIAWC is to develop and foster a spirit of Quad Cities Area community responsibility at RIA by providing opportunities for social, cultural and creative pursuits and to support worthwhile service and community projects.

A fundamental purpose of the RIAWC is to generate funds to support service members and their families, government employees, and other charitable endeavors on the island and within the Quad-Cities metropolitan areas.
22 May 2013

Grassley Amendments to Senate Farm Bill Focus on EPA, Payment Limits, Competition

By Grassley Press

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

 

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has introduced three amendments to the farm and nutrition bill being debated before the Senate.  Grassley is one of two working family farmers in the United States Senate and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Nearly 80 percent of the funding for the farm bill is geared toward nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and various food assistance programs for seniors and children.  Only 20 percent of the funding for the farm bill is directed toward agriculture programs.

"The small amount of the farm bill that is geared toward agriculture is an opportunity to give farmers the certainty they deserve and to make changes to the farm programs that provide a marketplace where agriculture can thrive and feed and fuel the world," Grassley said.  "These are common-sense amendments that would hold the bureaucracy accountable, keep fairness in farm program payments, and ensure the Department of Agriculture, with its extraordinary knowledge and expertise in agricultural matters, has a more formal role with the Justice Department in scrutinizing ag competition."

Grassley's first amendment would protect livestock and poultry farmers from having their personal information released by the EPA.  It does not prevent the EPA from collecting the information about where farmers' operations are located.  It also does not prevent EPA from disclosing information in the aggregate.  Grassley's amendment stems from the EPA's release of the personal information of over 80,000 livestock and poultry owners from across the nation to three activist groups.  A large portion of the data disclosed to the activist groups did not meet the definition of a Consolidated Animal Feeding Operation.  In fact, in the data collected on farmers from Iowa, the EPA disclosed information on people who owned as few as one pig, and another individual who owned 12 horses.

Grassley's second amendment would hold peanut farmers to the same cumulative $50,000 payment limit that applies to farmers growing other crops.  In current law, and in the underlying bill, peanut farmers essentially can double their farm payments if they grow peanuts and another type of crop.

Grassley's third amendment would create a Special Counsel at the Department of Agriculture.  The Special Counsel would be charged with analyzing mergers within the food and agricultural sectors, in consultation with the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture, the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission.  In addition the Special Counsel would investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

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22 May 2013

Hotel Blackhawk, Bix Bistro Named As TripAdvisor Award Winners

By Glenn Kass

HOTEL BLACKHAWK AWARDED TRIPADVISOR ® CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE: Davenport hotel achieves prestigious status for second consecutive year

DAVENPORT, IA - Hotel Blackhawk is pleased to announce that it has earned a 2013 TripAdvisor ® Certificate of Excellence Award - the second consecutive year it has earned the honor.

The prestigious award honors hospitality excellence and are given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor ®, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor ® receive this award.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

"Our company is pleased to again receive this award from TripAdvisor," said Tim Heim, VP - Marketing, Innkeeper Hospitality Services. "We strive to offer guests a hip and historic experience, and repeating this recognition shows the hard work of our team at Hotel Blackhawk is continuing to translate into positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor."

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor ® offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor ®-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors, and over 60 million reviews and opinions.

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is part of the Autograph Collection (www.autographhotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org). For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

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BIX BISTRO EARNS TRIPADVISOR ® SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD: Hotel Blackhawk restaurant continues to complement diner's experience

DAVENPORT, IA - Hotel Blackhawk is pleased to announce that its on-site restaurant - Bix Bistro - has earned a 2013 TripAdvisor ® Service Excellence Award.

The prestigious award honors service excellence and are given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor ®, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor ® receive this award.

To qualify for the Service Excellence award, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

It also marks the second major recognition for the restaurant itself. In 2012, Bix Bistro received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its wine selection and theme.

"Bix Bistro is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence," said Deanna Jensen, General Manager at Hotel Blackhawk. "We strive to create memories for our guests, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor."

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is part of the Autograph Collection (www.autographhotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org). For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

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22 May 2013

Murray Stoffa of River Falls, WI graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ripon College on May 12, 2013 with a English major.

By Melissa Anderson

RIPON, WI (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Murray Stoffa of River Falls, WI graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ripon College on May 12, 2013 with a English major.

Author, blogger and statistician Nate Silver of The New York Times served as the commencement speaker for the graduation exercises, Ripon College's one hundred forty-seventh, helping the College make The Washington Post's list of Biggest Commencement Speakers of 2013 at number 8. Silver, along with Dr. Steven Brams, renowned game theorist and professor of political science at New York University (NYU), were bestowed honorary degrees for achievements in their fields. This year's Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Andrew Britton of Oshkosh West High School.

Stoffa is the child of COL Donald A. Stoffa of Davenport, IA .

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