Quad Cities loses first series in three weeks but remains 1 1/2 games behind Cedar Rapids


DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 12, 2013) - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers right-hander Austin Ross kept the Quad Cities River Bandits hitless for 5 1/3 innings, while his offense scored seven runs on 10 hits in the third and fourth innings combined, building a lead that stood for a 9-1 victory in front of 2,292 at Modern Woodmen Park Monday night.


The Timber Rattlers had 15 hits, and five players had multi-hit games, led by second baseman Alfredo Rodriguez, who went 4-for-5 with three runs scored. Rodriguez doubled to start the third inning against Quad Cities right-hander Mark Appel (1-1), who had retired the first six batters he faced. Catcher Tyler Roberts singled to put runners at first and third bases, and shortstop Orlando Arcia hit into a fielder's choice that brought in the first run. Center fielder Tyrone Taylor singled, and left fielder Michael Reed hit an RBI single for a 2-0 lead.


In the fourth inning, right fielder Max Walla hit a leadoff double against Appel. First baseman Parker Berberet singled to put runners at first and third bases, and Rodriguez added an RBI single on the first three pitches of the inning. Roberts made it 4-0 with a sacrifice fly, and Arcia singled and went to second base with the throw from the outfield. Center fielder then hit a two-run double, extending the margin to 6-0 and ending Appel's night after 3 1/3 innings. Left-hander Mitchell Lambson allowed Taylor to score on third baseman Mike Garza's RBI single, setting the nine hits and seven runs as the highest totals against Appel in any of his eight professional starts.

 

Lambson worked the next three innings for Quad Cities (30-19 second half, 68-50 overall) and kept the Timber Rattlers (22-28, 51-64) from extending the lead. His 3 2/3 innings tied his longest outing of the season.

 

Meanwhile, Ross (1-0) retired the first 11 River Bandits and gave up the first baserunner on his only walk to shortstop Carlos Correa with two outs in the fourth inning. In the sixth inning, third baseman Austin Elkins hit a one-out single for the team's first and only hit against Ross, who recorded four strikeouts.


The Timber Rattlers bullpen opened with right-hander Chris Razo, who allowed an infield single to River Bandits catcher Roberto Pena and RBI double by Elkins in the eighth inning for the home team's only run. Lef-thander Taylor Wall worked a scoreless ninth inning.


Right-hander Jamaine Cotton allowed an unearned run in each of the eighth and ninth innings. Taylor hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Rodriguez in the eighth, and Berberet hit an RBI single to score first baseman Matt Garza for a 9-1 lead. It was the largest score by a River Bandits opponent since Cedar Rapids scored 12 runs June 12. Wisconsin was the first team in three weeks to win a series over Quad Cities. The River Bandits had won a season-high five straight series since losing two of three in Lake County July 20-22.


After the last off day of the season Tuesday, the River Bandits start a three-game series in Clinton at 7 p.m. Wednesday. River Bandits left-hander Josh Hader (1-0) is scheduled to face LumberKings right-hander Rigoberto Garcia (0-4).


UP NEXT: The first 2,000 fans to Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night will receive a bobblehead of Minnesota Twins first baseman and former River Bandit Justin Morneau, courtesy of Mediacom and the Dispatch-Argus. The 7 p.m. game kicks off a seven-game home stand through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.


ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 1070

An Act Concerning: Business

Allows a not-for-profit cooperative to be formed for the purpose of marketing and selling byproducts from biogas systems including methane gas and compost.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

Bill No.: HB 1225

An Act Concerning: Education

Requires the Illinois High School Association to post a CPR training video on its website.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2232

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Permits park districts to enter into contracts to purchase energy from utility companies or alternative retail electric suppliers for a term not to exceed three years.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2843

An Act Concerning: Support

Requires Illinois gaming licensees and ADW licensees to withhold from gambling winnings delinquent child support owed by winner.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3233

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Allows fire protection districts to propose a levy via referendum to provide ambulance service.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3255

An Act Concerning: Safety

Allows municipalities and law enforcement to prohibit parade routes from crossing train tracks.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1379

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Expands eligibility for the public utility tax credit.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

Bill No.: SB 1637

An Act Concerning: Conservation

Changes the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program from a reimbursement program to a hybrid program where at least 50% of the award is paid to the grant recipient at the time the award is announced; the remainder is paid quarterly as work is completed.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1657

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Revises the composition of board of review and revises procedures applicable to complaints filed challenging property assessments.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1693

An Act Concerning: State Government

Allows a peace officer to provide his or her work address in lieu of his or her home address when applying for an Illinois ID card or driver's license.

Action: Signed
Effective: Jan. 1, 2014

 

Bill No.: SB 1768

An Act Concerning: Fees

Creates the Supreme Court Special Purposes Fund to assist in supporting electronic case filing and management and the operation of committees and commissions established by the Supreme Court.

Action: Signed

Effective: Oct. 1, 2013

 

Bill No.: SB 2245

An Act Concerning: Education

Requires state universities to give priority enrollment to service members and/or veterans.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1

 

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Juice Veggies Health.com Meetup
Special: Field Trip To the Juice Veggies Health Garden
DeeNice's Garden Plot (next to the Animal Rescue League)
Blair Rd NW & Oglethorpe St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Juice Veggies Health.com Meetup
Click Here to Get A Sneak Peek At
DeeNice Giving A Wild Tour of Her Garden
(Spoiler Alert - She Dances at the End of the Video)
Special: Field Trip To the Juice Veggies Health Garden
DeeNice's Garden Plot (next to the Animal Rescue League)
Blair Rd NW & Oglethorpe St NW, Washington, DC 20012

Monday, August 19th
Create, Grown & Harvest My Garden (Field Trip)
6:30 pm- 8:30 pm
$10.00 per person
Mark Your Calendar For Upcoming Dates:
Monday, September 16
Monday, October 14th
Need Fresh Sprouts, Kale Chips, Produce like Kale, Avocados, Collards, Broccoli and more? Learn How to Shop at a Cost That Won't Break Your Pocketbook!

SEVERAL VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD FOR JUST $5!

Davenport, IA - August 12, 2013 - Saturday, August 17th, car buyers will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase one of several used vehicles being sold at Lujack's for just $5. All 13 Lujack's stores will combine their used car inventory and drastically reduce prices during the  $5 Used Car Sale" held at Lujack Honda's Used Car Superstore at the intersection of Harrison Street and Welcome Way. Live music food and drinks will be provided.

"This is going to be a big, fun event," stated Neil Willis, Lujack's Platform General Sales Manager.  "The economy is getting better, and this is a way to keep that momentum going.  We're giving back to our community by offering a huge value. We're selling used cars that go for thousands of dollars, for just $5.  We're not talking $5 down; $5 is the price of the car outright. This is the kind of sale that you will be telling your grandkids about"

Customers will have a selection of vehicles to choose from such as Honda, Nissan, Kia, Chevy, Hyundai, Mazda and Volkswagen as well as luxury vehicles including Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

The public is advised to arrive early on Friday to claim the vehicle they believe will be sold for $5. The prices of the vehicles will begin to be revealed at 10 am, Saturday, August 17th. Customers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, coolers and sleeping bags to ensure comfort overnight.

Interested people should bring the title to their trade, any cash down they have and their driver's license. Gates open at 6pm on Friday, with prices beginning to be revealed Saturday at 10:00 am.

If you'd like more information, please contact Sean McCullough at Sean@onlyaction.com

 

# # #

 

Lujacks's Northpark Auto Plaza is the Midwest's largest automotive group. Our massive 50-acre campus, located at 3700 Harrison Street, offers our customers a more relaxed environment than other car dealerships in Davenport, Iowa. Since 1954, Lujack's has been serving the Quad Cities, and we currently offer over 1,500 new and used vehicles from 13 manufacturers including Audi, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota and Volkwagen.

Senator Ted Cruz from Texas is one of the most sought after Republican leaders and speakers in the country.

Would you like to meet him?

Just last week the Republican Party of Iowa was ecstatic to announce we had confirmed Senator Ted Cruz will serve as our keynote speaker at our annual Reagan Day Dinner on Friday, October 25th.

While tickets have just been announced, we're celebrating the Iowa State Fair this week and offering an exclusive deal to our Republican supporters who register early.

Use special promo code "Cruz" when you buy a dinner ticket or table and you'll receive a full 25% discount off the price!

Reserve your ticket today with this substantial discount.

That's right, take a full 1/4 off the price, just by registering today and using the promo code "Cruz"

I look forward to seeing you at our annual Reagan Dinner on October 25th.

Take advantage of the substantial discount we're offering in celebration of the Iowa State Fair and reserve your ticket today!

---
Defending Liberty,

A.J. Spiker
Iowa GOP Chairman
Iowa political classic takes place Sunday, September 15th

(INDIANOLA, IOWA) - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today announced that Vice President Joe Biden and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro will be the featured guests at his 36th Annual Steak Fry.  The event will be held Sunday, September 15th from 1:00 - 4:00pm at the Warren County Fairgrounds. 

"This year's featured guests are the true embodiment of the American Dream.  They both achieved it through hard work and perseverance and they both understand why we must make the economy work for the middle class," said Senator Harkin.  "Ruth and I look forward to hosting both of these dynamic guests and hearing their thoughts on the political landscape at this year's event." 

Joe Biden is the 47th Vice President of the United States.  At age 29, he became one of the youngest people ever elected to the United States Senate.  He went on to serve as a Senator from Delaware for 36 years, establishing himself as a leader on some of our nation's most important domestic and international challenges. 

As Vice President, he worked to implement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, helping to rebuild our economy and lay the foundation for a sustainable economic future.  As part of his continued efforts to raise the living standards of middle class Americans across the country, Vice President Biden has also focused on the issues of college affordability and American manufacturing growth, key priorities of the Administration.

Julián Castro has served three terms as Mayor of San Antonio, Texas - the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city.  He became a household name after being selected by President Barack Obama to deliver the Keynote Address at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.  His identical twin brother Joaquin is a Congressman from Texas.

Throughout his tenure, Mayor Castro has focused on attracting well-paying jobs in 21st century industries, positioning San Antonio to be a leader in the New Energy Economy and raising educational attainment across the spectrum. In 2011, the Milken Institute ranked San Antonio the nation's top-performing local economy.  Mayor Castro created SA2020, a community-wide visioning effort turned nonprofit that has galvanized thousands of San Antonians around a dynamic and powerful vision for San Antonio ? to create a brainpower community that is the liveliest city in the nation.

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First held on a farm in Madison County, the Harkin Steak Fry has become a signature political event in Iowa.  Past special guests have included Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Senator Al Franken and all of the major Democratic presidential candidates in 2003 and 2007.  

General admission tickets for the Steak Fry cost $30 and include refreshments and a steak dinner. To purchase tickets, get directions or learn more about the 36th Annual Harkin Steak Fry, visit www.TomHarkin.com or call 515-277-9966.

Andresen FFA Member Wins Iowa State Fair Breeding Sheep Show

Brandon Andresen of Keystone defended his Grand Champion Commercial Ewe title Friday morning in the FFA Breeding Sheep show at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. Andresen's showing topped 273 sheep and 114 other exhibitors.

Additional results below:

Champion Suffolk Ram: Kayte Werner, Grinnell

Champion Suffolk Ewe: Katherine Newhouse, State Center

Reserve Champion Suffolk Ewe: Justin Swanton, Goose Lake

Supreme Champion Suffolk Individual: Katherine Newhouse, State Center

Champion Hampshire Ram: Dakota Hudnut, Deep River

Reserve Champion Hampshire Ram: Logan Wilson, Colfax

Champion Hampshire Ewe: Ryan Skaar, Story City

Reserve Champion Hampshire Ewe: Dakota Hudnut, Deep River

Champion Dorset Ram: Logan Wilson, Colfax

Reserve Champion Dorset Ram: Logan Wilson, Colfax

Champion Dorset Ewe: Tyler Leete, Elk Horn

Reserve Champion Dorset Ewe: Daren Chambers, Indianola

Champion Other Meat Breeds Ram: Rebecca Martin, DeWitt

Champion Other Meat Breeds Ewe: Rebecca Martin, DeWitt

Reserve Champion Other Meat Breeds Ewe: Rebecca Martin, DeWitt

Champion Commercial Ewe Lamb: Brandon Andresen, Keystone

Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe Lamb: Tyler Leete, Elk Horn

Champion Commercial Yearling Ewe: Collin Swanton, Goose Lake

Reserve Champion Commercial Yearling Ewe: Justin Swanton, Goose Lake

Beef Feeder Calf Awards Given at Iowa State Fair

Iowans from across the Midwest were recognized for their top quality cattle in the Beef Feeder Calf show judged Saturday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Mittag Show Cattle of Prescott took top honors, winning Grand Champion Market Animal and Reserve Grand Champion Heifer banners. The Reserve Grand Champion Market Animal was shown by Christo Cattle of Albion, Neb., for the second year in a row.

The Grand Champion Heifer was shown by Bormann Show Cattle of Algona.

Additional results below:

Angus Heifers

1) Brandt Farms, Corning

2) Holmes Cattle Co., Benton

3) Brandt Farms, Corning

4) Vanderholm Cattle Co., Villisca

Angus Heifer

1) DMW Show Cattle, Wiota

2) Emily Hinners, Arcadia

Charolais Heifers

1) KCR Cattle, Charter Oak

2) Zach Welch, Afton

3) Amy Hinners, Arcadic

Charolais Composite Heifers

1) Stevenson Farms, Knoxville

2) Brandt Farms, Corning

3) Reid Nichols, Atlantic

4) K&A Farms & Bremer Show Cattle, Blakesburg

Chianina Heifers

1) Bormann Show Cattle, Algona

2) Jake Weber, Parnell

3) Mitchell Family Show Cattle, Charles City

4) Forbes Cattle, Lone Tree

Chianina Heifers

1) Moores Show Cattle, Earlham

2) Horizon Show Cattle, Indianola

3) Brockelyn Anderson, Lohrville

Foundation Simmental Heifers

1) Reck Show Cattle, Fairfield

2) Townsley Simmentals, Wapello

3) Vanderholm Cattle Co., Villisca

Foundation Simmental Heifers

1) Mittag Show Cattle, Prescott

2) Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

Hereford Heifers

1) Silver Bullet Herefords, Van Meter

2) DMW Show Cattle, Wiota

Maine- Anjou Heifers

1) Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

2) K&A Farms & Bremer Show Cattle, Blakesburg

3) Horizon Show Cattle, Indianola

Maine- Anjou Heifers

1) Tayler Sammons, Eddyville

2) Martsching Show Cattle, Moulton

3) Von Glan Cattle Company, Vail

Maine-Tainer Heifers

1) Gruhn Show Cattle, Denison

2) Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

3) Holmes Show Cattle, LuVerne

4) Kennedy Eskildsen, Northwood

5) Debower Show Calves, Charles City

6) McCormick Farms, Indianola

Shorthorn Heifers

1) Vogel Family Shorthorns, Hartley

2) Briar Tenold, Northwood

3) Vetter Show Cattle, Arcadia

Shorthorn Heifers

1) Puckett Shorthorns and Angus, Goose Lake

2) 6B Farms, Parkersburg

3) 6B Farms, Parkersburg

4) Paha Cattle Co., New Virginia

5) Sam Kemper, Carroll

Shorthorn Plus Heifers

1) Hard Luck Cattle Company, Leighton

2) Gruhn Show Cattle, Denison

Simmental Heifers

1) Reck Show Cattle, Fairfield

2) Rieck & Lents Show Cattle, Creston

3) Townsley Simmentals, Wapello

4) Dennis Workman, Delta

Simmental Heifers

1) Stevenson Farms, Knoxville

2) Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

3) Thomas, Pella

Commercial Heifers

1) Mittag Show Cattle, Prescott

2) Tory Schneider, Lacona

3) Delaney Bulechek, Oxford

4) Mason Edwards, Huxley

5) Von Glan Cattle Company, Vail

6) Jaylee Happe, Cherokee

7) Muir Farms, Rippey

Commercial Heifers

1) Alexis Weber, Parnell

2) Austin Tiefenthaler, Breda

3) Brock Brenneman, Parnell

4) Mitchell Family Show Cattle, Charles City

5) Beeler Cattle Co., Truro

Commercial Heifers

1) Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

2) Sievers Show Cattle, Stockton

3) Jayla Huffman, Yale

4) Hard Luck Cattle Company, Leighton

5) Claire Wilkerson, Panora

Market Heifers

1) Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

2) Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

3) 4MR Showcattle, Charter Oak

4) Tapken Cattle Co., Adel

5) Jaylee Happe, Cherokee

6) T.R. Farms, Winterset

Chianina Steers

1) Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

2) 4MR Showcattle, Charter Oak

3) Gruhn Show Cattle, Denison

4) Tapken Cattle Co., Adel

5) Horizon Show Cattle, Indianola

6) Debower Show Calves, Charles City

Maine-Anjou Steers

1) Rieck & Lents Show Cattle, Creston

2) Mccormick Farms, Indianola

3) Mitchell Family Show Cattle, Charles City

Simmental Steers

1) Muir Farms, Rippey

2) Holmes Cattle Co., Benton

Simmental Steers

1) Vetter Show Cattle, Arcadia

2) Dennis Workman, Delta

All Other Breed Steers

1) Reid Nichols, Atlantic

2) Holmes Cattle Co., Benton

3) Tapken Cattle Co., Adel

4) Paha Cattle Co., New Virginia

Crossbred Steers

1) Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

2) Mitchell Family Show Cattle, Charles City

3) Puckett Shorthorns and Angus, Goose Lake

4) Muir Farms, Rippey

Crossbred Steers

1) Stevenson Farms, Knoxville

2) Delaney Bulechek, Oxford

3) Jaylee Happe, Cherokee

4) Martsching Show Cattle, Moulton

5) Brock Brenneman, Parnell

Crossbred Steers

1) Schultz Cattle Company, Creston

2) Anthony Burke, Charlotte

3) Kysa Downing, Creston

4) Kade Burzlaff, Delmar

5) Sam Kemper, Carroll

Crossbred Steers

1) Mittag Show Cattle, Prescott

2) Lawless Farms, Albia

3) Hard Luck Cattle Company, Leighton

4) Walker Kipp, Yale

Top Five Head Breeding Heifers

1) Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

2) Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

3) KCR Cattle, Charter Oak

Top Five Market Animals

1) Stevenson Farms, Knoxville

2) Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

3) Reck Show Cattle, Fairfield

Champion Angus Heifer: Brandt Farms, Corning

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer: DMW Show Cattle, Wiota

Champion Chianina Heifer: Bormann Show Cattle, Algona

Reserve Champion Reserve Chianina Heifer: Moores Show Cattle, Earlham

Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Mittag Show Cattle, Prescott

Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

Champion Maine-Anjou Heifer: Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou Heifer: Tayler Sammons, Eddyville

Champion Shorthorn Heifer: Vogel Family Shorthorns, Hartley

Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer: Puckett Shorthorns and Angus, Goose Lake

Champion Simmental Heifer: Stevenson Farms, Knoxville

Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer: Reck Show Cattle, Fairfield

Champion Commercial Heifer: Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Mittag Show Cattle, Prescott

Champion Simmental Steer: Vetter Show Cattle, Arcadia

Reserve Champion Simmental Steer: Muir Farms, Rippey

Champion Crossbred Steer: Mittag Show Cattle, Prescott

Reserve Champion Crossbred Steer: Stevenson Farms, Knoxville

Champion Charolais Heifer: KCR Cattle, Charter Oak

Reserve Champion Charolais Heifer: Zach Welch, Afton

Champion Charolais Compositive Heifer: Stevenson Farms, Knoxville

Reserve Champion Charolais Compositive Heifer: Brandt Farms, Corning

Champion Hereford Heifers: Silver Bullet Herefords, Van Meter

Reserve Champion Hereford Heifers: DMW Show Cattle, Wiota

Champion Maine-Tainer Heifers: Gruhn Show Cattle, Denison

Reserve Champion Maine-Tainer Heifers: Maine Aim Ranch, Allerton

Champion Market Heifers: Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

Reserve Champion Market Heifers: Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

Champion Chianina Steers: Chisto Cattle, Albion, Neb.

Reserve Champion Chianina Steers: 4MR Showcattle, Charter Oak

Champion Maine-Anjou Steers: Rieck & Lents Show Cattle, Creston

Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou Steers: Mccormick Farms, Indianola

Champion All Other Breed Steers: Reid Nichols, Atlantic

Reserve Champion All Other Breed Steers: Holmes Cattle Co., Benton

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will open a public hearing held by the state's Budgeting for Results Commission. The commission appointed by Governor Quinn is holding public hearings throughout the state to gather input that will be used to develop the fiscal year 2015 spending proposal.

"We have a responsibility to the taxpayers of Illinois to make sure their money is spent on programs and services that are working," said Simon. "The commission is committed to evaluating current spending decisions to determine what is working and where we need to make some changes."

Budgeting for Results is a new method of budgeting, in which allocations are based on how effectively a state program or service meets established goals and objectives. Previously, allocations were determined based on historic funding levels without giving consideration to a program's effectiveness.

In order to evaluate programs, the bi-partisan commission - comprised of Lt. Governor Simon, legislators and leaders in business, education, budgeting and finance - is gathering testimony from service providers, advocates and stakeholders, regarding the success of existing programs and services.

Simon will participate in two more public hearings on Aug. 21 in Collinsville and Aug. 22 in Marion. Click here for additional information or to RSVP.

DATE: Aug. 13

TIME: 1 p.m.

LOCATION: Illinois Department of Transportation, lower level auditorium, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Spfld.
Asset Protection Lawyer Offers 3 Steps to Take Now

Now, you really can live forever, but that's not necessarily a good thing.

Many of your online accounts - from automatic bill payments to eBay - may remain active after you pass away, unless you take steps to ensure they don't, says attorney Hillel Presser, author of "Financial Self-Defense (Revised Edition), "www.assetprotectionattorneys.com.

Automatic bill pay, for example, can theoretically keep tapping your bank account long after you're gone or, at least, until your money is.

"It's important to make sure your online bank and shopping accounts, even your social media, can be closed out, or that your loved ones are authorized to access them," Presser says. "You may ask, 'Why would I care if I'm gone?' I can tell you from experience: because it can create real headaches, and more heartache, for your family."

Bank and shopping accounts will be vulnerable to identity theft, which would affect your estate if someone opens credit cards in your name. You might have valuable intellectual property, like domain names. They may need access to your health records, particularly if you died under questionable circumstances, he says.

There's the sentimental stuff - photos and emails -- that your family may want as a remembrance of you, and the libraries of music and ebooks, which may represent a considerable investment on your part.

"The problem is, even if you provide a family member with all of your accounts, log-ins and passwords, they may not be legally allowed to access them," Presser says. "In many cases, they may be violating the accounts' terms of service or violatingfederal privacy and computer fraud laws. Some states have laws governing online materials, but they're different and which of your accounts are covered depends on where the provider is located."

What can you do to ensure your family isn't left with a virtual nightmare after your passing? Presser offers these tips:

• Create a list of all of your accounts, including log-innames, passwords, and answers to any security questions. Obviously, your list will need to be securely stored. Since you'll need to update it regularly as you add accounts or change passwords,  it will be easiest if you keep the list on your computer in a password-protected folder. Some versions of Windows allow you to create protected folders, but you may need to get third-party software to do this, such as freeAxCrypt. Remember to create a backup of your list, whether it's on a jump drive or printed out on paper. Store the backup in a secure place such as a safe deposit box. Do not put password information in your will, which is a public document.

• If you have a Google account, set up the new inactive account manager. In May 2013, Google became the first site to give users an option for choosing what becomes of their content if they should become debilitated or die. Under the profile button, click "Account," scroll down to "Account Management," and you'll find instructions for "Control what happens to your account when you stop using Google." You can select how long the account should be inactive before your plans are set into motion; choose to whom you want to offer content, such as YouTube videos, Gmail, Google+ posts, Blogger and Picasa web albums, or whether it should simply be deleted.

• Appoint a digital executor. Perhaps the simplest way to ensure your online life is taken care of is to appoint a digital executor - a tech-savvy person who will be willing and able to carry out your wishes. Authorize the person to access your inventory of log-in information and spell out what you want done with each account, whether it's providing access to loved ones or business partners, or deleting it.

The digital world has grown and transformed so rapidly, the law hasn't kept up, which makes managing your digital afterlife challenging, Presser says.

"Until there are more consistent laws and procedures governing this area, it's best to plan ahead, leave clear instructions and be sure you have a list of accounts where your estate lawyer or a loved one can find it and access it," he says. "It will make a world of difference to your survivors."

About Hillel L. Presser, Esq., MBA

Hillel L. Presser's firm, The Presser Law Firm, P.A., represents individuals and businesses in establishing comprehensive asset protection plans. He is a graduate of Syracuse University's School of Management and Nova Southeastern University's law school, and serves on Nova's President's Advisory Council. He is a former adjunct faculty member for law at Lynn University. Complimentary copies of "Financial Self-Defense" are available through www.assetprotectionattorneys.com.

MARSEILLES, IL (08/12/2013)(readMedia)-- "Shooters, watch your lanes!" was a familiar line on the qualifying ranges at the 2013 Illinois Army National Guard Adjutant General's (TAG) Rifle and Pistol Match Aug. 8 through 11 at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Ill. Roughly 120 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers participated in the annual marksmanship event.

"The TAG Match is training through competition," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle Gleason of Lincoln, Ill., with the 3625th Surface Maintenance Company in North Riverside, Ill., and range master for the contest. "It's like a World Series or a Super Bowl, but you're out there training and competing with your peers and other units. You don't just pass or get a 'go,' there are different ratings."

Shooters are rated both as teams and individuals using the pistol and rifle. There is also a combined arms match, a new addition this year, in which Soldiers are tested on both weapon systems.

"It's short-ranged and very fast-paced," Gleason said. "The phrase we like to use is 'you can't miss fast enough.'"

All the matches are based off what the Illinois National Guard marksman teams have faced when competing out of state, which enables Soldiers to experience big interstate match concepts at the Illinois state level, Gleason said.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Gibbs of Pleasant Plains, Ill., director of the competition, said future competitions will be even more complex and exciting.

"Next year we're going to try and add the shotgun for a three-gun event," said Gibbs, with Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill. "But it's really hard to change it up and make it different when these are the stages of fire set from the Winston P. Wilson Championship, of which we base our TAG Match off."

Sgt. James Wayne of Springfield, Ill., with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill., gained new knowledge during his first TAG match, despite having 20 years of shooting experience.

"It's been a pretty good event so far with the competition and camaraderie," said Wayne. "If you get a chance to do this, by all means do it. It's a great thing and even I'm learning new things."

Every unit in the Illinois Army National Guard had the opportunity to put a team together for the TAG Match. 1st Sgt. Keith Rodgers of Eldorado, Ill., with Company C, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Carbondale, Ill., participated in the event with a group of Soldiers from his unit.

"It's a fun event," Rodgers said. "I've heard a lot about it over the years but have always been too busy to try to participate in it. I've got some motivated Soldiers in the unit that wanted to get a team together, so I was glad to get on board and give it a try."

Rodgers said he appreciated the chance to do more than he would at a yearly qualification range.

"It's been really enjoyable," he said. "There's a lot more going on here than the standard range. It's an opportunity to put a lot of rounds down range and shoot in different situations that you normally don't get to try."

Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes of Springfield, Ill., Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois Army National Guard, spoke at the ceremony recognizing the winners completion of the match.

"Your experience with this helps you to be better," Hayes said. "Through that competition, it forces you to fine tune what you were doing, to achieve and hopefully be one of the winners today."

The top 20 individual shooters received the Governor's Twenty Tab, which they can wear on their uniforms. The top three teams and individuals of each event received a plaque to display their accomplishments.

1st Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill., with the 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill., was the first place shooter overall.

"There are some really good shooters out here," Conley said. "You can't just walk in the door, no matter how good you are. To max all three categories like that is humbling to say the least."

Winners of the TAG Match may be selected to join the Illinois National Guard's Marksman Team. The team must select two new shooters to compete in regional and national events annually. Gleason said the TAG Match is an important tool in selecting the Guard team.

"There's a pyramid, and the bottom of the pyramid is the state level match," Gleason said. "We always have to recruit from within the state and that's part of what this is here for. We can see their scores and we can study them."

Gibbs said despite the number of people in the Illinois Army National Guard, few compete in the TAG match.

"I would like to add more competitors to next years TAG Match," Gibbs said. "It would be nice to see more than 121 shooters show up especially since with have more than 10,000 plus members in the Guard."

Results of the 2013 ILARNG TAG Rifle and Pistol Match

Overall Top Three Individuals

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Overall Individual Rifle

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Nathaniel Roux of Grand Detour, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

Overall Individual Pistol

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Combined Arms

1. Staff Sgt. Joshua L. Slocum of Roscoe, Ill.; Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Ill.

2. Pfc. Connor W. Peters of Carbondale, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Overall Top Three Teams

1. Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Kewanee, Ill.

2. 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

3. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

Top Pistol Team

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

Top Rifle Team

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

The Governor's Twenty

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

4. Spc. Nathaniel Roux of Grand Detour, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

5. Sgt. Justin W. Snyder of Gibson City, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

6. Sgt. Terry R. Pody of Machesney Park, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

7. Staff Sgt. Keith Ellsworth of Chatham, Ill.; Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill.

8. 1st Lt. Joshua Z. Olds of Danville, Ill.; 3rd Battalion, 129th Regional Training Institute in Springfield, Ill.

9. Sgt. 1st Class Jon Arneson of Polo, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

10. Sgt. Gary Kupiec of Forsyth, Ill.; Company B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Effingham, Ill.

11. Sgt. 1st Class Richard T. Helkey of Mount Sterling, Ill.; 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Ill.

12. Sgt. Jerry D. Taylor of Monmouth, Ill.; Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Ill.

13. 2nd Lt. Brett Buscher of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

14. Sgt. Nolan C. Murray of Ottawa, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

15. Sgt. Trevor B. Chayer of Ladd, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Kewanee, Ill.

16. Sgt. 1st Class William N. Blackwell of Champaign, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

17. 2nd Lt. William B. Leak of Normal, Ill.; Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment of Pontiac, Ill.

18. Sgt. William A. Rylko of Rockford, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

19. Spc. Colin M. Kehoe of Aurora, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Machesney Park, Ill.

20. Spc. Robert W Siempelkamp of Palmer, Ill.; 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Ill.

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