14 May 2013

Smokey Robinson's June 7, 2013 iWireless Center Date Cancelled

By Stephani Nagle

The June 7, 2013 Smokey Robinson concert at the iWireless Center has been cancelled due to a personal scheduling conflict. Refunds will be available at the original point of purchase beginning Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 10 am.

The iWireless Center will offer all patrons who purchased Smokey Robinson tickets the opportunity to purchase tickets for Chicago at the iWireless Center scheduled for June 17, 2013 at a $10 per ticket discount.

 

 

 

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14 May 2013

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Unveils Vision for U.S. Organic Agriculture

By USDA Office of Communications
Announces Organic Crop Insurance, Other Measure

Washington, May 14, 2013 ? Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today discussed his vision for U.S. organic agriculture and USDA efforts to ensure its continued success during remarks to the Organic Trade Association. Vilsack announced a number of changes and new initiatives to support the continued growth of organic agriculture, including that the USDA's Risk Management Agency's (RMA) federal crop insurance program will increase coverage options for organic producers this year and provide even more options in 2014, including a contract price addendum as well as new premium price elections for organic crops. Additionally, RMA will remove the current five-percent organic rate surcharge on all future crop insurance policies beginning in 2014.

Vilsack also said USDA will be providing new guidance and direction on organic production to all USDA agencies in support of organic agriculture and markets. USDA is now asking each agency to routinely address the needs of the organic sector in their programs and services where appropriate. The National Organic Program has supported the continued growth of America's organic sector, which has been increasing market share each year and now is a more than $30 billion industry. Vilsack noted that accurate data is the biggest obstacle for developing better crop insurance options for organic farmers and expressed his desire that Congress help USDA make further progress by renewing the 2008 Organic Data Initiative as part of a new Food, Farms and Jobs bill.

"Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing segments of American agriculture and helps farmers receive a higher price for their product as they strive to meet growing consumer demand," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "These new options will extend the safety net provided by crop insurance and provide fair and flexible solutions to organic producers. Coupled with the new guidance for agencies to support this growing sector, USDA recognizes that organics are gaining market share and is helping boost this emerging segment."

New crop-insurance pricing options will be available to organic producers who grow crops under guaranteed contracts beginning with the 2014 crop year. This contract price option allows organic producers who receive a contract price for their crop to get a crop insurance guarantee that is more reflective of the actual value of their crop. They will have the ability, where available and at their choice, to use their personal contract price as their price election or to choose existing crop insurance price elections. This contract price option will be available for between 60 and 70 crops in the 2014 crop year and this contract price feature will be available to the majority of insured organic crops. RMA is also changing organic transitional yields (t-yields) so they will be more reflective of actual organic farming experience, starting with the 2014 crop year.

All crops are being evaluated for establishing organic prices for the 2014 crop year. Current pricing options only allow farmers to insure organic crops at the conventional prices, with the exception of eight crops (corn, soybeans, cotton, processing tomatoes, avocados, and several fresh stone fruit crops) that already have premium organic price elections. RMA is working to provide organic price elections for six to ten crops in 2014. Oats and mint are two crops that have already been selected for organic price elections in 2014, and apricots, apples, blueberries, millet, and others are still under consideration.

USDA's Agriculture Marketing Service last year announced the Organic Literacy Initiative, a public outreach and employee training program to help connect current and prospective organic operations with appropriate USDA resources. To date, over 14,000 USDA employees have taken the basic training on USDA's role in organic agriculture. The new guidance will further improve USDA agencies' ability to incorporate the needs of the growing organic sector into their programs and services. These combined actions should result in staff better equipped to help organic farmers obtain technical and financial assistance, insure crops and livestock, access research findings, secure loans, develop conservation practices, find current organic price information, and access local, regional, and international markets. Through this effort, agencies will also better understand the scope and rigor of the certification process and how it complements their own programs.

Organic certification allows farmers and ranchers to receive premium prices for their value-added products. Over the past 10 years, the number of certified organic farms and businesses in the United States has expanded to approximately 17,750, representing a 240 percent increase since USDA first began collecting this data. Similarly, the retail value of the organic industry grew almost 9.5 percent in 2011 to $31.4 billion. Organic foods continue to gain market share in the food industry, climbing to 4.2 percent of U.S. retail food sales in 2011.

USDA has already made several changes to better serve organic customers, including offering more flexible microloans and improving Federal crop insurance programs. To help open new markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers, USDA has streamlined trade with multiple foreign governments. These trade partnerships allow U.S. organic products to be sold as organic in Canada, the European Union, Taiwan, and Japan without maintaining certification to multiple standards. Expanding the reach of U.S. organic products creates opportunities for small businesses and increases jobs for Americans who grow, package, ship and market organic products.

USDA is responsible, under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), for establishing national standards for organically-produced agricultural products. The National Organic Program has been critical for the development of clear standards and enforcing a level playing-field for organic businesses, which has lead to expanded trade opportunities to create new markets for U.S. organic businesses. These standards assure consumers that products with the USDA organic seal meet consistent, uniform standards. For additional information about the USDA National Organic Program, visit www.ams.usda.gov/NOP.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. Contact a local crop insurance agent for more information about the program. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers or on the RMA web site at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, complete, sign and mail a program discrimination complaint form, (available at any USDA office location or online at www.ascr.usda.gov), to: United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll free at (866) 632-9992 to obtain additional information, the appropriate office or to request documents. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities, contact USDA through the Federal Relay service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136

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14 May 2013

Loebsack Statement on Department of Defense Civilian Furlough Announcement

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Department of Defense announced that most of its civilian employees, including Rock Island Arsenal employees, will be furloughed for 11 days due to budget cuts under sequestration and other budgetary factors.  Loebsack has been opposed to these drastic cuts since they were created by the Budget Control Act, which he voted against.  He has repeatedly called on Congressional leaders to work to find a balanced, commonsense way to replace sequestration and responsibly deal with the fiscal situation facing the nation.  He also called on Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to avoid furloughs and raised his strong concern about the effect of furloughs on national security and civilian personnel with Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno.

"The men and women working at Rock Island Arsenal stand up for our country and support our troops day after day.  It is unconscionable that they and their families will be forced to take a pay cut because Congress and the Administration can't work together to replace the arbitrary cuts caused by sequestration.  Forcing middle class families and the Quad Cities economy to pay for Washington's dysfunction is reprehensible.

"Sequestration is an irresponsible and illogical way to deal with our nation's fiscal challenges.  I have repeatedly called on Congress to come back to the table and replace sequestration in a commonsense, balanced fashion.  Doing so would address our economic needs while more substantially reducing the deficit over the long-term.

"It makes no sense to me that the only people that are not feeling any pain from sequester are members of Congress themselves. It is time for Congress to step up and pass legislation that I introduced that would reduce Members of Congress' pay by 10 percent. The last time Congress saw a pay cut was in 1933 - eight decades ago.  Passing this bill would show Congress is serious about restoring fiscal discipline and putting some skin in the game."

Loebsack has consistently called for Members of Congress to have a personal stake in our nation's recovery.  In addition to authoring the CHIP IN and Cut Congressional Pay Act, he has previously cosponsored legislation that would tie the eligibility for Members of Congress to draw their pension benefits to their Social Security retirement age.  He has also voted multiple times to cut Congressional office budgets.

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14 May 2013

WQPT RECEIVES WARN GRANT

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -WQPT, Quad Cities PBS has received a grant from the PBS Warning Alert and Response Network (WARN) program to a fund power backup and hardening project for WQPT studios and transmitters.

WQPT will purchase, install and test back-up equipment required to maintain the station's broadcast of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) to cellular telephone companies for up to 72 hours in the event of a power outage. WQPT will have the system installed by August 31.

"We are pleased to be working with PBS and the Department of Commerce on the WARN program. Not only will it improve uninterrupted service to our viewers in times of emergency or crisis, but it will protect their investment in public television," said WQPT Director Mary Pruess.

On June 1, 2010, the Department of Commerce awarded PBS a grant under the WARN Act of 2005, which allowed PBS to implement a project establishing the PBS WARN program. With this grant, PBS assists stations like WQPT comply with an FCC a mandate to provide a backup pathway for sending WEAs from FEMA to cellular phone companies. One year later, the Department of Commerce authorized an additional round of funding, which allowed PBS to award sub-grants for the purchase and installation of the generators, UPS systems and related power backup and hardening equipment that would ensure continuous dissemination of WEAs.

For more information on Wireless Emergency Alerts and the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) visit http://www.pbs.org/about/WARN.

WQPT signed on the air November 3, 1983. WQPT's signal covers all or part of 10 counties in western Illinois and three in eastern Iowa. The station reaches 309,000 households and estimates 50,000 households view the station on a weekly basis.

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University Quad Cities located in Moline, IL.

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14 May 2013

In Iowa's Interest: Military Appreciation Month is a Time to Recognize Veterans' Contributions

By Rick Martin
By Senator Tom Harkin

May is National Military Appreciation Month - a month dedicated to celebrating and honoring the courageous men and women who have served our country and made incredible sacrifices on our behalf.

As a Navy veteran and proud member of American Legion Post 562 in Cumming, I know firsthand the profound patriotism of America's veterans.  It is patriotism not of words, but of deeds and sacrifice.  Here in Iowa, veterans come from all walks of life - from farms, small towns, and big cities - but they are united by their shared experience of service to country.

Veterans in our state are also a growing demographic in need of better medical, education, and employment opportunities. Yet those who have put their lives on the line for our freedom often face obstacles to receiving the care they deserve.

Current service members and those who are returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq often need specialized assistance to help them acclimate back into Iowa's communities.  That's why I'm proud to cosponsor several bills that aim to provide a better support system for our returning veterans. The Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act and the Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act would create programs to improve the quality of life for returning service members injured in the line of duty.  In addition, the Ruth Moore Act is a bill that would require the VA to provide better access to mental health care to victims of military sexual trauma.

I have also taken a stand against for-profit colleges and universities that have aggressively recruited veterans, collected their precious GI benefits, and then failed to deliver on the promise of a quality education.  My work to uncover this waste, fraud, and abuse played a key role in the Executive Order that President Obama signed one year ago to curb such unscrupulous practices, safeguard veteran education benefits and taxpayers, and ensure that veterans have the information, support, and protections they need to make the decision that is best for them.  I have also worked to introduce numerous bills to improve outcomes for veteran students and will continue to support measures that enable veterans to get the very best training and higher education they need to further their career goals.

Honoring our veterans also means ensuring they receive the decorations they have earned.  To obtain lost, stolen or never-received medals, follow these directions and send a letter to one of my state offices requesting that you be issued all your decorations.  Deceased veterans' family members may also send a letter on behalf of their loved ones.

For more information, please visit http://www.harkin.senate.gov/, or follow Senator Harkin on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tomharkin and Twitter https://twitter.com/SenatorHarkin.

A PDF version of this article is available by clicking here.

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14 May 2013

Cole Bell of Davenport Graduates from Lebanon Valley College

By Emily Summey

Bell earns bachelor of science in business administration

ANNVILLE, PA (05/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Cole J. Bell of Davenport, Iowa, was among more than 370 students to graduate from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa., Saturday, May 11. Commencement ceremonies, held in the LVC Gymnasium, included an address by Dr. Philip Benesch, associate professor of political science and winner of the 2012 Thomas Rhys Vickroy Award for teaching.

Benesch encouraged graduates to take hold of the courage that is instilled by a liberal arts education-courage in inquiry, courage in self-transformation, and political courage. "We should embolden [students] to question their teachers and to endeavor to contribute to a discipline that remains open to growth and open to innovation. This requires an intellectually courageous approach by the student for which a liberal-arts education...provides an ideal preparation... A liberal arts education must enhance the independent capacity of each student to situate him or herself in the world, transforming it while performing within it... Democracy necessitates the education of each citizen, so that he or she may play a part in checking the power of leaders and evaluating the multiple viewpoints available. It is here that a liberal art education is so useful."

Bell earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Bell is a graduate of North High School.

Lebanon Valley College® in Annville, Pa., welcomes 1,630 full-time undergraduates studying more than 30 majors, as well as self-designed majors. Founded in 1866, LVC has graduate programs in physical therapy, business, music education, and science education. Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours. On the web at www.lvc.edu.

14 May 2013

Genesis Sponsors Summer

By Craig Cooper
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- May 14, 2013 - Genesis Health System is again sponsoring the premier events of summer life in the Quad Cities.

"Genesis Health System sponsors a wide range of community events that contribute to our diverse quality of life, but also promote wellness,'' explained Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications and business development, Genesis Health System. "These events allow Genesis to reach out to the communities we serve, but also make the region more attractive to skilled health professionals."

Here is information about other Quad Cities events Genesis is sponsoring this summer:

•  Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure. When: 8 a.m., Saturday, June 8. Where: i wireless Center, Moline. Event information: Register for the 5K or 1.2 mile walk/run. Or, you don't have to run a step to support the cause. Sleep-In for the Cure, or register for the race and just cheer on everyone else. Genesis is the Founding Sponsor of the event. Information/registration: www.komenquadcities.org.

•  Red, White and Boom! When: 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 3. Where: Davenport and Rock Island riverfront; Event information: Celebrate America's Birthday with the best fireworks display in the Midwest shot over the Mighty Mississippi. There are also live performances, fun activities, food, drinks, and more. For more: http://sites.google.com/site/redwhiteboom

•  Genesis Firecracker Run. When: 7:30 a.m., Thursday, July 4. Where: East Moline. Event information: It's the 30th birthday of the event on America's birthday. Running events include 5K/10K; 10K 2-person relay; Kiddie run; The National Bank Mile; Hospital Bed Races. For more: www.firecrackerrun.com.

•  Camp Genesis. When: July 7-12. Where: YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln, Blue Grass, Iowa; Camp information: A free camp experience for children who are dealing with cancer in their families. A traditional camp experience of swimming, horseback riding, a climbing tower but also cancer education and emotional support from  Gilda's Club Quad Cities. For more: Call Gilda's Club at (563) 326-7504 for information or download a camp application at www.gildasclubqc.org (click on the Camp Genesis link.)

•  Carb It Up. When: 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 26. Where: RiverCenter, Davenport. Information: A pasta dinner with choice of sauces, salad, bread sticks and beverage is $10 for adults. Kids buffet (12 and under) with mac and cheese, bread sticks and sundae bar is $5. Get well nourished before you walk or run in the Quad-City Times Bix 7. For more: No reservations necessary.

•  Quad-City Times Bix 7. When: 8 a.m., Saturday, July 27. Where: Downtown Davenport. Information: A world-class 7-mile road race. There is also a 3-mile Quick Bix and Jr. Bix events on July 27. Genesis is a Platinum Sponsor, the volunteer sponsor and Genesis professionals staff the medical tent. For more: www.bix7.com.

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14 May 2013

Ashley Ramker Presents Psychology Research at Central College

By Rachel Vogel Quinn

PELLA, (05/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Ashley Ramker, a junior at Central College, presented a research proposal Monday, April 29 on campus. Ramker, a native of Davenport, was taking the Psychological Investigations class taught by Dr. Keith Jones. Ramker's presentation was titled "Narcissism, Self-disclosure, and Religious Motivation as Predictors of Marital Satisfaction."

Central College is a residential, liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Guided by its ecumenical Christian tradition, the college community engages in vigorous, free, open inquiry in pursuit of academic excellence. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics.

Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. Central College is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southwest of Des Moines. Please visit the college website at www.central.edu.

14 May 2013

Immigrant hearing screening done by students

By M. McNeil

Quad City Immigrants are getting their first hearing screenings this week.....thanks to Augustana students who are volunteering their time and expertise.

(Rock Island, IL)   According to Augustana Professor, Ann Perreau the screenings taking place this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays is a win-win for all involved.  The 64  immigrants attending "English as a Second Language "classes at Church of Peace in Rock Island will get a vital service and the students will get some experience.

Dr. Perreau says 18-20 student volunteers will be assisting with the hearing screening.  She says all of the students are Communication Sciences and Disorders majors, who will likely pursue careers as speech-language pathologists and audiologists. "We have a relatively new audiology program at the Augustana College Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing and we will be using several pieces of new equipment following funding we have received from local agencies over the past 1-2 years to conduct this screening."

The program is a cooperative effort among Black Hawk College, the Secretary of State, Rock Island School District, the Regional Office of Education Lights ON, Rock Island Library, and the Church of Peace.

The students are from many countries with the majority being from Myanmar (used to be called Burma), Iraq, and Africa (Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania).

14 May 2013

B100 to Fuel Pulling Tractors

By United Soybean Board
New rule allows biodiesel to boost tractors this season

ST. LOUIS (May 14, 2013) - A partnership between U.S. soybean farmers and the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) will reach another milestone Friday when the NTPA begins allowing the use of 100 percent biodiesel, in all diesel pulling classes for this season.

This is the seventh season the soy checkoff has partnered with the NTPA to promote the use of biodiesel to pulling fans, including many farmers, truck drivers and other diesel users.

A study funded by the state soy checkoff board in Minnesota and conducted by United Pullers of Minnesota found using biodiesel in pulling competition can provide a 4 percent increase in torque and horsepower.

"Performance results like these are an added bonus to the environmental and economic benefits of using biodiesel," says Larry Marek, soy checkoff farmer-leader and a soybean farmer from Riverside, Iowa. "If NTPA pullers can get these kinds of results on the track, we can certainly get great results using B100 on the farm." 

Also returning to the track this season will be the "Powered by Biodiesel," Light Pro Stock class, in which all competitors are required to use biodiesel blends.

"B100 performs well, and is dependable even in the most excruciating tests," says Gregg Randall, NTPA office general manager. "Pullers will definitely want to take advantage of the fuel this pulling season."

Click here to view the entire 2013 NTPA competition schedule and find out where tractor pullers will be using B100 near you.

Biodiesel is known as America's Advanced Biofuel because it reduces greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared with petroleum diesel. It offers excellent horsepower, mileage and cetane, and adds as much as 65 percent lubricity to an engine.

The soy checkoff funds biodiesel research and promotion efforts through the National Biodiesel Board to help increase the use of U.S. soy oil. Soy oil remains the dominant feedstock for U.S. biodiesel production.

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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