Three-run 10th inning for Peoria sends Quad Cities to second straight loss

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 12, 2013) - Hosting the affiliate of their former parent club and welcoming several alumni back to Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits battled the Peoria Chiefs into the 10th inning Friday night before an infield single by Chiefs second baseman Breyvic Valera and a two-run error by River Bandits third baseman Rio Ruiz led to a 4-1 victory for the visitors in front of a home-opening crowd of 1,377 fans.

The Chiefs (4-3), the affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, opened the 10th inning against right-hander John Neely (0-1) with a single by shortstop Alex Mejia and a walk by Chiefs right fielder and former River Bandit Nick Martini. Chiefs center fielder Charlie Tilson sacrificed both runners before Neely intentionally walked Chiefs catcher and former River Bandit Casey Rasmus. With the bases loaded, Neely struck out Chiefs left fielder and former River Bandit Michael Swinson. With two outs and the infield at normal depth, Valera hit a soft grounder to the left of the pitcher's mound, and shortstop Carlos Correa was unable to pick it up for a play, bringing in the go-ahead run. Chiefs third baseman Patrick Wisdom then chopped a grounder that got past third baseman Rio Ruiz, whose error allowed two more runs to score for a 4-1 Peoria lead.

The River Bandits (5-2), the affiliate of the Houston Astros, made the bottom of the 10th inning interesting against former River Bandit and Chiefs right-hander Dixon Llorens. Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez singled to cap a 3-for-5 night, and Correa drew a walk to bring the tying run to the plate. Ruiz grounded out, advancing both runners. Then first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki struck out looking - the 14th strikeout for Quad Cities hitters Friday night. Designated hitter Terrell Joyce grounded out to Chiefs first baseman and former River Bandit Jordan Walton. Quad Cities finished the night 1-for-18 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base.

Quad Cities broke a scoreless tie in the third inning, as second baseman Joe Sclafani reached second base on a throwing error by Valera. Two batters later, Correa drove a double to center field for a 1-0 lead. After that, right-hander Kurt Heyer did not allow another runner past second base. Heyer finished five innings, allowing four hits, one unearned run and two walks, while striking out eight batters.

Peoria tied the game in the next half-inning against right-hander Mike Hauschild. Wisdom drew a one-out walk, and Walton lined a double down the left-field line, advancing to third base on the throw home. With Mejia batting, Walton tried stealing home, and Hauschild threw to Peña for the final out of the inning. Hauschild finished five innings, allowed three hits, one run and one walk, and struck out three batters. Left-hander Colton Cain worked in and out of trouble in the sixth and seventh innings and finished three shutout innings with three hits, one walk and three strikeouts.

The Chiefs bullpen pitched five shutout innings, as right-handers Michael Aldrete and Joe Scanio (1-0) each worked two innings.

The River Bandits will try to even the series Saturday night at 7 p.m., when a tandem of right-hander Jordan Jankowski (0-0) and left-hander Brian Holmes (0-0) will face Chiefs left-hander and former River Bandit Dail Villanueva (0-1).

Rock Island, IL: "Communities Matter at Your Library" is the theme of National Library Week, April 14-20, and to celebrate, the Rock Island Public Library is bringing together varying interests, services, and communities of learners and readers.

Starting Monday, April 15, two new cultural and attraction passes will become available for checkout at the Rock Island Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branch Libraries. Patrons can now check out a free family pass for four to the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, or a pass for two adults and up to four children from Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley, in addition to the family passes for four already available for the Quad Cities Botanical Center, Rock Island. Passes check out for seven days, and must be picked up and returned in person at the issuing library branch. There is a $1 per day fee if passes are not returned on time.

Also on Monday, a new awareness service from Prairie State Legal Services starts at the Main Library, 401 19^th Street. Trained volunteers from Prairie State Legal Services will be available from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays on the 2^nd floor of the library to offer information and assistance with navigating public benefits for food, cash, medical assistance, disability and township assistance. Prairie State Legal Services volunteers cannot offer legal advice.

Special events and activities offered at the Rock Island Library during National Library Week include :

Monday, April 15:

• 6:30 pm, Vegetable Gardening: A Feast for the Eyes and Palate, Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19^th Street. The free "liven up your landscape" program offers tips from Sandy Russell, of Tastes of the Rainbow, on how choosing organic or heirloom varieties can add color, nutrition and taste to a garden, from the flashes of gold of a Sunshine Cherry Tomato to the bright blue peppers of a Filius Blue pepper plant.
• 6:30 pm, Family Dinosaur Storytime, for all ages, Rock Island Southwest Branch Community Room: 9010 Ridgewood Road:

Tuesday, April 16:

• 10:30 am, Dinosaur Storytime for ages birth to five, Rock Island 30/31 Branch, 3059 30^th Street.
• 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Blues and Gospel film and discussion, Main Library Community Room, 401 19^th Street. The scholar-led discussion on Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Episode 1, Feel Like Going Home and Say Amen, Somebody, is the first of three Rock Island Library programs in the America's Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway series. America's Music is a grant-funded series of film viewings, discussions and performance events at Rock Island, Moline, Bettendorf and Davenport Public Libraries, River Music Experience and Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. For more events in the series, visit www.americasmusicqc.com

Wednesday, April 17:

• 10:30 am, Special "How I Became a Pirate" storytime presented by Circa 21, Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.  Captain Braid Beard (Janos Horvath), from the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse's new musical adventure, will stop by to help read stories, talk like a pirate and help with pirate crafts for ages birth to five.  The musical is based on the popular children's book of the same name, by Melinda Long.
• 4:00 pm: Lego Time, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Make something fun for display at the library with Lego-brand building blocks.
• 6:00 pm, Downloading eBooks demo, Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Learn how to check out eBooks and eAudiobooks for free with your library card.

Thursday, April 18:

• 6:00 pm, Teen Movie Night, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19^th Street. Free movie screening, snacks and more fun, just for ages 12 to 18.

Friday, April 19:

• 10:30 am, Dinosaur Storytime for ages birth to five, Rock Island Main Library Children's Room, 401 19^th Street.

Saturday, April 20 - all events at Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road:

• 10:00 am, El Dia Family Storytime, featuring a reading of Book Fiesta, by Pat Mora, who helped start the annual April celebration of children's books.
• 10:30 am, Saturday Lego Time, followed by an 11:30 am "Stem-tivity" on kite flying. STEM-tivity programs are fun, hands-on activities involving Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.

National Library Week highlights the importance of libraries, librarians, and library workers, and their commitment to the places where their patrons live, work and study. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more news about Rock Island Public Library events, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-7323 (READ) or follow the Rock Island Library on Facebook and Twitter. A monthly calendar of library events is available online and at Rock Island Library locations.

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa has introduced legislation to create an Inspector General for the federal Judiciary.  Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives.

The bill allows the Inspector General to conduct oversight of all federal and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, puts in place safeguards so inspectors general do not interfere with judicial decisions, and includes whistleblower protections for individuals within the judicial branch.

Grassley said that increased credibility within the judicial branch of government would be greatly enhanced with an independent watchdog shedding light on waste, fraud and abuse within the federal judiciary.  He said that the current practice of self-regulation of judges with respect to ethics and the judicial code of conduct has proven inadequate.

"In the past five years, the Senate received articles of impeachment for two federal judges whose actions fully came to light only after federal criminal investigations.  Not only were they caught severely breaking the Judicial Code of Conduct, but they attempted to defraud the American taxpayer by declaring themselves disabled in order to continue receiving their judicial salary.  In one case, the ex-Judge attempted to continue to draw his judicial salary while sitting in federal prison," Grassley said.  "Federal judges must live by the highest of standards.  When misconduct, waste, fraud and abuse occur, the public's confidence in the federal judiciary is eroded.  A good inspector general can detect, expose and deter problems and help keep accountability with the American people."

Grassley is the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee which has jurisdiction over the federal courts.

Summary of The Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2013

·         Establishes the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch, who shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for a specific term of service of four years.  Gives the Chief Justice express authority to remove the Inspector General from office.

·         Specifies duties of the Inspector General, which include (1) to conduct investigations of alleged misconduct of judges in the judicial branch (Senate version includes the Supreme Court), that may require oversight or other action by Congress; (2) to conduct and supervise audits and investigations; (3) to prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse; and (4) to recommend changes in laws or regulations governing the Judicial Branch.

·         Provides powers for the Inspector General, which include (1) to make investigations and reports; (2) to obtain information or assistance from any Federal, State or local agency, or other entity, or unit thereof, including all information kept in the course of business by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the judicial council of circuits, the administrative office of United States courts, and the United States Sentencing Commission; (3) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance for the taking of testimony of any witnesses and the production of any documents, which shall be enforceable by civil action; (4) to administer or to take an oath or affirmation from any person; (5) to employ officers and employees; (6) to obtain all necessary services; and (7) to enter into contracts or other arrangements to obtain services as needed.

·         Requires the Inspector General to (1) to provide the Chief Justice and Congress with an annual report on the Inspector General's operations; (2) to make prompt reports to the Chief Justice and to Congress on matters which may require further action; and (3) to refer to the Department of Justice any matter that may constitute a criminal violation.

·         Prohibits the Inspector General from investigating or reviewing the merits of a judicial decision.  The investigatory powers of the Inspector General are limited to only alleged misconduct under the "Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980."

·         Requires the Inspector General to commence an investigation only after the judiciary has conducted its review of an ethical complaint under the 1980 Act.

·         Establishes whistleblower protections for individuals within the Judicial Branch.

Here is Grassley's prepared floor statement upon introduction of the bill. 

Prepared Floor Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Ranking Member, Senate Judiciary Committee

Introduction Of Judicial Transparency And Ethics Enhancement Act

Mr. President,

Today I am reintroducing the Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act, a bill that would establish within the judicial branch an Office of Inspector General to assist the Judiciary with its ethical obligations as well as to ensure taxpayer dollars are not lost to waste, fraud, or abuse.  Representative Sensenbrenner is introducing the companion bill in the House.  This bill will help make sure that our federal judicial system remains free of corruption, bias, and hypocrisy.

The facts demonstrate that the institution of the Inspector General has been crucial in detecting, exposing and deterring problems within our government.  The job of the Inspector General is to be the first line of defense against fraud, waste and abuse.  In collaboration with whistleblowers, Inspectors General have been extremely effective in their efforts to expose and help correct these wrongs.

That's why, during my 30 years in Congress, I've worked hard to strengthen the oversight role of Inspectors General throughout the federal government.  I've come to rely on IGs and whistleblowers to ensure that our tax dollars are spent according to the letter and spirit of the law. And when that doesn't happen, we in Congress need to know about it and take corrective action.

During the past fiscal year, Congress appropriated nearly $7 billion in taxpayer money to the federal judiciary.  To put this in context, the National Science Foundation, the Small Business Administration, and the Corporation for National and Community Service each received a similar or less amount than the judiciary.  Yet all three of these entities have an Office of Inspector General.  If we in Congress believed that these entities could use an Inspector General, I cannot see why the Judiciary wouldn't deserve the same assistance.

But there is an additional reason why the Judiciary needs an Inspector General.  The fact remains that the current practice of self-regulation of judges with respect to ethics and the judicial code of conduct has time and time again proven inadequate.  I would point out to my colleagues two recent events here in the Senate that support this conclusion.

In the past five years, the Senate received articles of impeachment for not one but two federal judges.  In the first case, former Judge Samuel B. Kent, although charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, pled guilty to obstruction of justice.  Who did he obstruct?  Who did he lie to?  He did this to his fellow judges, who were assembled to investigate the allegations of his obscene and criminal behavior.  But it took a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice to uncover his false statements to his colleagues as well as substantiate the horrendous claims made against him.

In the second case, the Senate found that former Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. was guilty of a number of things, including accepting money from attorneys who had a case pending before him in his court and committing perjury by falsifying his name on bankruptcy filings.  Once again, this Judge's misbehavior came to light through a federal criminal investigation, after which another judicial committee had to be organized to investigate their fellow judge.

What's more, in each case the disgraced judge tried to game the system in order to retain his $174,000 salary.  Rather than resign their commissions, each first tried to claim disability status that would allow each to continue to receive payment, even if in prison.  Then both played chicken with Congress daring us to strip them of their pay by impeaching and convicting them.  I am pleased that we put our foot down and said "No."

The judicial misconduct committees are simply inadequate for investigating claims of misconduct.  These judges are not given the resources necessary nor do they have the expertise in conducting a complete investigation.  And they cannot, despite their best intentions, remove the inherent biases that develop from working closely with other judges.  This duty would be better suited to an independent entity within the Judiciary.

The Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act is the answer.  This bill would establish an Office of Inspector General for the judicial branch.  The IG's responsibilities would include conducting investigations of possible judicial misconduct, investigating waste fraud and abuse, and recommending changes in laws and regulations governing the federal judiciary.  The bill would require the IG to provide the Chief Justice and Congress with an annual report on its activities, as well as refer matters that may constitute a criminal violation to the Department of Justice.  In addition, the bill establishes whistleblower protections for judicial branch employees.

Ensuring a fair and independent judiciary is critical to our Constitutional system of checks and balances. Judges are supposed to maintain impartiality. They're supposed to be free from conflicts of interest.  An independent watchdog for the federal judiciary will help its members comply with the ethics rules and promote credibility within the judicial branch of government.  Whistleblower protections for judiciary branch employees will help keep the judiciary accountable. The Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act will not only ensure continued public confidence in our federal courts and keep them beyond reproach, it will strengthen our judicial branch.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of this bill be printed in the Record.

(DES MOINES) - Senate Democrats on Thursday provided misleading information regarding the finances of the education reform conference committee offer made by legislative Republicans and the governor.

"Senate Democrats have repeatedly stated 'The price for education reform is four and four' (meaning 4 percent allowable growth or supplemental state aid for the next two fiscal years)," said Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht. "The governor and legislative Republicans took them at their word, and found a way to meet this demand. Senate Democrats could have everything they wanted, in exchange for all the fundamental reforms Republicans want. Now, Senate Democrats are trying to confuse the issue by saying the offer is not equivalent to their demand of four percent each year."

The reality: 4 percent growth in state aid for FY 2014 is equivalent to funding of $6,241 per pupil - a total of about $2.7 billion statewide.  The offer by the Governor and legislative Republicans of 2 percent supplemental state aid and a 2 percent one-time payment is equivalent to that same $6,241 per pupil.

"Simply put, two plus two equals four," said Albrecht.

Senate Democrats demanded 4% in FY 2015, and the conference committee offer met that request.

"Respected education organizations recognize the opportunity presented in this compromise proposal," continued Albrecht. "That's why the proposal has been endorsed by the Iowa Association of School Boards, the School Administrators of Iowa, and the Urban Education Network of Iowa."

Though the communication from Senate Democrats mentioned nothing about the policy in House File 215, these organizations recognize that the transformational reforms the bill offers will dramatically increase student achievement. In addition, nearly the entire business community endorsed House File 215 when it passed the House in February.

"We will not continue to put additional money into the existing system absent fundamental reforms in education that will increase student achievement," said Albrecht. "The conference committee proposal offers the ability to provide school districts the regular funding they have requested, all while transforming education in Iowa."