05 Oct 2012

Happy Joe's helps respond to Incredible Pizza closing

By Kristel Ersan
Happy Joe's would like to help any families or individuals who purchased recent offers from
Incredible Pizza.

If you have purchased gift cards, parties, or any of the recent discounted offers from Incredible
Pizza or a media promotion for products or services at Incredible Pizza, Happy Joe's is prepared to
do the following:

1. Anyone who received the birthday offer where you were to send in your child's photograph,
and one photo a month was chosen for a birthday party for 10, bring your certificate in to
Happy Joe's at 201 West 50th Street in Davenport, and we will honor it for just $25. All of our
services and products are not the same as Incredible Pizza's, but our birthday parties will
include, pizza, Happy Joe's new Joegurt product, and tokens, as well as some complimentary
climbing passes to our new Jungle Mountain Rock Climbing Walls. For individuals or
families who purchased $50 gift certificates for the $25, we will redeem those at a $25 value
at Happy Joe's at 201 W. 50th Street in Davenport. You will at least get your $25 back in
Happy Joe's services.

2. If you are currently holding one of the plastic Incredible Pizza cards that were typically used
for tokens, Happy Joe's will be happy to give you $5 in tokens in exchange for those cards.

3. All of these offers are good at the Happy Joe's located at 201 West 50 th Street in Davenport
(the one with Jungle Bungle).

If you have any questions regarding Happy Joe's and the Incredible Pizza exchange, please call
563-386-1766 and ask for Jenny, Jenn, or Luke. These offers go into effect Monday, October 8, 2012,
and will be offered through December 31, 2012. If you want to use your discount or credit for a
party after December 2012, we will be happy to apply it to your reservation as long as it is booked
before the end of this year.

Kristel Whitty-Ersan, Marketing Director for Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor stated, "We hope
this helps individuals who have spent their hard-earned money on entertainment for their children
to feel like they can at least get something back for it, and not disappoint their kids."
05 Oct 2012

Keeping Government Accountable

By Grassley Press

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Civics 101 teaches students about the three branches of the federal government.  Representing Iowans in the United States Senate, I enjoy meeting with students during my annual meetings in Iowa's 99 counties or when youth groups make a trip to Washington, D.C.

Students ask informed questions.  They understand that Congress writes legislation and holds the tax-and-spending powers of the federal government.  They know the President is America's commander-in-chief of the U.S. military and has the authority to sign legislation into the law of the land or send it back to Congress with a veto.  But one key function of Congress doesn't usually register as much attention.  And that is congressional oversight.

Oversight is an essential function of the legislative branch authorized by the Constitution to help keep the federal government accountable to the people.  It requires vigilance and stewardship to keep tabs on a federal bureaucracy that has grown to roughly 500 departments, agencies, administrations, and authorities.  While the President, as chief executive, is ultimately responsible for managing the federal bureaucracy, Congress holds sway through its funding, lawmaking and oversight duties.

The federal government is reaching into more Americans' lives, especially as social safety nets capture a greater share of the population in our aging society.  The President's health care law that was steamrolled through Congress in 2010 has cast an even wider federal entitlement net across the country.  Its rulemaking and regulatory policies also impact the hiring decisions of businesses from Main Street to Wall Street.  From administering tax laws to implementing immigration policies, managing food, drug and aviation safety, setting school lunch guidelines, enforcing nursing home standards, and defending national security, Uncle Sam wears a lot of hats in the 21st century.

I made a commitment long ago to keep up a crusade on behalf of taxpayers to bring more transparency, accountability and efficiency to the federal bureaucracy.  It can be a lonely battle, and resolution often takes a long time.

Consider my decade-long effort to secure better management controls for government-issued charge cards used by federal workers.  With oversight work over the years, I exposed fraudulent, wasteful purchases made on Uncle Sam's tab, from jewelry to gambling to cruises.  Spending abuses occurred within the Department of Defense, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Aviation Administration, and elsewhere.  This year, the reform bill sent to the President's desk in September strengthens measures to thwart misuse of government-issued cards and penalize those who do, including loss of their jobs.

As a fighter for whistleblowers and independent watchdogs within the federal bureaucracy, I continue to shine a bright light on wrongdoing in Washington.  Tragically, it can mean the difference between life and death.

Consider my two-year investigation into a botched gun-walking operation that exposed what can happen when the federal bureaucracy puts itself above the law.  A U.S. border patrol agent's murder at the U.S.-Mexico border was linked to guns sold illegally under the Justice Department's "Fast and Furious" program.  Stonewalling and denial by the Attorney General, the nation's top law enforcement official, reflects poorly on the administration's allegiance to upholding the public trust and thumbing its nose at the rule of law.

There's more.  This time the questionable use of tax dollars is occurring at the Department of Health and Human Services.  Revelations of expenses for a public relations firm in California indicate the administration has the audacity to pay Hollywood to promote the controversial 2010 health care law on network television.  I've called upon the Department of Health and Human Services to account for the $1 billion awarded to states to establish the new health care exchanges across the country.

Congressional oversight is a vitally important responsibility of the legislative branch of government in our system of checks and balances.  It helps to uphold the public trust and unlock mismanagement in the executive branch of our government, which has become massive in scale and scope.

Friday, October 5, 2012
05 Oct 2012

Bikeway Improvements Being Installed on Rock Island Streets

By Jennifer Walker

The City of Rock Island is currently installing sharrows on city streets, indicating that the marked
areas are appropriate for bicyclists and vehicles. Sharrows are a pavement marking designed
to help increase motorists' attention to sharing the roadway with bicyclists. This approach is
generally used where street widths cannot accommodate bike lanes. Rock Island is the first
Quad Cities community to install sharrows on city streets, and is doing so as part of the City's
Bikeways Plan.

In areas where there is no on-street parking, the sharrows are being installed 4 feet from the
curb. Where on-street parking is permitted, the sharrows are being installed 11 feet from the
curb to allow for parked cars.

Ed Barsotti, Executive Director of League of Illinois Bicyclists explains, "Sharrows let motorists
know that they may see bicyclists more often on a particular road. Sharrows also tell cyclists
where best to position themselves on the road. Sharrow markings are on the right side of the
road, since wrong-way riding, against the flow of traffic, is both illegal and unsafe. Bicyclists
on the right side are better seen at intersections, which is critical for bike safety. Sharrows
are placed a few feet from parked cars, to prevent car doors from opening into the path of
a bicyclist. If there's no parking, sharrows are a few feet from the road edge, since riding on
the edge encourages cars to unsafely 'squeeze by' in the same lane, with less than the legal
minimum three feet of passing clearance."

05 Oct 2012

Tentative Agenda - Scott Co. Board of Supervisors

By Chris Berge
05 Oct 2012

New this year - Explorers Jr. at the Putnam!

By Jenna Smith
Calling all Junior Scientists! New this year, our Putnam Explorers Jr. program will take your young scientist on an adventure in science through stories, songs and exciting hands-on activities that are sure to spark curiosity and imagination. Each month we'll dabble in a different dimension to bring science to life with engaging experiments, fun activities, games and fun surprises!

Putnam Explorers Jr. is a once-a-month science club for kids Pre-K through 1st Grade (must be age 4 by September 30, 2012). We'll meet one Saturday each month from 9 - 10:30 a.m., October through April.

Purchase the fall season package of three classes for $22 ($15/Putnam Members) or the spring season package of four classes for $28 ($20/Putnam Members).  Individual class sessions may be purchased for $8 ($6/Putnam Members). For more information or to register, call 563-324-1054 ext. 266.


FALL SEASON

October 6: Weather Workx Jr.
It's not your typical forecast! Get ready to twist, rumble and get wet as learn all about how weather workx in our world.

November 3: Animation Exploration Jr.
Cartoons are cool! Learn how artists make our favorite animated shows and movies come alive with their talents in both science and art - and of course make your own piece too!

December 1: The Element of FUN Jr.
We're wearing lab coats and safety glasses because this good time is not magic-It's science! Potions that change color, gel that flows UP... anything can happen in this laboratory of FUN!

SPRING SEASON

January 5: Build it Bash! Jr.
We hope you join this engineering party! Building is great - but this party is also about the BASH. Learn how the things we build can be strong - or not - with lots of hands on fun!

February 2: Blast Off! Jr.
Come to our out-of-this-world workshop today and explore space. We'll rocket through the morning with exciting activities about planets, our universe and of course, rockets!

March 2: The Universe Within! Jr.
Your body is an amazing machine! Discover what we look like on the inside and how doctors and others help keep us healthy.

April 6: Eggstravaganza Jr.
Join us for tons of fun with this symbol of new life and spring. Egg anatomy, eggs-periments, and eggy creations. It'll be an eggs-ellent adventure!

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05 Oct 2012

Don't miss movies on the Putnam's GIANT Screen!

By Jenna Smith

Don't miss out on our current and upcoming movies on the Putnam's Giant Screen!

Finding Nemo 3D - opening Friday, October 5

Meerkats 3D - opening Friday, October 19

Theater Throwback - half way through the series, don't miss out!

Classic Film Series - only three left!

World Adventure Series -Showing Tuesday, November 6: Prague to Paris & a Cruise Too
05 Oct 2012

Feed the Celebration! The Holiday Train is Returning!

By Rick Martin
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is coming to Davenport and will stop here on Thursday, December 6th at 2pm at the Florian Keen parking lot (Western Ave @ West River Drive - by Modern Woodman Park).

That afternoon, the community will rally together and collect food and funds for Churches United's 24 food pantries and enjoy a special holiday experience right here in the Quad Cities! The train will stop in Davenport for an approximate 45 minute performance.

Admission is a food or cash donation. There will be a drive through area to drop off food and cash donations and see the decorated train.

Here's some information:
* The Holiday Train is 1,000 feet in length with 14 decorated rail cars including a modified box car that's been turned into a traveling stage for performers. Canadian recording artist Shaun Verreault of "Wide Mouth Mason" and Juno award-winning singer Melanie Doane will be the musical headliners on the US Holiday Train keeping the community warm with well known holiday tunes.
* Since 1999, the CP Holiday Train program has generated over 1000 tons of food donations and raised over $4 million for food programs.

05 Oct 2012

Jason Smith of Midland Communications Explains Evergreen Contracts

By Janet Dufour
Industry Leader to Lend His Expertise and Years of Experience to Help SMBs Avoid Getting Locked Into Telecom Contracts

DAVENPORT, IA - October 4, 2012 - A vicious trend has developed among prominent carrier service providers called auto-renewals also known as "evergreen" clauses. Evergreen clauses are essentially an agreement between two parties that is automatically renewed or after each contract term, until canceled by the either party. For businesses, this means that you can easily become locked into contracts with poor service providers. Imagine attempting to cancel your services with a current provider, only to find out that you are contractually obligated to continue paying another year for a service you're completely unhappy with.
Hidden in your carrier service contract is language that automatically renews your services, preventing any opportunity to explore options to optimize or reduce cost on your carrier services. Be wary of auto-renewal verbiage sent by the carrier along the lines of: "Unless notified within 90 days of contract expiration date of intent to cancel services, contract will automatically renew for the same term at the same time." Locating the auto-renewal clause can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. One way find this verbiage is to call the customer service line of your carrier service provider to obtain the termination date of your contract and request this in writing. This simple process alone can save you thousands of dollars.
Ironically enough, these contract restrictions are often avoidable. In the case of "evergreen" clauses businesses have two options. On the one hand, you can avoid being locked into contract by making sure that you notify your carrier that you'd like to cancel services in writing, prior to the expiration of the specified term. These can vary from one contract to the next. On the other hand, you can consult with a Unified Communications provider, like Midland Communications, who has been helping businesses deal with "evergreen" contracts for several years. Whichever approach you take, it's vital that you periodically review your carrier service contract and acknowledge the termination date.
"Small to mid-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy and they need all of the help they can get to continue fueling our nation's economic growth," states Jason Smith, Vice President of Midland Communications. "We get a great deal of satisfaction when we can help our customers get out of these contracts and get back on the fastrack to profitability." Midland Communications is a leading unified communications provider that specializes in:
*       Examining current connectivity (phone lines and internet) to analyze cost/effectiveness in order to make recommendations. If you're paying a long distance phone bill, we can eliminate it.
*       Evaluating specific business needs, as they relate to Voice and IT services, and customize solutions accordingly.
*       Most likely if your phone system is more than 3 years old we can cost justify a new system while eliminating the two risks of technology: Cost and Obsolescence.
*       Educating our clients on the advantages of new technology and partner with them to increase their profitability and give them a competitive advantage.
Midland Communications has earned its position as the market leader by educating its customers on technology solutions that either create competitive advantages for them or increase overall profitability.

ABOUT MIDLAND COMMUNICATIONS

Midland Communications began more than 60 years ago in 1946 as the Worldwide Marketing Arm of Victor-Animagraph Projectors. In 1977 a communications division was formed due to a partnership with NEC America. Today, As a distributor of NEC America, for 33 years, Midland Communications has a customer base of more than 3,000 satisfied customers that include general businesses, government agencies, Universities, colleges, hospitals, and hotels.
Midland provides a wide range of communication services including VOIP, PBX and key systems, Wide Area and Local Area networking, computers, Computer integration, voice mail, CCIS, and video conferencing and paging systems. Our philosophy is simple, provide quality products at a fair price, backed by an average emergency response time of twenty minutes, and the best service in the industry. For more information on Midland Communications, call (563) 326-1237 or visit www.midlandcom.com.

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05 Oct 2012

7th Annual Classic Car Cruise

By Mike Peppers

Come join us for the 7th annual Classic Car Cruise hosted by Sergeant Peppers Auto Shop and benefiting Toys For Tots on Saturday, October 6, 2012.

The party starts at 3pm in the Northpark Mall parking lot by Sears and JC Penney's. A police-escorted continuous cruise will begin at 4:30pm and cruise down Welcome Way to 3rd Street, then back up Brady Street to the mall.  District 15 motorcycles will be positioned along the route.  Get out your lawn chairs and watch the classics drive by.

Please bring an unwrapped toy and help fill the Santamobile.  U.S. Marines will be on hand to collect the toys.  Door prizes.  50/50 raffle.  Food available from Hy-Vee.  Music provided by 3D Sound D.J. Dave Palmer.

And then join them on Sunday, October 7th and watch the parade of District 15 motorcycles as they make their annual Toys For Tots trek beginning at 1pm from the West Kimberly Wal-Mart, down Division Street, across 3rd Street, up Brady Street and then across Kimberly  Road to Hobby Lobby.

We request that these events remain alcohol-free.  Thank you for your support.

05 Oct 2012

Haunted Island Hayrack Rides

By Bob Peppers

The Friends of Credit Island Park present the 2012 Haunted Island Hayrack Rides.

This family-friendly event will take place on October 12 and 13 at Credit Island Park, 2200 West River Drive in Davenport. The fun begins at 6:30pm with storytelling, hayrack rides and more. Concessions are available inside the Credit Island Lodge.

Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for kids 4 - 11, and kids 3 and under are free.

Rain date is Oct 19 and 20.

For more information, contact Bob at 563-529-3080.

Sponsored in part by Davenport Parks & Recreations, the Riverboat Development Authority, The Family Credit Union, Credit Island Park and the River Cities' Reader.

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