Be one of the first to get out on the course for the season when Duck Creek opens tomorrow, Friday, March 29 starting at 11am. With the condition of the soft spring ground, it will be walking only - no carts. But what an opportunity to get out in 50+ degree weather after our long winter!  And it's a holiday, so take some time to get your first round of golf in for the year.

Book your tee time online, or call Duck Creek at 563-326-7824.

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Registration ends April 26th

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

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JEANINE TESORI

Composer, Keynote Speaker

JEANINE TESORI has written four Tony-nominated scores for Broadway: Twelfth Night at the Lincoln Center, Thoroughly Modern Millie (lyrics, Dick Scanlan), Caroline, or Change (lyrics, Tony Kushner), and Shrek the Musical (lyrics, David Lindsay-Abaire). The production of Caroline, or Change at the National Theater in London received the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Her first off-Broadway musical, Violet, written with Brian Crawley, received the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1997.

Read more about Guest Artists.

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Finegan Kruckemeyer, Keynote Speaker


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Rosemary Myers, Windmill Theatre, Australia, Keynote Speaker


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Karen Zacarias, playwright, Opening Keynote Speaker

MASTER CLASSES

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ROSEMARY MYERS

Artistic Director, Windmill Theatre, Australia

Master Class Description

After twenty years of creating new theatre, Myers will discuss her recent fixation with classic stories, particularly fairy tales. Using Myers' work as a starting point, participants will share their thoughts and processes in creating contemporary takes of these much-loved stories. The participants will practically explore the translation of a fairy tale into theatre and workshop the possibilities across form and content of making age old stories - dynamic, immersive and explosively brought to life.

Read more about master classes.

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Daryl Beeton, UK, Master Class


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PIG IRON THEATRE, PHILADELPHIA, Master Class

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HUNTINGTON, IN (03/28/2013)(readMedia)-- The talented work of Valerie Van Ee of Eldridge, IA, will be on display in the Robert E. Wilson Gallery in the Merillat Centre for the Arts at Huntington University from April 15-23.

The exhibit will feature films, animations and other projects from the graduating seniors.

Van Ee is a senior Animation and Computer Science major.

An artist reception will be held at 6 p.m. April 20 to honor the seniors. The public is invited to attend.

The Wilson Gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., before and after all Merillat Centre performances and by appointment. The gallery is free and open to the public.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations, including film and animation. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

For text of this and all Huntington University news releases, visit www.huntington.edu/news.

State Invested $60 Million to House Largest and Fastest Supercomputer on Any University Campus

URBANA-CHAMPAIGN - Governor Pat Quinn today joined the National Science Foundation, officials from the University of Illinois and other state and business leaders to launch the Blue Waters Supercomputer at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Today's announcement comes as part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive the Illinois economy forward and ensure that the state's universities are at the forefront of 21st century science. The largest and fastest supercomputer on any university campus in the world, Blue Waters will offer unprecedented capability for advanced science and engineering applications.

"The University of Illinois continues to be a national leader in innovation, research and engineering progress throughout the world, and today's launch of Blue Waters will allow users to process some of the largest and most challenging problems in science and engineering," Governor Quinn said. "This revolutionary supercomputer will also provide opportunities for private industry, serving as a powerful economic engine by allowing the development of less costly prototypes."

The state of Illinois invested $60 million to construct the Petascale Computing Facility that houses Blue Waters. The National Science Foundation funded the purchase of the computer itself, investing an estimated $350 million to purchase the hardware, pay for five years of support services, power and cool the computer, and provide their own staff to support the system and work with scientists who use it.

Blue Waters is a collaborative effort of the United States Congress, the National Science Foundation, the state of Illinois, the University of Illinois and the Great Lakes Consortium for Petascale Computation. It is the most powerful system supported by the National Science Foundation, and gives the university a unique opportunity to perform groundbreaking research that would otherwise be impossible.

"Blue Waters is a truly extraordinary computing system that will enable the nation's researchers, as well as our innovative companies, to achieve breakthroughs in a broad range of science and engineering," Thom Dunning, director of the university's National Center for Supercomputing Applications said. "Blue Waters is also a unique resource for the University of Illinois and the state of Illinois, enhancing the path-finding role that Illinois has played in supercomputing for more than 25 years."

"For 146 years the U of I has been bringing solutions to the grand challenges of the world," University of Illinois Chancellor Phyllis Wise said. "Each of our new discoveries has built on the ones before it, creating a chain of knowledge and experience that informs and drives the next idea. Blue Waters represents the next link in that unbroken chain,"

Blue Waters completes quadrillions of calculations every second and is designed to help researchers find insights buried in massive quantities of data. This has crucial applications for astronomy, physics, chemistry and engineering. Blue Waters can simulate how the cosmos evolved after the Big Bang, help design new materials at the atomic level, forecast the behavior of hurricanes and tornadoes, assist with genetic mapping to combat disease and simulate complex engineered systems like the power distribution system and experimental aircraft.

Blue Waters is part of the University's National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). It was built from Cray hardware, operates at a sustained performance of more than 1 petaflop (1 quadrillion calculations per second) and is capable of peak performance of 11.61 petaflops (11.6 quadrillion calculations per second). It would take one person millions of years to complete this many calculations with just a calculator. The system also provides "big data" capacity: 1.5 petabytes of working memory, 26 petabytes of disk and 300 petabytes of tape storage.

"Our university and our state will share an enduring link to the life-changing breakthroughs that Blue Waters yields, discovery that holds promise for accelerating medical advances, predicting the behavior of catastrophic weather events and producing more food to feed a growing world," Ed McMillan, a member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees said.

The system is now available for the NCSA's industry partners, a group of 26 companies and organizations that includes ADM, BP, Boeing, Caterpillar, Dow, GE, John Deere, Procter & Gamble and Rolls Royce.

In commemoration of today's announcement, the governor also proclaimed March 28, 2013 as Blue Waters Supercomputer Day in Illinois.

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today signed the following legislation into law:

House File 496<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF496> an Act relating to the service of notice of no-contact orders and protective orders, and including effective date provisions

House File 458<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF458> an Act providing for the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's administration of programs regarding a conservation practices revolving loan fund, the state meteorologist, pesticide regulation, and motor fuel standards, and including effective date provisions

House File 324<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF324> an Act relating to the termination of the targeted small business financial assistance program and transferring funds for assistance to targeted small businesses

House File 225<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF225> an Act relating to pollution prevention and waste management assistance

House File 199<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF199> an Act relating to the administration of the streamlined sales and use tax agreement by the Department of Revenue

House File 185<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF185> an Act relating to the title of the Office of Citizen's Aide

House File 160<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF160> an Act relating to mental health and disability services by making transfers and appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012, and including related changes and effective date provisions

House File 133<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF133> an Act relating to the discharge of a firearm near buildings or feedlots by certified law enforcement officers for training purposes, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions

House File 358<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=HF358> an Act relating to the Boards of Directors Public Corporations

Senate File 353<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=SF353> an Act relating to vaccine administration by licensed pharmacist

Senate File 188<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=SF188> an Act relating to an application for the immediate return of seized property

Senate File 187<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=SF187> an Act relating to the transmission of court records by the clerk of the district court to the clerk of the Supreme Court in an appeal

Senate File 181<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&ga=85&hbill=SF181> an Act relating to the matters under the purview of the banking division of the Department of Commerce

Senate File 145<http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&hbill=SF145> an Act relating to the confidentiality of information filed with the court for the purpose of securing an arrest warrant


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Des Moines, March 28, 2013 –The Iowa Supreme Court has appointed District Judge Marlita A. Greve, Bettendorf, as Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial District. Judge Greve succeeds Judge Bobbi Alpers who will retire April 4, 2013.

"Judge Greve is well respected by both attorneys and her fellow judges in the Seventh District," Chief Justice Mark Cady said. "She has shown a strong commitment to our legal system and our profession. Her experience in business management will complement her excellent legal background."

Judge Greve was appointed to the bench in 2006. She received her undergraduate degree from Upper Iowa University Magna Cum Laude and her law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law with High Distinction. After graduating from law school in 1992, Judge Greve practiced as a trial lawyer in the areas of employment law, civil rights, personal injury and general civil litigation. Judge Greve is a member of the Scott County Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association, the Iowa Judges Association and Dillon Inns of Court. She is married and has a daughter.

"It is an honor to be selected as Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial District," Judge Greve said. "I am pleased, eager and excited to carry on the work of Chief Judge Alpers and those before her. I am so privileged to have such hardworking and dedicated judicial officers and staff. Our goal is to continue to promote our judicial branch to our citizens and to continue to serve their needs as efficiently, promptly and respectfully as we can."

As chief judge, Judge Greve will supervise all judicial officers and court employees in the district, supervise the performance of administrative and judicial business in the district, set the times and places of holding court, designate presiding judges, and serve on the judicial council, which advises the supreme court on administrative matters affecting the trial courts. In addition, she will continue to preside over cases.

The Seventh Judicial District is located in eastern Iowa and comprises five counties: Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine, and Scott. The district has twelve district judges, five district associate judges, four senior judges, fifteen part-time magistrates, and 166 employees, with an operating budget for the current fiscal year of approximately $14 million. A total of 85,614 cases were filed in the Seventh Judicial District last year.

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2013

Strategic State Investment Will Create 35 New Jobs at Cortina Tool & Molding

FRANKLIN PARK - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that 35 new jobs will be created at Cortina Tool and Molding Company thanks to a state initiative that will give the company access to capital to grow and expand. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda of creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"Illinois is proud to be home to many strong businesses like Cortina who are helping revitalize our state's manufacturing sector," Governor Quinn said. "This investment is a win for Cortina, a win for Franklin Park and a win for Illinois' economy. We want to do all we can to make sure businesses know about the many ways our state can help them prosper and grow."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is providing Cortina with access to capital through the Advantage Illinois Participation Loan Program (PLP), a federally-funded program that allows small businesses to obtain medium- to long-term financing to expand their businesses.

Cortina is receiving a loan to put toward the acquisition of Kimberly Clark's Workzone Products. DCEO is providing half the capital and American Charter Bank is providing the other half. Cortina will acquire that company's manufacturing equipment and inventory, located in Michigan and Canada, and relocate it to its Franklin Park facility. The move is expected to create 35 jobs over two years.

The acquisition will help Cortina expand its offerings as a specialized plastic injection molder. The company, founded in 1969 in Chicago, makes products such as warning barricades, traffic cones, work lights and reflectors that strengthen the safety of drivers, road construction workers and pedestrians throughout the country, as well as other consumer and industrial products materials like vehicular lenses and housings, promotional and marketing products and display stands.

"The state of Illinois is a committed partner in the advancement of small business," DCEO Director Adam Pollet said. "Approximately three out of every four workers in Illinois is employed by a small business. By helping them gain access to capital to expand, we help our state prosper and create more jobs."

At today's event, Governor Quinn also recognized San Francisco-based Digital Realty Trust for recently investing $28 million in a new data center in Franklin Park. The company's 575,000-square-foot office and industrial complex will help serve its growing client base of businesses needing data storage and cloud computing services. The company has created 50 new jobs this year and additional improvements to the site will create up to 100 new jobs. It chose Franklin Park due to its proximity to transportation like O'Hare and access to fiber-optic cables.

At Governor Quinn's direction, the state of Illinois has identified, recruited and supported companies with the potential to bring jobs and economic growth to Illinois. For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit www.illinoisbiz.biz.

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PORT BYRON, IL - Legislation co-sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) to increase restrictions on protests at military funerals passed the House last week.

"Hateful political protests that harass and insult the loved ones of fallen soldiers are despicable and misguided," said Smiddy. "When our men and women in uniform give the ultimate sacrifice, we have a responsibility to lay them to rest with the respect and dignity they deserve. Unfortunately, some individuals abuse military funeral services as an opportunity to make a provocative political statement and draw attention to themselves, and I want to make sure that military families have a buffer to protect them from these hateful actions."

Currently, military funerals are protected within a 300 feet buffer zone from the funeral site's entrance and exit points. Smiddy's House Bill 2916 follows the line set by other states and extends this buffer zone to 1,000 feet. The legislation also extends the time frame when protests cannot be held to one hour before and one hour after the service.

"This bill will help to guarantee that military families can say their last goodbyes in peace and ensure our fallen soldiers are laid to rest without any disrespectful distractions," Smiddy said. "With these stronger protections in place, we can better honor their sacrifices, their lives, and the friends, families, and promising futures they leave behind."

House Bill 2916 is under consideration by the Senate. For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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BBBS Plant Sale

Description: Since 1990, the BBBS Plant Sale has been an important community event to raise the dollars necessary to support one-to-one mentoring programs in the local community.  With over 150 varieties plus specialty items to choose from, the Plant Sale is a great opportunity for homeowners and businesses to purchase beautiful flowers and plants for their spring landscaping projects and support a great cause.  Flowers are sold in flats and half flats with hanging baskets, wave/easy wave petunias and geraniums sold individually. Group orders are welcome and all orders of $150-plus are eligible for FREE delivery.  To learn more, please visit www.bbbs-mv.org and click on the blue Plant Sale box.  Questions, please contact Kayla Kiesey at BBBS at 563-323-8006.

Retail Sales:

Retail sale dates:   May 4 - 12, 2013

Retail times:  8 a.m. - 7 p.m. each day

Retail location:  Northwest Bank & Trust Tower, corner of Kimberly and Welcome Way (outside of Northpark Mall)

Pre-order Sales:

To guarantee selection and color, BBBS is accepting pre-orders from now until Mon., April 22.  To download a brochure or submit an order online, please go to www.bbbs-mv.org and click on the blue Plant Sale box.

DES MOINES, IA - Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced their endorsement of Bruce Braley for Senate today.

Miller and Fitzgerald are the first statewide elected officials in Iowa to announce their endorsement of Braley.  Braley announced last month that he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.

Miller said, "Bruce Braley fights for Iowa, plain and simple.   From championing policies that have helped countless Iowa veterans to working to prevent student loan rate increases from hurting Iowa students, Bruce has never forgotten where he's come from.  He'll be even more effective in the US Senate, and I'm proud to endorse him today."

Fitzgerald said, "In a Washington defined by fiscal irresponsibility and recklessness, Bruce Braley has been a breath of fresh air, working across party lines to save taxpayers money and strengthen the middle class.  We need leaders in Congress who will stand up for policies that tackle our nation's growing debt and use taxpayer money more wisely.  Bruce Braley will stand up for common sense in the Senate, and that's why I'm proud to endorse him today."

Braley said, "When I was growing up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and someone had a problem, they didn't ask what party you belonged to.  They asked for your help and they got it.  I'm running for Senate to be an effective voice for Iowans of all backgrounds, and I'm thrilled to have Attorney General Miller and Treasurer Fitzgerald's endorsement today."

In 2007, Miller and Fitzgerald endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama for president just one day after Obama made his candidacy official.

Braley has received a flood of endorsements in recent weeks.  Last month, Rep. Dave Loebsack and former Rep. Leonard Boswell endorsed Braley.  Additionally, eight major labor organizations have endorsed Braley, including the Iowa State Association of Letter Carriers, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3 Iowa Union, UAW Region 4, SEIU Iowa - Local 199, AFSCME Iowa Council 61, the Iowa State Council of Machinists, and the Great Plains Laborers' District Council.

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