Rock Island -- Christian Care invites the general public to test its trivia knowledge at the 3rd Annual Trivia Night fundraiser on Friday, March 22, at The Rock, located at 302 First Street in Coal Valley, Illinois. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and competition begins at 7:00 p.m.

The top two teams will receive a cash prize. Mulligans will be available for purchase to augment scores. Competitors and spectators can participate in both a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Food and beverages will be available for sale and players may also bring their own snacks.

Proceeds will help Christian Care continue to provide much-needed services for homeless men and abused women and children, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The organization also provides a 24-hour crisis hotline and a community meal site that serves meals 19 times a week, every week of the year, for anyone who's hungry.

Pre-registration for Christian Care's Trivia Night is strongly encouraged and seating is limited. A table team of up to eight players may register for $80; individuals may register for $10 a person. To register or for more information, please contact Mary Maland at (309) 792-4102 or email her at cc.mary10@gmail.com.

WASHINGTON–Following the National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting, the Council of Governors (CoG) finalized a consultative process with the Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain an ongoing dialogue that will ensure governors' priorities are better incorporated into the budget process in future years.

"This is a remarkable achievement for all of us. NGA and the Council have worked tirelessly on this issue for several months, and this resolution allows all governors to be a part of the process," said CoG co-chair Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. "As commanders-in-chief of the National Guard, it is critical that our voices are heard as part of this process. This agreement will help us avoid future unannounced spending changes that affect the safety and security of our citizens."

Similar to what governors and DoD were able to achieve on the Dual Status Command agreement to coordinate state and federal military forces during an emergency, this budget consultative process is part of on-going collective efforts to improve how states and DoD work together.

"Improving collaboration and communication with the states and the U.S. Department of Defense is a significant step forward," said CoG co-chair Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. "This agreement on the budget consultative process will help us foster an on-going dialogue so that working together, we can build a more resilient nation."

The agreement:

• Sets the expectation that all governors and their adjutants general will have the opportunity to discuss budget and programming issues or proposals affecting the National Guard in advance of their formal submission or implementation;

• Establishes a requirements gathering process that will help ensure the National Guard is treated more equally in DoD's budget process; and

• Ensures that the CoG will receive regular updates on strategic budget matters affecting the National Guard and have the opportunity to discuss them before they are finalized or implemented.

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ABOUT THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS

The Council of Governors (CoG) consists of 10 governors appointed by the President to focus on matters pertaining to the National Guard, homeland defense, synchronization and integration of State and Federal military activities in the United States and other matters of mutual interest pertaining to the National Guard. CoG governors include : Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer; Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy; Delaware Gov. Jack Markell; Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie; Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, co-chair; Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, co-chair; Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon; Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval; Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell; and Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead.

In addition to the 10 council members, charter federal participants include the secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, the President's homeland security and counterterrorism advisor, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, the commandant of the Coast Guard and the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s, most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.

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Clinton, IA (February 26, 2013) - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton, a non-profit agency providing one-to-one youth service mentoring since 1982, welcomes Kellie Hillis as their new Executive Director.

"We are excited to have Kellie join us," said Michael Vopatek, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton Board President.  "Her experience and expertise in event planning, fundraising and social media will help us expand our programs."

Kellie's resume includes over 12 years of event organization, administration, communications and marketing experience.  She also brings with her a knowledge of social marketing.   Prior to this appointment she was an entertainment and marketing technologies manager for Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, developing and implementing social media branding campaigns, planning and organizing entertainment & events and creating revenue enhancing programs.  Kellie has also served as a board member of local nonprofit organizations.

"I look forward to using my knowledge and expertise to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton grow," remarks Kellie.  "Their programs provide a much needed service that gives area children the opportunity to succeed socially and academically."

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton makes a difference in the lives of children and youth and empowers them to realize their highest potential by providing professionally guided one-to-one relationships with caring adults.  Through mentoring, we positively impact individuals, families, schools and communities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, including educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships.  Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children ("Littles") with screened volunteer mentors ("Bigs") and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches in building safe, enduring relationships.  With about 350 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves nearly 630,000 children, volunteers and families. Learn how you can positively impact a child's life, donate or volunteer or join a BFKS event near you at BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

SPRINGFIELD - February 26, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon thanked the House Executive Committee today for passing marriage equality legislation in a 6-5 vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), would provide equal marriage rights to all people throughout Illinois.

"Today's vote puts Illinois on the verge of making history, becoming a state that treats all people and relationships equally," Lt. Governor Simon said. "Now is the time for Illinois to become the 10th state in the nation to recognize and protect the rights of all loving couples and their families. I have been a longtime supporter of marriage equality and have worked closely with Sen. Steans, Rep. Harris and members of the House and Senate to send this bill to the Governor and put Illinois on the right side of history."

Senate Bill 10, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), passed out of the Senate Feb. 14 and now moves to the full House for consideration. If passed by the House, the bill would head to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.