12 Feb 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Clean Water Project to Create 2,000 Jobs and Protect Environment

By Erin Wilson

Illinois Clean Water Initiative Will Invest $250 Million to Update Wastewater Treatment, Reduce Flooding and Clean Up Chicago Area Waterways

CHICAGO - February 11, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today awarded a $250 million low-interest loan to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to move forward with crucial projects to update the region's water infrastructure, clean up area rivers and improve public health. Financed through the governor's Illinois Clean Water Initiative (ICWI), the projects will create 2,000 construction-related jobs and support an additional 8,000 jobs in local communities.

In October 2012, Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Clean Water Initiative to help local governments overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and pipelines. The Illinois Clean Water Initiative, which does not use any new state tax dollars, will create an estimated 28,500 jobs across Illinois.

"Today we are taking a big step forward to clean up Chicago area waterways and create thousands of good jobs," Governor Quinn said. "We are committed to making Illinois a national leader in clean water, which will lay the foundation for a stronger economy for generations to come."

Governor Quinn was joined for today's announcement at the MWRD's Calumet pumping station by MWRD Board President Kathleen Therese Meany, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director John Kim, Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) Executive Director Chris Meister, and local labor leaders.

Among the first projects to be financed through the ICWI is a major upgrade to an MWRD pumping station that is part of the multi-billion dollar Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). The ICWI will finance disinfection equipment to treat out-flowing water at the MWRD's Calumet facility and O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie. The ICWI will provide financing for other projects to prevent flooding and reduce pollution using sustainable management technology to capture phosphorus and nitrogen.

"The nutrient removal projects are aimed at resource recovery with a return on investment for our taxpayers," MWRD Board President Kathleen Therese Meany said. "These processes are on the cutting edge of treatment technology and will transform the wastewater industry into a resource recovery enterprise."

The Calumet MWRD facility was constructed in 1985 as part of TARP to pump combined sewer overflows captured in the deep tunnel system into a main for transfer and treatment. About $35 million in low-interest ICWI financing will be used to reconstruct two pump rooms, each with a capacity of 150 million gallons per day, using state-of-the-art pumping equipment to divert storm water and combined sewer overflows for treatment rather than allow it to go directly into waterways.

"Illinois EPA has had a long working relationship with the MWRD, including previously administering $465 million in low-interest loans for TARP," IEPA Director John Kim said. "Governor Quinn's Clean Water Initiative will accelerate these continued MWRD improvements that will result in great returns for the environment and economy of Northeast Illinois."

"We're putting thousands of unionized building trades workers back to work, cutting the cost to local governments of financing clean water projects and ensuring safe drinking water for consumers, IFA Executive Director Chris Meister said. "It's win-win-win."

MWRD projects will put to work thousands of tradesmen, including Carpenters, Cement Masons, Electricians, Iron Workers, Laborers, Machinists, Material Testers, plumbers, Pipefitters, Operating Engineers, Painters and Truck Drivers.

"The jobs created by the Clean Water Initiative are good-paying jobs, since a prevailing wage requirement is part of each project," James F. Coyne, business manager of Plumbers Local 130 said. "For our region to thrive we need a modern, well-built water infrastructure, and this partnership will help MWRD achieve that."

The MWRD operates one of the world's largest wastewater collection and treatment systems, handling sewage for more than 5.25 million residents, thousands of businesses and industries in Chicago and 125 suburban communities spread across 883 square miles. The MWRD has 554 miles of intercepting sewers and force mains and more than 10,000 local sewer system connections, as well as seven treatment plants and 23 pumping stations able to treat more than two billion gallons per day.

Governor Quinn proposed the ICWI in his 2012 State of the State Address, and directed the IEPA and IFA to expand the State Revolving Fund from $300 million to $1 billion annually. The Initiative is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used. Needed equity is provided by the existing loan portfolio and future federal capitalization dollars.

Governor Quinn has already awarded $4.8 million to Pekin, Illinois to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility and $15 million to Chicago to replace seven miles of drinking water pipes, some of which are a century old. Since 1989, IEPA has lent $4.3 billion to 472 communities; there has never been a single defaulted loan during the program's history.

Future MWRD projects that will be financed with CWI low-interest loans include :

? $117 million for disinfection facilities at the Calumet and O'Brien Water Reclamation Plants to meet proposed fecal coliform standards. Chlorination will be used at the Calumet plant to kill bacteria before wastewater is released into the Little Calumet River. Ultraviolet lamps will be used for disinfection at the O'Brien plant to kill bacteria before wastewater is released into the North Shore Channel just north of the Chicago River. The deal will allow the O'Brien project to proceed a year sooner than anticipated.

? $30 million for a Wet Weather Treatment Facility at the Lemont Water Reclamation Plant to better manage storm water.

? $18 million for replacement of the O'Brien Sludge Pipeline, an 18-mile pipe which carries sludge from the O'Brien facility in Skokie to the Stickney facility for treatment and disposal. Built in the 1960s, it has developed a number of breaks resulting in sludge leakage. This project will replace pipeline in Skokie, Lincolnwood and Chicago, with construction expected this summer.

? $15 million for a phosphorus recovery system at the Stickney Water Reclamation plant, with the loan allowing MWRD to push ahead with this sustainable resource management project a year ahead of schedule. It will recover phosphorus that would otherwise be discharged into waterways and convert it into a form that can be sold to the fertilizer industry, offsetting treatment costs and avoiding the environmental impact of rock mining this product.

? $10.6 million for rehabilitation of the 95-year old Des Plaines River Interceptor Sewer 1 that serves the Villages of Westchester, Broadview, Bellwood, Berkeley, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, River Forest and Forest Park. The aging sewer has cracks and infiltration that will be sealed with a new sewer liner.

? $10 million for a state-of-the-art advanced biological process at the Egan Wastewater Reclamation Plant in Schaumburg to remove nitrogen from pollutants while cutting energy usage by 40 percent to treat this flow.

? $9.1 million to rehabilitate mechanical and electrical components of the TARP tunnel systems to improve safety, prevent flooding and maintain functionality for another 30 years.

? $5.6 million to reduce nuisance odors from the corroded Upper Des Plaines Intercepting Sewer. Construction is expected in June.

To learn more about the Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov.

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12 Feb 2013

Author to sign debut novel

By Nicholas Depew
DAVENPORT (February 11, 2013 ) ? Author Joan Mauch will be signing copies of her debut novel, HALIFAX (Whiskey Creek Press, 2013) from 11-2:00 on Saturday, March 2 at The Book Rack's Davenport store 4764 Elmore Ave. (across from Best Buy) and on the following Saturday, March 9 at the store's Moline location, 3937 41 Ave.
In her novel, author Joan Mauch spins the chilling tale of a woman who kills a man in self-defense only to discover she enjoyed it and now fears she may be turning into a serial killer. In a review of the book, Michael Romkey, author of I, VAMPIRE and nine other novels writes:
"Eleanor Hurley is a woman leading a life of quiet desperation when a single moment of violence changes everything. Eleanor kills a homicidal man to save a group of children. This lethal act releases Eleanor from her former existence, yet her freedom comes with a price. Eleanor is not repulsed by her capacity for violence, but rather exhilarated by her unsuspected power to take a life. Frightened at the darkness within, Eleanor flees, but cannot run away from herself, or from the troubles that lie ahead in Halifax. Author Joan Mauch delves into the psychology of the average person and discovers that what lies beneath the surface is something complex, disturbing and altogether unexpected."
Reader Diane W.of Spokane, Wash., calls the plot amazingly topical. "Violence, bullying, murder, psychopaths/sociopaths are in the headlines and in HALIFAX as well." Referring to the main character, Eleanor Hurley, she writes: "She is a most interesting character. ...not worldly-wise at all, a sort of lamb. I recognize parts of myself in Ellie. I think most people will."
Michael McCarty, author of over 30 books including the recently released CONVERSATIONS WITH KRESKIN says HALIFAX is "a sojourn of discovery spanning two countries from sunny Florida to eastern Canada. Joan Mauch begins her novel-writing career with such an impressive piece of work. Highly, highly recommended."
Chicago playwright Richard James Zieman writes, "What is keeping me turning the page is the writing. It comforts my senses like a boat floating in perfect rhythm on genteel waves. I am on page 24 and still want to read more because for me, the story has struck a chord. I love psychological thrillers. I like her (Eleanor Hurley), have empathy for her and already find myself rooting for her."
A native of Illinois, Joan has lived in Washington state, Oregon and Chicago over the course of her life, variously working as a teacher, public aid caseworker, head of a nonprofit housing development corporation, real estate sales agent, public relations executive and vice president of marketing for a national association. Nine years ago Ms. Mauch, a native of the Quad-Cities, relocated from Chicago to Davenport where she divides her time between proofreading at a local newspaper and novel writing. Joan holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master's degree in urban studies.
HALIFAX may be purchased as an e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Whiskey Creek's website: whiskeycreekpress.com. Buy the paperback at The Book Rack or order it through Ms. Mauch's website at: www.joanmauch.com.
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12 Feb 2013

Gov. Branstad to speak, sign proclamation celebrating February as Black History Month Thursday

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad will speak and sign a proclamation celebrating February as Black History Month in Iowa at a ceremony Thursday, February 14, 2013, at noon.

The following event is open to the public:

Thursday, February 14, 2013 

Noon Gov. Branstad signs a proclamation celebrating February as Black History Month in Iowa

State Capitol

1st Floor Rotunda

Des Moines, IA

 

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12 Feb 2013

Local Students Named to Dean's List at Cornell College

By readMedia

MOUNT VERNON, IA (02/11/2013)(readMedia)-- Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, named 254 students to the Dean's List for the fall semester. The following students in your area were named to the list.

Stephanie Campbell of Bettendorf, earned Honors.

Rachel Henning of De Witt, earned High Honors.

Erin McDonnell of De Witt, earned Highest Honors.

Leanna Doyle of Davenport, earned High Honors.

A grade point average of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale is required for this designation. "Highest honors" are granted to students with 4.0 averages; "high honors" are awarded to students with 3.8 to 3.99 averages; and "honors" include grade point averages of 3.6 to 3.79.

One of the 40 "Colleges That Change Lives," Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time (OCAAT) academic calendar. The OCAAT schedule provides students with intellectual immersion, academic focus, and unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship-all without missing out on other classes. Founded in 1853, the college's entire hilltop campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information, visit www.cornellcollege.edu.

12 Feb 2013

Local Business Jammed with Cheesy Valentine's Orders

By Rick Martin

Since Valentine's Day falls on Thursday, a school night, local businesses that cater to the family are especially feeling the love this year.  Papa Murphy's, (the fifth largest pizza chain in the nation) is swamped with cheesy Valentine's orders for their HeartBaker™ - a pizza in the form of a heart. In fact, V-Day is a heart stopper for sure - one of the busiest pizza days of the year!  We'd love to have you come out to a Papa Murphy's in our area this week to show how we make the HeartBaker™ - a perfect gift for the entire family!

You could cover this as part of a bigger story on how local businesses are swamped with V-Day orders - (businesses like Papa Murphy's, florists, card shops, candy stores, jewelry shops).

Papa Murphy's Difference:

Papa Murphy's is so successful on Valentine's Day because the company capitalizes on the new trend of staying home with the family on Valentine's Day - especially when it falls on a school night.  In a recent survey, 90% of women with children say they're happy to  spend V-Day at home with the kids.  62% say the high prices and big crowds deter them from going out on Valentine's Day. At Papa Murphy's, you pick your own fresh ingredients and take the HeartBaker™ home to bake in your own oven - vs. - going out or waiting for the pizza boy with a cold delivery. Papa Murphy's brings families together through food, people and love. 

CUPID WANTS YOUR DOUGH (Crazy Facts about Valentine's Day Spending)

Did you know On Valentine's Day  -

• Spending is expected to reach more than $17 billion nationwide
• 141 million cards are exchanged worldwide - (second to only Christmas in card sales)
• The average consumer will spend $126
• Men spend double what women spend - $168 compared to $85
• 85% of women prefer quality time with their significant other instead of a gift
• 52% of women say they feel guilty if their significant other spends too much on a V- Day gift
• Half of women say they would end the relationship if their significant other forgot V-Day
• 198 million roses bought on V-Day  (mostly red)
• Folks will spend $1.7 billion on followers - 73% bought by men, 27% by women
• 8 billion candy hearts will be produced - enough to be laid out from Rome, Italy to Valentine, Arizona - 20 times and back again
• 11% of Americans will get engaged on V-Day

So don't be a heart breaker!! Come out and show how we make the HEARTBAKER! I've enclosed a press release with OTHER heart-shaped VALENTINE'S gift ideas and would love to help you tell this story.

12 Feb 2013

Liberty Iowa Backs Shaw Bills

By Joel Kurtinitis

PAC-endorsed legislators lead the charge on Personhood, 2nd Amendment

Des Moines, Iowa - State Representatives endorsed by the Liberty Iowa PAC have introduced new legislation protecting the right to life and reinforcing gun rights in the state.  A bill introduced by Rep. Tom Shaw (R - Laurens) would define personhood to include all life from the moment of conception, and would make abortion at any stage a crime in the state of Iowa. 

While the proposed legislation has angered many on the left, Shaw says that his bill will provide equal protection for every person as guaranteed under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the US Constitution.
"For far too long in this nation, we have been murdering innocent persons without due process of law," said Shaw.  "Any elected official who will not protect your inalienable right to life, will not defend your other rights." 

Shaw also introduced two bills expanding gun rights in the state:  HF169 would allow those already possessing carry permits in the state to carry concealed weapons on school property, HF170 would limit the jurisdiction of federal agents seeking to impose federal gun control measures on the state.  Both gun bills were co-sponsored by Reps. Jason Schultz of Schleswig and Jake Highfill of Johnston- whom LIPAC endorsed in their House races last year.

Adil Khan, Executive Director of Liberty Iowa, says that the new legislation showcases the priorities of the Liberty Movement in Iowa.  "These bills showcase the kind of courageous, principled leadership that has come to define the Liberty Movement," Khan said. 
"Liberty Iowa stands with Rep. Shaw completely in his efforts to protect the Constitutional rights of all Iowans.  We will work tirelessly to make sure that this important legislation garners the support it needs to pass both the house and the senate."

With the PAC quickly approaching its one-year anniversary, Khan sees this bold legislation as an opportunity to identify representatives that will take strong stands for the rights of average Iowans."These issues are important to Iowans across the political spectrum, and we will ensure that the votes cast on these bills will not be forgotten by voters in the 2014 elections."  

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12 Feb 2013

Governor Quinn Names Miguel del Valle to Illinois Commerce Commission

By Ryan C. Woods

Lifelong Public Advocate to Help Protect Illinois Consumers; 

New Leaders Named at Illinois Schools for the Deaf and Visually Impaired

CHICAGO - February 8, 2013. Following an announcement made in his recent State of the State address, Governor Pat Quinn today appointed lifelong public advocate Miguel del Valle to the Illinois Commerce Commission. The governor also announced the appointment of Janice Smith-Warshaw as superintendent of the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) and Serena Preston as superintendent of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI). Today's appointments continue the governor's commitment to making state government more accountable, transparent and effective.

"Miguel del Valle has devoted his life to serving others across Illinois, and he will be a strong voice for consumers on the Illinois Commerce Commission," Governor Pat Quinn said. "The extensive experience Janice Smith-Warshaw and Serena Preston will bring to two of our most important schools will help ensure students at ISD and ISVI achieve their full potential."

Miguel del Valle previously served one term as City Clerk of Chicago and was the first Hispanic elected to the Illinois State Senate, where he represented his constituents for 20 years and held chairmanships of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the Senate Executive committee. He is the co-founder of the Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees and the Illinois Latino Advisory Council on Higher Education. Because of his work to improve education for all Illinois students, he was appointed by Governor Quinn to chair the Illinois P-20 Council in 2009. He holds a Master's degree in Education and Guidance from Northeastern University.

Janice Smith-Warshaw will become the first deaf superintendent of ISD since the school opened in 1839. She has served at the California School for the Deaf, Riverside since 2000, where she has risen from elementary teacher to principal and now as curriculum supervisor for the school, which serves students ages three to 21. She has also taught at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington D.C. and the Delaware School for the Deaf. She holds a Master's Degree in Deaf Education from McDaniel College and is a doctoral candidate in Leadership for Educational Justice at the University of Redlands.

Serena Preston, of Jacksonville, Illinois, has served as Acting Superintendent of ISVI since February, 2012, where she has overseen all school operations and been a strong voice for improving education for students with special needs. During the past 16 years, she has worked as ISVI as a vocational principal, behavior specialist and high school math teacher. She holds a Master's Degree in Special Education from Illinois State University and a Bachelor's degree in Learning Disability's and Social Emotional Disorders from MacMurray College in Jacksonville. She is an extensively licensed Illinois educator and is an active member of the community, serving as superintendent of the 4-H county fair show for 22 years, as well as vice chair of the Jacksonville Area Transition Planning Council.

For more information about Illinois' boards and commissions or to apply for a position, visit appointments.illinois.gov.    

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12 Feb 2013

Survey: New 2nd District Online Home

By Congressman Dave Loebsack
Dear Friend,

As your representative, my number one priority is making sure that your voice is heard.  Each week my office receives thousands of phone calls, letters and emails. In order to stay connected with you and provide timely information about what is happening in Congress, I invite you to head over to http://loebsack.house.gov and check out my completely redesigned website. All of the changes from top to bottom were made with you, the user, in mind.

After you take a look around, click here to let me know what you think by taking a short survey.

Right at the top, you will notice a "Connect" box, which allows you to find the contact information for my offices with one click.  You can also easily sign up for e-newsletters, or find my Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages. Right next to the Connect box, you will be able to see some of the issues I am working on.  Also highlighted there are various photos and videos. 

Below that you can find the latest news and access the various services my office provides.  Whether you are planning a trip to the nation's capital or need assistance with a government agency, the links to that information are highlighted in the "Services" box.

The redesigned online home for Iowa's Second Congressional District (http://loebsack.house.gov), provides a wealth of information in an easy to find manner.  It has also been optimized to load quickly on your mobile devices, so you can stay in touch while on the go.

Again, I would like to know what you think.  Click here to take a quick survey.

Thank you for placing your trust and confidence in me to be your voice.  I am committed to working for Iowans and hope you enjoy the newly redesigned website.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

P.S. - Remember to take the survey and feel free to forward this email to share with your family and friends!
12 Feb 2013

Meet a Mallards Player At Lego Club

By Rock Island Library

Quad City Mallards logoPlayers from the Quad City Mallards will be joining us for the regular Lego Club programs this month at our 30/31 and Southwest Branch. Join us and make something creative:

 

4:00 pm, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street, and

 

4:00 pm, Wednesday, Feb. 20, Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

 

Lego Club is free and is open to grades K through 6.

12 Feb 2013

Calling All Bakers!

By Rock Island Library
edible book Bake what you love by entering an edible book creation into our "Book Lovers Edible Book Contest."

 

Saturday, Feb. 16, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Main Library Community Room

401 19th Street

 

Earn a gift card to a cooking store by creating a tasty edible book baked good to be judged in one of three categories: Best Tasting, Most Elaborate and Best Looking. We need to know if we'll have entries, so please call 309-732-7330 by Feb. 13 to let us know that you plan to enter the contest. (Your item does not have to be ready until Feb. 16.)

 

Don't want to bake? We need judges! Baking is not required to attend the event. Come see the entries!

 

What is an edible book? The only requirements are that entries must be edible and must relate to a book in some fashion. For example, entries may look like a book or book cover, may refer to a character, or may play off a title or quote in a book.

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