29 Mar 2013

Audubon County Men Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Conspriacy to Manufacture Marijuana

By Val Quast

DES MOINES, IA - On March 26, 2013, Paul Joseph Irlmeier, age 44, and co-defendant, Randy Frank Irlmeier, age 63, both from rural Audubon County, Iowa, were sentenced to 60 months imprisonment for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana. In addition, the Court ordered Randy Frank Irlmeier to forfeit $400,000 and Paul Joseph Irlmeier to forfeit $104,503 for their roles in the conspiracy.

As part of their guilty pleas, the Irlmeiers admitted to conspiring to grow, harvest and distribute marijuana at their respective rural Audubon County residences between approximately 2005 and October 27, 2010. On October 27, 2010, law enforcement located evidence of a sizable marijuana growing operation, including a large quantity of mature marijuana plants at Randy Irlmeier's residence. Both defendants admitted responsibility for at least 100 marijuana plants during the conspiracy.

The investigation was conducted by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Audubon County Sheriff's Office, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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29 Mar 2013

Governor Quinn Statement on Passing of Illinois State Trooper James Sauter

By Erin Wilson

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the crash last night that claimed the life of Illinois State Police Trooper James Sauter.

"Today the entire state of Illinois mourns the loss of Trooper James Sauter, who worked tirelessly to protect the people of our state. Illinois is a safer and better place thanks to his bravery and commitment to public safety.

"Trooper Sauter's untimely passing is a tragic reminder of the dangers our sworn officers face every day in the line of duty.

"I send my condolences to the family and friends of Trooper James Sauter. They are in our thoughts and prayers during these most difficult of times."

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29 Mar 2013

REP. SMIDDY-SPONSORED BILL TO PREVENT CHILD SEX OFFENDERS FROM ESCAPING PROSECUTION WINS HOUSE APPROVAL

By Rep. Mike Smiddy

PORT BYRON, IL - A measure co-sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) to prevent child sex offenders from escaping prosecution won the approval of the Illinois House last week, in time for the recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness month in April.

"People who commit these terrible crimes against children should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law - not allowed to slide by because a few years have passed," said Smiddy. "This is especially important when you consider how many child victims are scared to report the crimes, unsure if a crime has occurred, or simply afraid to report someone they know and should trust. This legislation gives child victims of the worst kind of sexual crimes the ability to seek justice when they are ready to face their abuser."

In general, current law requires crimes to be prosecuted within three years for felony charges and within 1.5 years for misdemeanor charges, although some extensions already exist for sex crimes against minors. House Bill 1063 would eliminate the statute of limitations for certain sex crimes committed against a minor, including criminal sexual assault, aggravated sexual abuse, and predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.

"We are committed to ending the suffering of sexual assault victims and holding sex offenders accountable for their crimes," said Lyn Schollett, general counsel for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. "Children who have been victimized by sexual violence experience unimaginable trauma. Sex offenders often prevent child victims from reporting the crime by blaming or threatening the child. This bill will ensure that when a survivor of childhood sexual abuse is safe enough to report the crime, prosecutors can stand ready to charge the offender."

House Bill 1063 will move to the Senate for consideration. For more information, contact Smiddy's constituent services office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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29 Mar 2013

ISU Scott County Extension Calendar of Events

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office

Apr. 9, 2013: Plants for Problem Areas, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00-9:00 pm

Apr. 23, 2013: ISU Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

May 4, 2013: Dig to Donate Plant Sale, Scott County Extension Office 9:00 am-1:00 pm

May 28, 2013: ISU Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

Visit our events calendar at our web site: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

29 Mar 2013

Exclusive UCI Video Exposes the Turkish "Flotilla of Horrors

By Unity Coalition for Israel

The Unity Coalition for Israel (UCI) has re-issued a video that was uploaded days after the May 31, 2010 Turkish Flotilla incident just off the coast of Gaza. The video (linked below) is relevant to the March 22, 2013 apology given to Turkey by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

- click to view the video -

As it is made abundantly clear in our video, the Israelis did everything they could to avoid an incident and the well-prepared terrorists aboard the Mavi Marmara did all they could to provoke a fight. This leads UCI to ask the question, "who should be apologizing to whom?"

Amidst an atrocious distortion of facts in which Turkey is demanding $9 million in reparations for the deaths of terrorists aboard the Mavi Marmara, UCI reminds us of the vicious attacks on board the IHH-sponsored vessel (The IHH, Insani Yardim Vakfi, is a Turkish Government-subsidized NGO).

The revealing video report was first released by UCI 4 days after the Mavi Marmara incident. Today's re-release provides a sober reminder of the chilling events. After being attacked at sea and with no other recourse, the Israelis were clearly defending their very lives. At least 50 trained, military-style terrorists were intent on either killing or being killed as martyrs. The stage was set by the terrorists for the Mavi Marmara to become a "ship of horrors."

The Mavi Marmara, the lead ship of 6, ambushed the Israeli Navy that was seeking to peacefully re-route the May 31, 2010 flotilla from its destination to Gaza. The fact that the IHH hid many weapons on board amidst relief supplies and used unarmed civilian passengers as human shields should be considered war crimes.

The video speaks for itself. It clearly shows, as Israeli commandos landed on the ship's deck, they were beaten by men wielding pipes, knives and other weapons. Israeli officials say the initial plan was to use paintball guns to gain control of the ship and handguns for use only if their lives were threatened.

On May 28, 2010, just before the flotilla entered Israeli waters, an Al-Aqsa TV broadcast featured Dr. Abd Al-Fatah Nu'man, a Gaza-based Yemeni professor of Islamic law who stated, "The commander of the (flotilla) fleet said: 'We will not allow the Zionists to come near us, and we will wage resistance against them.' With what will they wage resistance? With their fingernails. These are people who wish to be martyred for the sake of Allah. As much as they want to reach Gaza, the other option (martyrdom) is more desirable to them."

In fact the Mavi Marmara passengers were recorded chanting, "Khaibar, Khaibar ya Yahud Jaysh Muhammed Safayood" ("...Oh Jews! The army of Muhammad will return!"), a taunt threatening a massacre of Jews. The message was clear. The "other option," martyrdom, was the goal of the flotilla.

UCI hopes Israeli leadership will use the abundant video evidence proving their innocence and heed Winston Churchill's words: "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last."

Exclusive UCI Video Exposes the Turkish "Flotilla of Horrors" - click to view the video.

29 Mar 2013

Simon to recognize women leading in business, advocacy

By Kara Beach

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will open the Women Business Owners Symposium at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) on Friday. The Symposium brings together more than 1,100 women business owners and innovators to network and develop strategies to continue growing their businesses.

Later Friday afternoon, Simon will honor students, staff and faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Women's Resource Center for their work in promoting social justice, equality and empowerment of girls. Among other initiatives, the Center promotes domestic violence awareness on campus and hosts workshops on women's health topics. The Center marked its fourth anniversary on campus in February.

"I was fortunate to have a strong female role model in my mother, a lawyer and legislator back when few women were either one," said Simon, a former prosecutor who handled domestic violence cases, among others. "The women I'm talking with tomorrow are leading by example - running their own businesses, working to end domestic violence and fighting for equality. Our state will be a better place if we continue to empower young women to be our future leaders."

Friday, March 29

EVENT: Women Business Owners Symposium

TIME: 1 p.m.

PLACE: UIC Forum, 701 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago

EVENT: Women's Resource Center Awards Ceremony

TIME: 5 p.m.

PLACE: Alice Campbell Alumni Center, 601 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana

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29 Mar 2013

This Week in Downtown Davenport Mar 28- Apr 3

By QC Chamber

Hello!

It's Easter and that means eggs, baskets, bunnies...and brunch! Head to Hotel Blackhawk's Easter Brunch featuring carving stations and food galore or make your way to the Figge Art Museum's Easter Brunch. Use your Figge brunch receipt for free admission to the museum plus get a 10% discount in the store. Rhythm City has an Easter Easter Brunch too featuring live entertainment and an upscale holiday menu with traditional favorites.

With two gold albums already under his belt, Justin Moore makes his way to perform at the Adler Theater tonight for his Outlaws Like Me Tour. Come hear how his latest single Till My Last Day hit number one on both Mediabase and Billboard country music charts. With special guest Dustin Lynch, this is sure to be a great show.

http://www.rivermusicexperience.org/Upcoming-Events/Calendar-of-Events/MarchFourth-Marching-Band.aspx

Enjoy a swirling volcano of high-energy music propelled by electric bass, diverse percussion, and a big horn section when the incredible MarchFourth Marching Band returns to River Music Experience on Wednesday! Let the band's acrobatic stilt walkers, hula hoops, and more inspire some of your own dance moves! Until then, head out tomorrow for a show full of general hysteria with Gypsy Lumberjacks.

Treat your taste buds to a little something extra tonight during Bix Bistro's 5 Course Wine Dinner. Enjoy fine Italian wine paired with contemporary American and Italian cuisine. Tomorrow, enjoy a plated meal, drinks, and a mystery show at Rhythm City Casino during their Mystery Dinner Theater!

After teaming up with the producer for the Fray and Colbie Caillat, Tim Stop is heading back to RME to show his talent as a vocalist, guitarist, pianist and songwriter on Saturday. Tonight, don't miss the folk rock and pop group, The Ragbirds, who USA Today hailed as "Highly impressive!" Tomorrow, be sure to check out Jason Carl & the Whole D Band for their CD release show.

It's Davenport's time to shine at the Young Artists at the Figge Exhibit! Peruse incredible artwork all created by elementary students in Davenport. While you're at it, check out tonight's Thursdays at the Figge: PechaKucha Night. This fun, informal event allows community members to share ideas and interests ranging from recent travels to favorite hobbies.

See you downtown!

This Week's Events: March 28 - April 3

Thursday, March 28

5 Course Wine Dinner

Where: Blackhawk Hotel, Bix Bistro

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Price: $60/person

Search form

Exclusive UCI Video Exposes the Turkish "Flotilla of Horrors" - click to view the video.

Registration ends April 26th

MAY 8-10 2013

PLAYHOUSE SQUARE, Cleveland, OH

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

JEANINE TESORI

Composer, Keynote Speaker

MASTER CLASSES

ROSEMARY MYERS

Artistic Director, Windmill Theatre, Australia

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