03 Apr 2013

Unanimous, Bipartisan Vote Puts Iowans First Bill would level playing field for farmers to generate renewable energy

By Gregg Heide

As it heads to a possible vote in the full Iowa Senate, farmers and clean energy advocates in Iowa are touting the benefits of a farm-focused wind energy bill passed in a rare unanimous and bipartisan vote by the Iowa Senate Agriculture Committee (eight Democrats and five Republicans).

The measure, Senate File 372, would require utilities to pay Iowa farmers the same rate for electricity that they pay themselves for wind from their own assets. It establishes a "feed-in tariff" for distributed wind generation on agricultural land, changing current policy so that Iowa farmers can receive income for wind energy that they supply back to the grid.

"These senators should be applauded for putting Iowans first," said Gregg Heide of the Iowa Farmers Union. "This is a common-sense measure that protects our rural heritage and maximizes our renewable energy economy at the same time. We hope their colleagues in the Legislature show the same commitment to Iowa's farmers."

Federal law requires utilities to connect small renewable generation facilities to the grid. Iowa, however, does not require utilities to offer feed-in tariffs. Currently, a mix of state and federal laws allows Iowa utilities to pay individuals a lower price for electricity than what they pay themselves for energy from their own wind farm assets. This financial disparity all but financially locks out many farmers who could otherwise participate in Iowa's robust renewable energy economy.

"This could be a win-win for Iowa - homegrown renewable energy that strengthens and diversifies our rural economy," said Ed Woolsey of the Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-Renew).

Senate File 372 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on March 7. The legislation is currently eligible for a floor vote by the Democrat-controlled Iowa Senate. If enacted into law, it would be the first legislation of its kind in the Midwest, and one of only a handful of similar laws nationally. Under the measure, Iowa farmers could ultimately generate up to a collective 60 megawatts annually.

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02 Apr 2013

Pregracke To Be Honored With The Order Of Lincoln

By Natalie Linville-Mass

Quad City Native Honored For His Devotion to Cleaning Up Rivers

East Moline, IL/April 2, 2013 - The Lincoln Academy of Illinois recognizes Chad Pregracke for its highest honor, the Order of Lincoln. The Academy will present Pregracke with this award at its 49th Annual Convocation at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 13th at Augustana College's Centennial Hall. The Order of Lincoln is presented to those who have a devotion to public service and the betterment of humanity

Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 at the age of 23. In the past 15 years, he and his crew have worked with more than 70,000 volunteers and have collected and removed more than 6 million pounds of debris from our waterways. Living Lands & Waters works throughout the Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio rivers, as well as many of their tributaries.

"This is an incredible honor not only for myself but for Living Lands & Waters and our volunteers. What we do wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our volunteers" said Pregracke. "I'm looking forward to continuing to fight the fight against trash and debris in our waterways."

There are six recipients of the 2013 Order of Lincoln Award; they are Brenda Barnes, William Hammer, Timothy Johnson, Bob Lane, Bob Ontiveros and Chad Pregracke.

"These six incredible individuals have one thing in common, and that's our community," Kai Swanson, executive assistant to Augustana College President Steve Bahls, said. "They spent a critical time of their lives in the Quad-Cities."

"Lincoln laureates are those who have excelled in their occupation and have led exemplary volunteer lives," Julie Kellner, executive director of the Lincoln Academy, said. The Lincoln Academy was established in 1964 and began honoring Illinoisans with the Order of Lincoln Award in 1965.

Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown into an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats.  LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a- River-Mile programs and the MillionTrees Project.

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02 Apr 2013

Quad Cities Man Sentenced to 30 Years Imprisonment for Armed Bank Robbery

By Val Quast
DAVENPORT, IA - On April 1, 2013, Eric Martin, age 35, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for armed bank robbery, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose also sentenced Martin to five years supervised release and ordered Martin to pay $53,369 in restitution to the victim banks.

On April 23, 2012, at approximately 9:30 a.m. Martin entered the Hills Bank and Trust of Iowa City, wearing a mask, and armed with a loaded black, semi-automatic Jiminez Arms 9mm handgun. Martin pointed the gun at the tellers, demanded money from the teller drawers, and took approximately $23,295.00. Martin then fled on a motorized dirt bike, and led law enforcement on a lengthy vehicle pursuit through residential neighborhoods, where he was apprehended with the stolen money and the firearm. During the six months leading up to the
robbery, Martin had also robbed the U.S. Bank and the Midwest One Bank in Iowa City in similar fashion.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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02 Apr 2013

Quad Cities Area Man Sentenced to 6 Months Imprisonment and 6 Months Home Confinement for Preparing False Appraisals

By Val Quast
DAVENPORT, IA - On April 1, 2013, Michael Saad, age 49, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment followed by 6 months home confinement for willfully overvaluing property for the purpose of influencing a federally insured credit union, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose also sentenced Saad to two years supervised release, and ordered Saad to pay $131,575.06 in restitution to Deere Harvester Credit Union.

Beginning in April 2007 and continuing until December 2007 Saad knowingly inflated the values of properties that he appraised in an effort to justify higher mortgage loans for borrowers. Saad misrepresented the square footage, age, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, and other information associated with the subject properties, and the comparable properties listed in his appraisals.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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02 Apr 2013

Scott County Health Department Celebrates Public Health Month

By Lenore Alonslo
The Scott County Health Department would like to kick off Public Health Month with the recognition of National Public Health Week, April 1 through April 7. Taking its cue from the American Public Health Association's theme of "Public Health is ROI: Save Lives, Save Money", the Scott County Health Department is extending its campaign throughout the month of April.

This year's theme of "Public Health is ROI: Save Lives, Save Money", combines two common threads, public health and prevention. Much like the business world, "ROI" indicates the "return on investments". Did you know that investing $10 per person each year in community-based public health activities could save more than $16 billion within five years? Supporting evidence-based public health programs will result in healthier communities and reduced cost in treating diseases.

The Scott County Health Department is celebrating by promoting health and safety at home, in schools, at work, and on-the-go. Throughout the month and beyond the Scott County Health Department will offer helpful statistics, health and safety tips, school vaccination clinics, information on our website, in city buses, and weekly Facebook suggestions, to create a healthier community.

To learn more about public health in Scott County visit the Scott County Health Department website at www.scottcountyiowa.com/health or like Scott County on Facebook at www.facebook.com/scottcountyiowa.
02 Apr 2013

Call for Entries: Decorate Your Own Concrete Ribbon for Display at the Iowa State Fair

By Jane Fraser

DES MOINES, IA (04/02/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair will celebrate its blue-ribbon winners with a limited number of 3 ½ foot tall painted concrete ribbons on display throughout the grounds during the 2013 Fair, August 8-18. Individuals, clubs and companies are invited to submit their own designs for these sculptures by May 15.

To enter, submit an entry form along with a written description and detailed drawing of the proposed paint design. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Iowa State Fair website: http://www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/contests/. All entries must be received or e-mailed to tcook@iowastatefair.org by May 15.

Selected applicants will be contacted by June 1. Pending selection, a $100 entry fee will be due at ribbon pick-up. Following the Fair, artists will get to keep their painted sculptures. A panel of judges will award prizes based on originality, creativeness and overall look in both the professional and novice divisions. Participants will be judged in the "professional" category if 25 percent or more of their income comes from graphic design or is artistry related.

Winners will receive a prize package including an Iowa State Fair plaque, Fair admission tickets, parking and Fair food tickets. The first, second and third place winners will also receive $150, $100 and $50 cash prizes, respectively. Artists' names will be displayed alongside their painted sculpture during the Fair.

Send entries to:

Tonya Cook, Special Events Director

Iowa State Fair

PO Box 57130

Des Moines, Iowa 50317-0003

Or e-mail all materials to tcook@iowastatefair.org

For questions about the contest, contact Tonya Cook at 515-262-3111, ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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02 Apr 2013

Thursdays at the Figge presents...

By Rick Martin

Davenport, Iowa (April 2, 2013) - Kick Thursday night off right on Thursday, April 4 FREE admission after 5 p.m. Guests can order their favorite beverage from the bar as they are enthralled by a live performance in the Figge lobby from Dancers in Company: The University of Iowa's Repertoire Dance Ensemble at 6 p.m.

Dancers In Company's 12 undergraduate and graduate student dancers perform live concerts and lecture demonstrations for audiences of all ages throughout the Midwest under the direction of Charlotte Adam. This season's diverse program is choreographed by New York City-based guest choreographer Nicolas Leichter, faculty choreographers Alan Sener, Charlotte Adams, Jennifer Kayle, Armando Duarte and Deanna Carter, and graduate student choreographer Zoe Bennett.

Visitors can also enjoy a 6 p.m. tour of the exhibition University of Iowa Art Faculty Biennial and full access to the museum's exhibition galleries.

Artist Steve McGuire, professor of 3D design and metal arts at the University of Iowa, will present a lecture, "Single Speed Geograhy on the Continental Divide?Designing, Building, Riding" on his current work at 7 p.m. McGuire's work centers on titanium hand-built bicycles and the stories of time-trialing them, self-supported, in unforgiving locations such as the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The challenge behind this task is simple: Design a mountain bike to travel self-supported; build it yourself; and then exist well outside one's comfort zone in tackling a time-trial odyssey.

Each Thursday, the Figge offers a different experience to the public, such as a lecture, class, performance or other special activity. Most Thursdays begin at 5 p.m. with a cash bar and light snacks. Museum admission is free on Thursdays after 5 p.m.

-end-

02 Apr 2013

Fans * Feathers * Flowers 2013 Quilt Show by Prairie Queen Quilt Club Bishop Hill, Illinois

By Sonja Sterling

Please mark your calendars...

* Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 17, 18 & 19, 2013

At the Colony School House in Bishop Hill

* 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19th

Note the Viewers' Choice voting takes place on Friday May 17th with awards displayed on Saturday May 18th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday May 19th & from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday

* Admission - only $4

Displays of Quilts: New and Antique, Wall Hangings, Quilting Challenges.

Quilting Demonstrations all three days, mornings and afternoons.

Raffles and Door Prizes and a Trash & Treasures Corner with bargains galore

The Quilting Challenge entries using the Show theme or themes will be displayed at the Steeple Building all during the month of May.

Come and enjoy Bishop Hill and the Quilt Show. There are shops to visit and several places serving lunch. You are going to love it!

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02 Apr 2013

Quad Cities Food Hub invites public to "Celebrating Growing" Open House April 18

By Quad Cities Food Hub
DAVENPORT, IA (April 2, 2013) Quad Cities Food Hub invites the public to attend their "Celebrate Growing Open House" on Thursday, April 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Food Hub Market (Located in the Freight House, River Drive Davenport, Iowa). Tickets are $15 and include a beer sampler provided by Front Street Brewery and a wide variety hors d'oerves from local producers.
The Quad Cities Food Hub works to support healthy lifestyles by promoting local food production, connecting producers and consumers, and cultivating education and training programs.
Activities during the Open House:

During the open house, attendees will learn about Quad Cities Food Hub's new projects including a virtual online market that will allow consumers to purchase fresh local produce and products from local area producers online. Attendees will also learn about other Quad Cities Food Hub initiatives include a commercial kitchen, community gardens, new grocery store, community education and how they can become involved. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet the board of directors and new store manager, Wendy Saathof.
"Iowa has some of the world's most fertile soil so you would expect it to be one of the world's biggest producers of fresh produce. Unfortunately, it is not so. The average fruit and vegetable that reaches our grocery stores travels about 1,500 miles to get here. The Quad Cities Food Hub's goal is to change that," said Quad Cities Food Hub board member, Julia Blazevic.
The Quad Cities Food Hub initiative started with a group of Davenport officials and local food advocates' trip to Detroit's Eastern Market. Davenport Mayor Gluba and an eight-member delegation went there in August 2010. Following their return, a 25-member steering committee was establish comprised of individuals with extensive experience in our local food system and economy and has been working on creating a long-term plan of action to strengthen our community's local food system.

To learn more about the Quad Cities Food Hub visit www.facebook.com/quadcitiesfoodhub and www.qcfoodhub.com.
02 Apr 2013

Public Information Meeting

By Shelly Chapman
March 19, 2013

The Rock Island County Board will host a public information meeting on the referendum question regarding expanding the powers of the Public Building Commission.

Wednesday, April 3
6:00 PM
Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Campus
3300 River Drive Moline

The public is invited to attend to learn more about the referendum question. County Board representatives and members of the judiciary will be present to answer questions following a short presentation.

Participants should park across the street at the Ben Butterworth Parkway and enter thru the West door. The room is on the right.

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