10 Dec 2012

Simon, River Council to Army Corps: Reconsider Mississippi River decision if drought continues

By Kara Beach

Stakeholders to monitor Mississippi river levels; aim to prevent halt in barge traffic

CARLYLE - December 7, 2012. One day after sending a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urging it to protect Mississippi River commerce, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon convened a quarterly meeting of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (MRCC) today to address low water levels that are jeopardizing barge traffic along the river.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has previously rejected requests from state and local officials to allow increased flow from the Missouri River into the Mississippi River to offset low river levels in the Mississippi. Simon is asking officials to continuously monitor river levels and reconsider this decision if necessary.

"Extreme drought earlier this year has caused dramatically low water levels across the country, which is particularly noticeable in the Mississippi River from St. Louis to Cairo," said Simon. "I asked the Army Corps to closely monitor this situation and intervene if necessary to preserve this essential economic resource and keep barge traffic moving along the Mississippi."

Officials representing the USACE attended the meeting today and highlighted the impact the 2012 drought has had on water levels of both the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The USACE is bound by law to annually reduce the amount of water flowing from the Missouri River in order to preserve the upper Missouri River basin. Revised forecasts show the Mississippi river water level isn't falling as fast as first projected, and the Army Corps is ready to remove rock pinnacles that could stand in the way of some barge traffic.

Lt. Governor Simon will maintain close contact with the USACE and state and federal leaders as they monitor the situation and take further action. Already water levels are approaching 1989's record drought levels, and barges are currently required to carry lighter loads. Proceeding to cut off water flow from the Missouri River could completely halt barge traffic as early as this month. The Corps continues to monitor water levels and will start blasting rock structures that could obstruct barges along the Mississippi River early next month.

"The Corps of Engineers has to consider the different needs of people, economy and the environment when making decisions about our water resources," said Colonel Chris Hall, commander of the St. Louis District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "That is a challenge in years with typical water levels; it is critical in a drought. We've been able to maintain an authorized channel that keeps commerce moving on the middle Mississippi River despite historic low levels. This is only the first year of what could be a persistent drought, so we need to look at the impacts of our decisions with that in mind."

Mississippi River commerce is estimated to be a $180 billion a year industry. If water levels drop below nine feet, barge traffic from St. Louis to Cairo, Ill. could be shut down. Corporation heads from Caterpillar, ADM, Navistar and others have joined Lt. Governor Simon in writing to Assistant Secretary Darcy. Governor Pat Quinn's administration also continues to work with federal officials to keep the river open.

Lt. Governor Simon chairs the Mississippi River Coordinating Council, composed of a diverse group of citizens, not-for-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies. The Council coordinates initiatives, projects and funding to promote the ecological health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries by addressing the issues in the watershed.

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10 Dec 2012

Loebsack to Tour Fairfield Middle School Farm to School Program

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that he will tour Fairfield Middle School and learn about their Farm to School program on MONDAY, December 10th at 1:00pm. Recently, the Hometown Harvest of Southeast Iowa in Fairfield and Pathfinders Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. received a $100,000 grant from the USDA to provide the school with fresh produce as well as educate students on the importance of locally grown food.  Loebsack will meet with students, teachers and staff from Hometown Harvest and Pathfinders.  Media are invited to attend.

Tour Fairfield Middle School

404 West Filmore Avenue

1:00pm
10 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn Names Michael McCotter as Inspector General of IL Dept. of Human Services

By Erin Wilson

40-Year Law Enforcement Veteran to Help Protect State's Vulnerable Adults with Disabilities

CHICAGO - December 7, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointment of Michael McCotter as Inspector General of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). McCotter, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, recently was charged with investigating and issuing a report to reform the investigative operations of the DHS Inspector General's office (OIG). He will now take the lead in implementing reforms that will overhaul the OIG office, ensure accountability and strengthen protections for adults with disabilities.

"Michael McCotter's strong law enforcement experience and dedication to reform will help ensure that any abuse and neglect suffered by citizens with disabilities in Illinois is rooted out quickly and punished appropriately," Governor Quinn said. "His appointment as Inspector General underscores my commitment to ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect. I thank Daniel Dyslin for serving in the role as Acting Inspector General to ensure my Executive Order reforms were immediately implemented."

Following reports of abuse and neglect earlier this year, Governor Quinn issued an executive order to strengthen protections for adults with disabilities who are suspected victims of such mistreatment and ensure that potential cases will be properly reviewed and referred to the appropriate authorities. The governor also directed a comprehensive overhaul of the office to ensure accountability and the protection of our most fragile citizens. He appointed McCotter to investigate the operations of the Inspector General and develop recommendations for reform.

As Special Investigator, McCotter conducted a thorough review of the OIG's investigative procedures, policies and cases, and released a report including recommended reforms in October. The report's recommendations are designed to ensure the OIG fulfills its mission of protecting people with disabilities.

Based on the reforms proposed in McCotter's report, Governor Quinn is working with advocates and members of the General Assembly to propose legislation that will restructure and improve the way the state provides investigation, service and support for victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation in the community.

McCotter was previously appointed by Governor Quinn as chief public safety officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections and has served in several senior positions at the Chicago Police Department, including chief of patrol, deputy chief of detectives, commander of special events and district commander. He has had professional training with the FBI, United States Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among other law enforcement agencies.

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07 Dec 2012

Sausage Sampling Cancelled at GAHC

By GAHC

Unfortunate News: Due to unforeseen shipping problems, we are unable to hold our sausage sampling tomorrow, Saturday, December 8th from 10-2. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

The good news is that we will still be hosting the Bier Stube and Haun Meat Co on Saturday, December 15th from 10-2!!! Be sure to join us!

For info please call 563-322-8844

07 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, December 7, 2012**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - December 7, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

 

Bill No.: SB 1566

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Creates an additional $2 surcharge to be collected for certain vehicles beginning with the 2014 registration year to be deposited into the Park and Conservation Fund for the Department of Natural Resources to use for conservation efforts.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2013

 

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07 Dec 2012

Pack Carver-Hawkeye For Iowa Women's Basketball Game and Benefit Camp Courageous!

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IA What has been billed as the one of the biggest Iowa Women's basketball games of the year at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, will also be benefiting Camp Courageous. Tickets are now available for the Iowa vs. Purdue Basketball Game to be held on January 20, 2013 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are only $5.00 each (half price), if bought through Camp Courageous. The general public will be paying $10.00 at the door. Special pricing will be available for Camp Courageous campers and those with special needs.
The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network and will also be a white out. Fans are encouraged to wear white. It's also $1 dog night. Hot dogs are just $1. There will also be post-game autographs.
A portion of all tickets sold through Camp Courageous will go to the camp. This is a win-win-win situation for everyone. The ticket buyer saves $5 off the door price of a ticket, the Iowa Hawkeye Women's Basketball Team win by showing what a great team they have and what great fans they have, and Camp Courageous benefits from a portion of the price of every ticket purchased going to the camp.
To purchase tickets go on-line to:
or by calling 319/465-5916 ext 2100 to place an order
or by mailing your request to: Hawkeye Tickets, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310
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07 Dec 2012

Kayla Betz, UW-Whitewater Bowling Team Off to Solid Start

By Jeff Angileri

WHITEWATER, WI (12/07/2012)(readMedia)-- The Warhawk women bowlers, ranked 14th in the National Tenpin Coaches Association Top 20 preseason poll, have finished in the top five in every competition this season. Head Coach Leann Eimermann is excited to see how far her team can go.

"This is the first season that we have a chance to make it to the NCAA Nationals because the women have the experience and talent needed to compete with the top teams in the nation," Eimermann said.

Coach Eimermann looks for solid performances from her players, including Kayla Betz, a junior biology major from Sterling, Ill.

"Bowling competition is a little unique as all three divisions compete together. Currently there are about 70 schools and about five total Division III programs involved," said Eimermann.

UW-Whitewater traveled to the Track Kat Klash Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. The Warhawks finished second in a field of 16.

The Warhawk bowlers will compete Jan. 11-12 in the Mid-Winter Classic in Jonesboro, Ark.

07 Dec 2012

Aaron Tennant - New Board Member of Iowa motor truck Association

By Brook Roberts
DES MOINES, IOWA - Aaron Tennant was recently elected to the Iowa Motor Truck Association's Board of Directors. Aaron is the Owner and President of Tennant Truck Lines, Inc. located in Colona, Iowa. Tennant Truck Lines, Inc. is an open deck machinery hauler which has been in business since 1946. They consist of 150 company trucks, 34 owner operators and 384 trailers. Tennant Truck Lines employ approximatley 185 people.

The Iowa Motor Truck Association was established in 1942 and has been the voice of the trucking industry since that time. The Iowa Motor Truck Association represents over 750 trucking companies from across the state of Iowa and has members in all 99 counties. In Iowa alone, over 78% of all communities depend 100% on trucks for the delivery of goods and services. The trucking industry's association offices are headquartered in Des Moines and sit at the foot of Iowa's State Capitol.

As a member of the IMTA Board of Directors, Aaron Tennant will be involved in developing public policies that will have a positive impact on Iowa's trucking industry and will be contributing to the ongoing success of the organization.

"Our board members are the leaders in this industry and we are pleased that Aaron will be able to provide leadership and insight to our organization," said Brenda Neville, President of the Iowa Motor Truck Association.
07 Dec 2012

Braley in Davenport to Thank Scott County Supporters

By Jeff Giertz
WATERLOO, IA - On Monday, December 10th, 2012, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will host a potluck event in Davenport to thank supporters in Scott County.  Braley has represented Scott County in Congress since 2007, but due to decennial redistricting effective in January, the First Congressional District will no longer include the Iowa Quad Cities.  Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share.  The event will also feature a cash bar.

Monday December 10th, 2012
5:00pm Thank You Potluck for Scott County Supporters, Hosted by Rep. Bruce Braley
Renwick Mansion
901 Tremont Ave.
Davenport, Iowa

# # #
07 Dec 2012

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 12/7/2012

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce
Now through December 21st - Online Voting for the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Annual Awards. Each Chamber Member is invited to vote. Winners and Nominees of the Annual Awards will be announced at the Chamber Annual Dinner Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Steventon's. Go to http://www.leclairechamber.com/design/chamber-vote.html to vote. Thank you in advance for your participation!
WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS!
Asbury United Methodist Church - 1809 Mississippi Blvd. , Bettendorf , IA. Rev. Dr. Kerrin Kirkpatrick.  563-355-5218. Asbury is a place of vital worship and exciting ministry. Our Sunday traditional service at 8:30 am and contemporary service at 11:00 am are filled with wonderful music that lifts praise and centers us in prayer. Sunday school for all ages is at 9:45 am.
Red Door TV - 427 N. 3rd, Le Claire, IA   52753. Frank Otero, frank@reddoor.tv website: http://www.reddoor.tv/
Red Door TV is and award winning digital agency and production company. Specializing in entertainment and media marketing.  Making media that works. Demanding consumer attention by disrupting their existing perceptions of marketing and media.  Digital, to us, isn't a technical term that designates media or medium.  It's the defining term for the era of engagement marketing.  We create innovative and mischievous communication strategies designed for this era.  We make content and marketing work together and jump between traditional and non-traditional solutions.  We are directors, designers, writers, new media strategists, musicians, animators, producers, illustrators, and developers.

CALENDAR
Now through December 22 - The Sweet Life Will be Open on Fridays & Saturdays from 11-4 until Christmas offering all kinds of treats such as cupcakes, cake pops, brownies and cookies as well as sweet gifts for the holidays!
Now through January 6th - Enright's LeClaire Super Car Wash - "Holiday Token Sale " 7 tokens for $20 - each token has a value of $6.00. Tokens Make Great Gifts! Stock up for Winter!
Now through the Holidays - Faithful Pilot Let Chef Robert and his culinary team take care of your next get together. No party is too large or too small. Holiday gathering, retirement, birthday, or just inviting friends over, we want to take care of it for you. Contact Emily 563-289-4156.
December 7th - Blackhawk Bank & Trust Please join us from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. as we celebrate the remodel of our LeClaire branch at 323 South 2nd Street . Our festivities will feature a smorgasbord of appetizers from local restaurants, give-aways & door prizes and a formal ribbon cutting to be held at 4:30 pm. All are welcome to join our celebration!
December 7th and 8th - First Friday and First Saturday in LeClaire The Mississippi River Distilling Company will be celebrating First Friday AND First Saturday featuring their Spirited Chef Stephanie's great food items, free signature cocktails, and for the first 100+ bottles sold on Friday, receive a festive Holiday pint glass!  For First Friday, Wide River Winery will have Appetizers and Samples of their Holiday Wine, "Merry Berry"! Other restaurants and shops open both nights!
December 7th-8th-9th - CHRISTMAS IN LECLAIRE - 2012!
All Weekend - Local Stores Open with Great Shopping Opportunities!
*Primitive Cottage - All during Christmas in LeClaire weekend, we will have a box for collection of non-perishable food items to be donated to the Food Pantry at Princeton Presbyterian Church for those who would like to give!
*Razzleberries - Free sequin flower ring with any $25 purchase!
Friday, 10:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
*LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Cookie Tin Sales, Live Nativity, Bazaar, Baked Goods, Crafts and Silent Auction
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*4-8 p.m. - Calvary Chapel 4-Square - Free Ornament Decorating
Saturday, 10:00 A. M. - 8:00 P.M.
*8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast with Santa - Happy Joe's
*10a.m.-noon- Expressions in Thread - Make Sock Snowmen - $3 lessons
*Noon-2 p.m. - Posh Home - String Duet
*Noon - 3 p.m. Santa's Playhouse - Schwenke Building
*Wide River Winery's WINTER WONDERLAND
*LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Cookie Tin Sales, Bake Sale , Crafts and Silent Auction
*Strolling Santas
*Grasshoppers - Castle Ridge Wine Tasting Sat. afternoon - Christmas Music
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Live Music, Holiday Treats
* Calvary Chapel 4-Square - Free Ornament Decorating
Sunday, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
* LeClaire Civic Center - Free Carriage and Wagon Rides, Craft and Silent Auction (Bidding closes at 2p.m.)
*Strolling Santas
*Wide River Winery's WINTER WONDERLAND
*Noon-2 p.m. - Posh Home - String Duet
*Reusable Usables - Repurposed Craft Fair
*Faithful Pilot - Holiday Wine Tasting - 3:30 p.m. $10 per person
December 8th - Vendor and Craft Fair - LeClaire Rec Center, 429 N. 3rd St .  10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Origami Owls, Bowers Designs, Oh So Sweet by Tiphanie, V3, Miche, Made With Love by Us, Cassidy's Candy Co, Tastefully Simple, Perfectly Posh, Usborne, Embellished Ideas, Veleta, Just for You, Skinny Fiber, ModPet Fashions, Tupperware, Barb's Garden and Pantry, Lulu Breezy Bee Designs, Scentsy, Handcrafted with Love, Jamberry Nails, Premier Designs Jewelry, Yoll Better Body Co, Pampered Chef, Park Lane, Discovery Toys, Arbonne, Girly Girl Boutique, and much more!
December 8th Fundraiser - Star Gifts for Kids Trivia Night 6:30 p.m. LeClaire Fire Station, 201 N. 15th St. To book your teams, contact Barry Long via email at: Bal400@aol.com or call 563-949-6969.

December 8th - "Stampin' Up" Class - LeClaire Library-10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the community room. There is a 10 person limit to the class and patrons must sign up at circulation desk. Persons signing up for class also must bring double sided sticky tape and a pair of scissors with them on day of event. http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UwejCzNM9QUUpyHXeE07ewryYg9jP4avabKkJ18cr0Fb_ajYftidDsIlJ6BsLd6A3Bc-YlfH_erPXZa9pTKwPnK78ylvKl8KulyqmN9jfQVRrBU0a5Kqjw==
December 11th - Chamber Networking Luncheon - Sneaky Pete's - noon - Everyone is welcome!
December 13th - Vegan & Vegetarian Night at the Crane & Pelican Cafe www.craneandpelican.com
December 15th: Family Night at the Rec Center The LeClaire RecCenter, 429 N. 3rd Street (Corner of 3rd Street and Ferry) 5:30-8:00 p.m. $2.00 per person. 3 years old and under free. Games and Crafts at 5:30, Open Gym starts at 6:30. Soup, Pizza $2 per slice, other concessions available.  Come have Holiday Fun at the Rec Center !
December 18th - Who says you can't have a free lunch? The First Presbyterian Church in LeClaire offers free lunch to anyone in LeClaire once a month. Anyone, any age, regardless of need is invited. 11:30-12:30 at the LeClaire Civic Center
December 18th - Crane & Pelican Café - Dinner Featuring the Music of "Quartrio" Beginning at 5:00 p.m. Quartrio is a String Quartet will perform background music throughout dinner plus a formal concert after the 4 course meal. Details and reservations: www.craneandpelican.com
SAVE THE DATE
January 26th - Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner - Steventon's

FYI
The LeClaire Office of Tourism Board is accepting resumes' for the Office of Tourism Manager's position until December 14, 2012. The position is a contracted position. Responsibilities include but are not limited to training and staffing at the LeClaire Information Center , communicating tourism information, promoting LeClaire tourism and sales of advertising opportunities. Applicants should have good public relations skills, as well as organizational and media skills. Tourism background is helpful but not required. The contract is available for viewing on the City of LeClaire website at www.leclaireiowa.gov. For more information or to submit a resume' please contact Ryan Burchett, Chairman-LeClaire Office of Tourism Board of Directors at (563) 271-0608.
Reusable Usables - Planet Green After School Program
Option #1 TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $36 per student
Option #2: TUESDAYS OR THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $25 per student
Option #3:  Planet Green Kits to GO! You can now purchase Planet Green Kits for $5.
Must preregister and prepay by 11/30 for December classes.   angie@reusableusables.org or 563-289-3946
The River Cities' Reader Annual Best of the QC Survey Vote online at http://www.rcreader.com/best-of-qc/survey.php?sid=72 now to February 1, 2013. There are fifty questions, but you only have to answer 15 or more to make your ballot count.  Results will be published in the Spring of 2013. Pass this link along and vote for your favorite area eating and drinking establishments!
SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
Meals for Seniors at the First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.
Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center
2013 Trivia Nights:
January 12th - LeClaire Community Library
February 9th Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship
April 6th - LeClaire Little League
April 27th - Civic Club
May - LeClaire Lions TBD
June 8th - Buffalo Bill Museum
LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!
LeClaire Park Board Special Events Calendar (clip and save)
Spring 2013 - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt ( Hollyhock Park )
Spring 2013 - Cinco de Mayo
French Market Days 2013 -May 18th, plant exchange, sale benefiting Parks Dept.
Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion ( Hollyhock Park )
Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating
Summer 2013 - Tug Fest
www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!

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