09 Sep 2012

182nd Airlift Wing to Cut Ribbon on New Operations Facility

By Illinois National Guard PAO

PEORIA, IL (09/05/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Air National Guard's 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Sept. 8 to open a $11.1 million facility. The new facility will house the 182nd Operations Group.

The 27,700-square-foot facility will house C-130 operations including weapons and tactics, intelligence operations; briefing space; flight planning, safety, and records areas, physical training, life support and survival equipment including space to repair parachutes, life rafts, and other emergency gear. The new facility also includes space for unit administration, aircrew chemical warfare equipment, base command post, base operations and transient passenger waiting area.

The facility was designed under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and sustainable development concepts to achieve optimum resource efficiency, constructability, sustainability and energy conservation, while minimizing adverse impacts to the building and natural environments through all phases of its life cycle.

The 182nd Airlift Wing supports flying operations for eight C-130H3 aircraft and the associated maintenance and support functions. Its mission is to provide air-land and airdrop, command and control, communications, logistics and support services.

The 182nd Airlift Wing has been heavily engaged in overseas contigency operations since Sept. 11, 2001, supporting more 4,500 individual deployments and flying more 35,000 hours, more than 17,500 of which were in direct support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

09 Sep 2012

Corpus Christi Playing with Redemption

By Paula Neuhaus

"GAY JESUS PLAY" AND RELATED DOCUMENTARY TO DEBUT IN DUBUQUE DESPITECRIES OF "BLASPHEMY"

DUBUQUE, IA - SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 - After facing protesters, bomb threats and deaththreats in NYC, after being denounced in Scotland by the Bishop of Edinburgh, after letterslaying out how they will be shot and killed in Dallas, thousands of protests in San Francisco,picketed in Orange County, CA and millions of signatures added to a petition that has traveledall around the world demanding a ban on the play and film, 108 Productions has forged aheadand traveled internationally for six years with Terrence McNally's Corpus Christi. Now for thefirst time in its history, with its debut in Dubuque, Iowa, the company is facing one of the biggestprotest campaigns it's received, as it releases the documentary feature Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption.

Said actor/108 co-founder James Brandon and director/108 co-founder Nic Arnzen: "We areimmensely grateful to all those who have stood by us as we prepare to face a wave protestsfor the first time in our home town. With their support, we have no doubt that Corpus Christi'smessage of God's inclusive love for LGBT people will drown out the angry words of those whoattack our play without having seen it."

The 108 productions version of Corpus Christi, Terrence McNally's controversial play, whichdepicts Jesus as a gay man in 1950s Texas, has drawn an angry response from someCatholics, as has Playing with Redemption. An online petition, based on a series of previousanti-Corpus Christi petitions by the right-wing Catholic site America Needs Fatima, has drawnover 11,000 signatures to date. The petition denounces 108 Productions' version of theplay, along with the documentary Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption, as "unspeakableblasphemy" and "prejudicial outrage." It also calls on Mindframe Theater, where the film is setto preview on Sept 25 and 26, to "immediately cancel the showing of this movie and play, and tooffer a public apology to Our Lord Jesus Christ and to all God fearing Americans." In addition,108 Productions' crew has received similar comments, in the form of personal emails, YouTubecomments, and even harassment of Arnzen's mother in Iowa. Accordingly, a protest outside theevent is now expected, as protests have followed similar petitions for previous 108 Productionsperformances.About 108 Productions' TourBeginning in 2006, 108 Productions launched a resoundingly successful revival production,directed by Nic Arnzen at Metropolitan Community Church in the Valley, which was lauded bycritics, continued to sell out for months at Los Angeles' Zephyr Theatre, and went on to touracross America. In Europe, the play was an Amnesty International Freedom of Expressionnominee at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was awarded the Intercultural DialogueAward at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in 2008. After, the company celebratedthe show's 10th anniversary Off-Broadway at the Rattlestick Theatre, benefiting the MatthewShepard Foundation and New York's Gay Community Center. The show continued to tour through 2011 nationally and internationally, while a documentary crew followed their travels toless tolerant communities.Now, six years later, CORPUS CHRISTI: PLAYING WITH REDEMPTION will host its first sneakpreview screening tour, launching the I AM Love Campaign. The Religious Right meets the 'gayJesus play' in this documentary film inspired by the play, which continues to face censorship,protests, bomb threats and religious condemnation. Mirroring the reflections of change insociety today in regards to freedom of speech, civil rights, marriage equality and separation ofchurch and state, this production has become a vehicle for a community struggling to find itsvoice. Meanwhile, the company of actors finds itself on a journey that would forever changetheir lives.The I AM Love Campaign's mission is to ignite a dialogue on religious bullying and homophobiain all ages and walks of life by teaching self-empowerment through artistic endeavors andeducational outreach. Beyond screenings of Playing With Redemption, which will be combinedwith performances of the play in select cities, the 108 Productions company will also conducteducational and arts-based workshops alongside gay and religious leaders in conservativecommunities around the country.For more information about the play, film, and I AM Love Campaign, go to http://www.corpuschristi-themovie.com/ or http://www.108productions.org
WHAT AND WHEN:Tuesday, September 25- Sneak Preview Film Screening, 8:00pmWednesday, September 26- Sneak Preview Film Screening, 6:00pmPlay Performance, 8:00pmThursday, September 27- Free Community Symposium*, 7:00pm Play Performance, 8:30pm
For Mature Audiences only (16+). Contains Brief Nudity and Adult Language.
WHERE: Mindframe Theater, 555 John F Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, IA 52002
TICKETS: $10 film, $20 play, $25 for both, www.corpuschristi-themovie.com

09 Sep 2012

Sport for the Mind: Robotics Program Expanding Globally & Locally

By Brittany Marietta

Students around the world are discovering it's more fun to design a robot than it is to play with one - and having the hardest fun they've ever had!  FIRST Lego League (FLL), a national robotics program, has experienced dramatic growth since its inception in 1998.  In FLL, student teams design and program an autonomous robot using the Lego Mindstorms set and create a solution to a real-world scientific problem.  Teams compete in regional qualifiers by completing tasks with their robot on a thematic playing surface, then advance to state competitions and, if lucky, the World Festival (regions are selected by lottery for the World Festival). 

2011-12 Rivermont FLL Team - Putnam Competition.JPG

FLL helps young people discover the fun in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as they work to solve real-world problems using robotics.  FLL participants are 50 percent more likely to attend college and twice as likely to major in science or engineering.  More than that, FLL fosters teamwork and leadership - the program has even coined several terms.  Dr. Woodie Flowers,FIRST National Advisor, created the term "Gracious Professionalism" - a way of doing things that emphasizes respect and that competition and mutual gain are not separate notions.  Actually, FLL teams don't "compete" - they participate in "Coopertition," displaying respect in the face of fierce competition and cooperating with each other.  A parent testimonial puts it best, that "being bright is not the same as leadership."

As the program grows, so does the impact.  FLL 2011 featured 19,800 teams from over 50 countries.  2011 regional qualifiers took place not only in the Quad Cities, but also Cedar Falls, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Ottumwa, Sioux City, Marshalltown, and Solon.  Rivermont Collegiate is eagerly jumping on board to expand the impact of FLL in the Quad Cities!  Due to success of the program in Rivermont 5th grade last year, it has been expanded to 5th - 8th grade for 2012-13.  A dedicated room has been equipped with 9 computers and devoted to the robotics teams.  Last year, two teams of Rivermont 5th graders competed at the regional qualifier at the Putnam, with one team bringing home the Core Values Inspiration Award.  Coaches Rachel Chamberlain and Leigh Ann Schroeder saw tremendous growth and maturity in the teams, not only learning new STEM skills, but demonstrating skills in teamwork, goal setting, compromise, and problem solving.  Due to huge student interest, students in 6th - 8th grade are now invited to join the fun - Rivermont will have four FLL teams this year.

"It's one thing to see a kid in college doing it, but to see 13, 14, 15, 16-year olds writing code, building robots, enthusiastic about life, mathematics, science, and engineering...20 years from now, these kids are the leaders of industry." -will.i.am, Frontman, The Black Eyed Peas  

   

Note: FLL season officially kicked off August 28th.  The regional tournament in Davenport will be held Saturday, December 15th at the Putnam Museum.  This year's theme is Senior Solutions - can FLL teams improve the quality of life for seniors by helping them continue to be independent, engaged, and connected in their communities?  For additional information on the FIRST LEGO League, visit www.FirstLegoLeague.org. 

Rivermont Collegiate, located in Bettendorf, is the Quad Cities' only private, independent college prep school for students in preschool through 12th grade. 

For additional information on Rivermont, contact Rachel Chamberlain at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or chamberlain@rvmt.org.

Visit us on the web at www.rvmt.org!

09 Sep 2012

Chickens Positive for West Nile Virus in Scott County

By Lenore Alonso
The Scott County Health Department has been notified by the Medical Entomology Laboratory at Iowa State University that chickens from Scott County's sentinel flock have tested positive for West Nile Virus.  This was not unexpected, despite this summer's hot, dry conditions, and low mosquito population.  Detection of virus exposure in the chickens indicates that there is West Nile Virus transmission activity in the area.  Late summer and early fall are the times when the majority of human cases of West Nile Virus typically are reported.  The risk of contracting West Nile Virus remains high until the first frost when mosquito activity declines.The Scott County Health Department is urging individuals to take steps to reduce the mosquito population and protect themselves when outside.  Some things to do to reduce the mosquito population are:Change the water in birdbaths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least twice a week.Turn over plastic wading pools and buckets.Properly dispose of old tires.  Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, and other water-holding containers.  Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and drain the water from the pool cover.Some ways to prevent mosquito bites: Wear light colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants.Repair tears in window and door screens.Limit the time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most likely to bite.Do not wear perfume or fragrances when outdoors.Apply insect repellents to exposed skin.  Those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus have been found to be effective. (Carefully read and follow all directions on the label before use).  Do not use DEET on infants under two years of age, pregnant women, or children's bedding or clothing.The Scott County Health Department, along with the State Hygienic Laboratory and Iowa State University, has participated in mosquito surveillance with the Iowa Department of Public Health for more than 30 years.For more information, visit the Health Department's website at www.scottcountyiowa.com/health.
09 Sep 2012

Branstad/Reynolds Announce New Program to Provide Affordable Housing to Persons with Disabilities

By Ashley Jared

Community-Based Revolving Loan Fund to Support Affordable Housing and Supportive Services for Iowans with Disabilities 

(DES MOINES) - The Branstad/Reynolds Administration today announced a new program that will further the availability of affordable housing for Iowans with disabilities. The Community-Based Revolving Loan Fund program will provide affordable financing for the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing for individuals with significant barriers to accessing traditional rental opportunities. The program is jointly administered by the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Community-Based Revolving Loan Fund applicants must receive approval on proposed service plans from the Iowa Department of Human Services before submitting a non-competitive application to the Iowa Finance Authority for affordable construction loans offered at zero to one percent interest, ranging from $50,000-$500,000, subject to availability.

"This new program will provide the affordable financing that developers need to construct specialized affordable housing and supportive services to meet the needs of some of Iowa's most vulnerable citizens," said Governor Branstad. "Affordable housing for all Iowans is central to vibrant communities and a thriving economy and I look forward to seeing the results of this program in action."

"I'm pleased that the affordable housing need for Iowans with disabilities will be supported by this program," said Lt. Governor Reynolds.  "The innovative affordable financing provided through this program will ultimately translate to housing barriers being broken down and Iowans with disabilities being able to thrive in an environment of their choice."   

   

"The Iowa Finance Authority is proud to offer this program to fulfill an important housing need in partnership with the Iowa Department of Human Services," said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison. "We look forward to seeing the far-reaching benefits of this program in Iowa communities for generations to come."  

   

"The new Community-Based Revolving Loan Fund will provide eligible Iowans with important community-based housing, a vital benefit that is good for Iowans and our communities," said Iowa Department of Human Services Director Chuck Palmer.  

   

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For more information, please visit www.Governor.Iowa.gov.

09 Sep 2012

Gov. Branstad signs proclamation allowing overweight loads for harvest season

By Governor Branstad's Office

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad signed a proclamation to allow the transportation of oversized and overweight loads of soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover. The proclamation took effect on Sept. 4, 2012 and expires after 60 days.

"Many Iowans' livelihoods depend on a smooth, efficient harvest season," said Branstad. "I am pleased to sign this proclamation, which will allow the movement of Iowa's commodities and help Iowa farmers during harvest."

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code section 321.463 paragraph "5.b", by more than twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges. 

This action is intended to allow vehicles transporting soybeans, corn, hay, straw, and stover to be oversize and overweight, not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is directed to monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public's safety and facilitate the movement of the trucks involved.

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09 Sep 2012

Davenport Junior Theatre and Dance

By Daniel Sheridan
Class Ad
09 Sep 2012

MORE THAN 200 RUNNERS COULD SET RECORD FOR LARGEST 5K IN PORT BYRON

By Holly Larson

PORT BYRON, IL - The Nick Teddy Foundation, in partnership with Nelson Chiropractic, isthrilled to announce more than 200 runners have registered to fight Ewing's Sarcoma at the firstannual "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5k."

"We are well on our way to make this one of the largest races in Port Byron history!" said RaceDirector Holly Larson of Port Byron, Ill.

Nick Strub photo.jpg

nick teddy sign.jpg

09 Sep 2012

All-Access Mansion Pass: The Nooks and Crannies Tour of Brucemore

By Tara Richards

Visit every floor, peek into closed rooms, and satisfy curiosity through this all access pass to the Mansion during the Nooks and Crannies Tour, Brucemore's most popular specialty tour, Saturdays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 9:30 a.m.Marvel at the Skinner pipe organ room, discover the architecture and oddities in the attic, and experience the sight and sound of a "rain storm" in the basement Tahitian Room. Examine the superior craftsmanship and learn about ongoing preservation work.

Advance ticket purchase for the Nooks and Crannies Tour is required. Space is limited. Purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org, by calling (319) 362-7375, or by visiting the Brucemore Store and Visitor Center. Admission is $15 per person and $12 for Brucemore members.  The tour is not recommended for children under 10 or individuals who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.  

 

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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07 Sep 2012

**UPDATE** Camp Lincoln Buildings Locked Down After Suspicious Substance Found

By Illinois National Guard PAO

UPDATE: Substance Found at Camp Lincoln Determined to Be Harmless

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Approximately 240 Illinois National Guard employees were given the all clear three hours after authorities locked down two buildings on Camp Lincoln in Springfield after an envelope containing a suspicious substance was opened. The substance was determined to be harmless.

The lock down was a precaution and in accordance with Springfield Fire Department protocol.

"I'd like to thank the personnel here on Camp Lincoln and the Springfield Fire Department for their quick response and professionalism throughout the lock down and initial investigation," said Maj. Gen. Dennis L. Celletti of Springfield, the acting Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Although this turned out to be a false alarm, the Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees here on Camp Lincoln responded exactly as they were trained."

Three envelopes from the same source were delivered to Camp Lincoln. Two were not opened and turned over to emergency response and law enforcement authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is taking the lead on criminal investigation with assistance from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies.

Personnel with the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Fighter Wing Bio-Environmental Engineering team based in Springfield and the Illinois Army National Guard's 5th Civil Support Team (CST) based in Bartonville also responded to augment the Springfield Fire Department's response. Part of the 5th CST's mission is to support civil authorities with the identification of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and/or high yield explosive (CBRNE) agents or substance.

All questions regarding the investigation should be directed to Brad Ware, the media representative with the FBI office in Springfield at 217-522-9675.

 

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/04/2012)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard locked down two buildings on Camp Lincoln in Springfield after an envelope containing a suspicious substance was opened.

The lock down is a precaution and in accordance with Springfield Fire Department protocol.

Three envelopes believed to be from the same, unknown source were delivered to Camp Lincoln. Two were not opened and turned over to the Springfield Fire Department and Sangamon County Sheriff's office, which are investigating the incident.

Personnel with the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Fighter Wing Bio-Environmental Engineering team based in Springfield and the Illinois Army National Guard's 5th Civil Support Team (CST) based in Bartonville have also responded to augment the Springfield Fire Department's investigation. Part of the 5th CST's mission is to support civil authorities with the identification of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and/or high yield explosive (CBRNE) agents or substance.

The safety and security of Illinois National Guard and Camp Lincoln employees is our top priority. The Illinois National Guard Provost Marshal's office, Springfield Fire Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff's office should be commended for acting quickly and appropriately.

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