SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/06/2012)(readMedia)-- Four members of the Illinois National Guard's Family Programs were recognized for their efforts and service to the Soldiers, Airmen and military families April 4 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Kathy KozaK of Glendale Heights, Anita Yakle of Jacksonville and Shirley Dilworth of Springfield received a Military Medal of Merit and Annette Chapman of Pontiac received a trophy of achievement for their display of selfless devotion and support for Illinois National Guard Family Program's mission. Their efforts enhanced operational support and ensured the program met the needs of servicemembers and their families.

Kozak served as the hub for the Illinois National Guard's Family support system at North Riverside. She successfully maintained a 99 percent contact rate for outreach calls to family members of deployed servicemembers and also serves as a primary contact for the Service Member and Family Support Services for Informal Crisis Response Team.

Yakle was the primary member of the Servicemember Readiness Program team; processing more than 10,000 Soldiers. On a daily basis she works closely with all branches, establishing professional and supportive relationships, assists Survivors and the Survivor Outreach Services Team. She supports more than 30 units, more than 3,600 servicemembers in addition to their family members.

As the Springfield Illinois Service Member and Family Support Services Military Youth Coordinator, Dilworth successfully established events to assist more than 31,000 military youth of all branches within Illinois to cope with a parent's deployment and homecoming.

Dilworth facilitated more than 45 events with a year-end total of more than 3,300 youth

attendees at events such as deployment and reunion ceremonies, formal classes for youth ages 6 to 17 on how to cope with deployments and improving the State's Annual Easter Egg Hunt. She ensures all events are both enjoyable and educational.

Chapman assisted in the pre-deployment, deployment and return of more than 3,000 servicemembers with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and assisted their families through every step in 2008 to 2009. After that, she stepped up as the Family Readiness Assistant and finally the Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant for the Illinois National Guard Service Members and their families.

CHICAGO - April 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today granted 52 and denied 136 clemency petitions. This action marks another step in a series of clemency decisions aimed at eliminating a backlog of more than 2,500 cases that built up during the previous administration.

The 188 clemency petitions acted upon by Governor Quinn are part of dockets ranging from 2005 through 2012.  Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has acted on 1,923 clemency petitions. Governor Quinn has granted 718 and denied 1205 petitions. Those actions include granting 701 pardons and authorizing 16 people who had already received pardons to seek expungement of their convictions.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact Ken Tupy at the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-7274 or ken.tupy@illinois.gov.

 

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DAVENPORT, IA - On April 6, 2012, Justo Lopez, Jr., age 29, of Davenport, Iowa, was

sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced United

States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. United States District Judge John A. Jarvey also

sentenced Lopez to serve 5 years of supervised release following his imprisonment and pay $100

to the Crime Victims Fund. On December 9, 2010, Lopez entered a guilty plea in federal court to

conspiring to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine from January 2010 through

September 2, 2010.

In the winter of 2010, the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, investigating cocaine

trafficking in the Davenport area, conducted several controlled buys of cocaine from Lopez.

Police then executed search warrants at Lopez' home and the home of an associate, seizing

drugs, cash, drug paraphernalia, and a drug ledger. Investigation revealed that Lopez received a

kilogram of cocaine on a weekly basis from a Chicago source. During the course of the

conspiracy, Lopez distributed at least 32 kilograms of cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Drug

Enforcement Administration, and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office,

Southern District of Iowa.

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APRIL 6, 2012...Animal Family Veterinary Care Center (Animal Family), Davenport, IA, has again received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of the facility, medical equipment, practice methods and pet health care management.

Only 15 percent of all small animal veterinary practices in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the AAHA. In order to maintain accreditation status, Animal Family must continue to be evaluated regularly by the association's consultants.

"Animal Family belongs to a select group of practices that are committed to meeting the standard of veterinary excellence," says Gregg Takashima, DVM, AAHA president. "AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of over 900 standards covering patient care, client services and medical protocols.

"By attaining accreditation, Animal Family is demonstrating its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients," continues Takashima.

Established in 1933, the AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices throughout the U.S. and Canada for dedication to high standards of veterinary care. Approximately 3,200 AAHA-accredited practices pass regular reviews of AAHA's standards.

"We are proud to offer our clients consistent, comprehensive and compassionate health care for their pets. The AAHA accreditation gives clients peace of mind in knowing we have been held up to meet the highest standard of care.  It is an accomplishment we take very seriously and clients should expect," says Dr. Scott Bernick, senior partner at Animal Family.

Animal Family Veterinary Care Center offers a full range of veterinary services, including the most up-to-date diagnostic, surgical, dental, and imaging tools and techniques. Animal Family also provides the very best in pet grooming, dog training, pet boarding and Camp Canine. Camp Canine is a day care that offers a safe place to socialize your 4-legged family members.

For additional information, please call Animal Family Veterinary Care Center at 563-391-9522 or visit animalfamilyveterinarycare.com.

 

 

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Growing strong STEM students

University of Iowa College of Education Assistant Professor Cory Forbes is helping teachers use existing curricular materials to promote inquiry-based science education. His research will help teachers improve their students' learning in the critical fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

 

Forbes is working with elementary teachers in Davenport, one of Iowa's largest high-needs districts. The project, "Promoting Inquiry-Based Elementary Science through Collaborative Curriculum Co-construction," or PIESC3, helps educators adapt their current curricular resources to meet National Science Education Standards and the Iowa Core Curriculum.

 

Forbes works with teachers to evaluate videos of their own teaching to identify examples of inquiry-based instruction, that is, teaching structured around questions concerning scientific concepts and processes. Teachers involved in the project also participate in professional development courses to improve their science teaching.

 

Lori Bates-Heithoff, a first grade teacher at McKinley Elementary, said the process has made her a better teacher and made her students better scientists.  "They are much more enthusiastic about science when their curiosity drives the lesson," she said.

DID YOU KNOW?

UI College of Education faculty members are involved in STEM-related research and projects statewide. For example, Brian Hand and Bill Therrien are helping 7,000 Iowa students in grades 4-6 in 48 elementary schools located in Loess Hills (southwest Iowa) and Keystone (northeast Iowa) AEAs to improve their science literacy.

 

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
Reese Saunders, a fourth grade teacher at Wilson Elementary School in Davenport and PIESC3 participant: "One of the big things we're focusing on is 21st century skills. Students need to be able to adapt, to problem solve, and to have critical-thinking skills. I think that comes from inquiry-based learning."

 

Education Grads Inspire Iowans, Improve Iowa Communities

When Alison Provin (BA '84, MA'92) saw her community struggling and students labeled as "troubled," she created an opportunity for both to shine and grow through service.

 

Provin, chair of the foreign language department at Newton High School, created an annual Community Service Day, when students and community volunteers work together to improve their town.

 

"Newton has gone through tough times," she said, noting that when Maytag, the town's largest employer left, many of the students' parents lost their jobs. "Not only does Community Service Day benefit the community in the obvious ways, but it also gives a visual boost of morale to the citizens of Newton."

 

"It is an excellent model for students in terms of cooperation, involvement, and practical application of skills," said Chris Noel (MA '74), Newton High visual arts teacher. "I'm always glad to be a part of the day."

 

Provin said that each year the project grows and the sense of pride and service builds at her school. "There is no greater gift to give than to inspire and create something that outlives you," she said. "I hope that is what we are doing."

 

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 400 UI students annually complete the required course work for certification and teacher licensure with almost 4,500 teachers graduating from the UI in the past 10 years.

 

QUOTE/UNUQUOTE

Susan Lagos Lavenz, associate dean for Teacher Education, said there's no doubt College of Education students serve as area role models and provide leadership. "By providing our students with a cutting-edge preparation program with certification in the core competencies of assessment, technology, and school community, our graduates generate new ideas and create opportunities that bring communities together."

DAVENPORT, IA - On November 3, 2011, Jason Pendleton, age 29, of Davenport,

Iowa, was sentenced to 75 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced

United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. United States District Judge John A. Jarvey also

sentenced Pendleton to serve 5 years of supervised release following his imprisonment and pay

$100 to the Crime Victims Fund. On May 17, 2011, Pendleton entered a guilty plea in federal

court for violating Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, for conspiring to distribute at least

five kilograms of cocaine from September 2009 through September 25, 2010.

In the winter of 2010, the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department began investigating a

significant drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of cocaine in

the Davenport area. As part of their investigation, police conducted several controlled buys of

cocaine from Keenyn Hickman. Police then learned that Pendleton was Hickman's source and

had been distributing cocaine to Hickman and others since 2008. Keenyn Hickman was

sentenced on November 3, 2011, to 120 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department and the Drug

Enforcement Administration, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office

for the Southern District of Iowa.

Project Will Pave Way for NTN-Bower Corporation Expansion; Create 80 New Jobs

MACOMB, IL - April 6, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $1.4 million roadway improvement project along Bower Road in the city of Macomb. The project supports economic growth in West Central Illinois by paving the way for NTN-Bower Corporation to expand its Macomb facility, creating 80 new jobs over the next two years.

"Illinois has one of the best transportation networks in the country, and we are committed to strengthening our infrastructure," Governor Quinn said. "This project will help ensure the city of Macomb and the entire West Central Illinois region can continue to compete and attract investment."

"When I visited NTN-Bower a few months ago, I was impressed by its strong leadership and potential for growth. Strengthening the infrastructure around this growing company is the right thing to do. By upgrading the roads to manage the increased heavy truck traffic in the area, the state of Illinois and the federal government are helping to lay the groundwork for the company's expansion and the good paying jobs it will create," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).

The roadway project includes widening and resurfacing an intersection of Bower Road and U.S. 136 (Jackson St.), adding signals, a south leg, and a turn lane for traffic on U.S. 136. Work also involves extending the right storage lane for southbound traffic on Bower Road and resurfacing a shoulder northward on Bower Road to support increased traffic brought on by NTN's expansion.

NTN, a manufacturer of tapered and cylindrical roller bearings, is investing $100 million to construct a new plant directly east of their existing operations at 711 North Bower Road in Macomb.  Additional production lines will also be purchased and installed in the new plant. The new plant will be approximately 200,000 square feet and will create 80 permanent, full-time jobs. Construction on the building is scheduled to begin in May 2012, with completion slated for April 2013. Roadway construction is expected to begin in mid-August 2012, weather permitting, and is scheduled to be complete by the end of November.

"I am pleased NTN-Bower's expansion will receive funding from the Community Development Assistance Program, the Truck Access Route Program, and the Economic Development Program.  This expansion will create jobs, which is my top priority," stated Sen. John Sullivan (D-Macomb).

Funding for the project is made possible through nearly $1.2 million in grant funds from the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) Economic Development Program and Truck Access Route Program. The city of Macomb also received a $231,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's (DCEO) Community Development Assistance Program.

"The city of Macomb is grateful for the funding assistance provided by the Illinois Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Transportation for improvements to U.S. 136 and Bower Rd," said Macomb Mayor Michael Inman. "These improvements were important in securing the expansion of NTN-Bower's operations in Macomb. The funding will allow Macomb to meet the increased demand for traffic volume, brought about by NTN's expansion."

DCEO administers Illinois' CDAP program, which is known nationally as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and provides federal funding for a variety of community-based projects to communities with populations of 50,000 or less.

"This project demonstrates the power of federal, state, community and private partnerships," said Antonio R. Riley, HUD's Midwest Regional Administrator. "We are pleased to see CDBG funds being leveraged to create jobs and spur economic development in Illinois."

The purpose of IDOT's Economic Development Program (EDP) is to provide state assistance in improving highway access to new or expanding industrial distribution or tourism developments, and to create new employment opportunities. The department's Truck Access Route Program (TARP) is combined with funding for Economic Development Program projects and helps local governments upgrade roads to accommodate 80,000 pound truck loads.

For more information on why Illinois is the right place for any business, visit www.illinoisbiz.biz.

 

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April 6, 2012
DAVENPORT, IOWA

The Internet Players start their rehearsals this week for the upcoming
show, "The Guardian." A boy named Charles sparks a "green" revolution.
A Story told in song, dance and puppetry.

The play's theme, 'A Green Revolution' was developed in collaboration
with the Davenport Community School District, and it was written by
first time IP collaborator, Kevin Straus.

The show will be performed May 10th-20th at the Village theatre in
East Davenport.  Please see attached poster for more details. Tickets
will be on sale online and at the door.

The Guardian is directed and produced by Nathan Porteshawver and Stage
Managed by Diane Franken. The show features an original score composed
and recorded in Boston, MA by Seth Bailin, and IP Musical Director,
Tony Hartman, in Nashville, TN.

Stage Designer John Hayes is an architect and graphic designer based
out of Chicago. Steve Couch is developing special sound effects and
Michael McPeters, veteran lighting designer at The Village theatre,
will design the lights for the show.

The Guardian stars 7-year old Gage McCalester, a student at Jackson
Elementary and Adam Mohr, a well-trained area actor.

Previous IP actors Jamie Em Bencke, and Nathan Porteshawver return to
the Village Theatre, as parents to the wonderful Charles Caine.

Michael King and Susan Perrin-Sallak pair up against Don Hazen and
Connie Bracey. Meghan Smith and Martha O'Connell will play each
other's sister. Emily Jawoisz, a local musician will play the part of
the messenger.

Joel Franken and Ron Bellomy hit the stage to set things right in
their special Cameo appearances and Jennifer Little a 10-year old from
Hopewell Elementary plays aspiring new characters.

Dan Portes, Nathan's father, plays the City's Mayor in his first time
ever performance. Cindy Ramos-Parmley, Miss Illinois Plus America
plays Omaha County's leading reporter.

Student interns include Josie Mumm, Dylan Carr, Lia Bellomy, Mathew
Lehna, Jared Svoboda and Deena Gibbs.

Dates:  May 10th through 13th and May 17th through 20th
Time:  7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday and 2:00 pm Sunday
Address:  Village Theatre of East Davenport, 2113 East 11 St.

Contact:  Nathan Porteshawver, Executive Producer, The Internet Players
theinternetplayers@gmail.com

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today issued the following statement in response to the Department of Labor's announcement that the unemployment rate dropped slightly to 8.2 percent in March and 120,000 jobs were added.

"Numbers do not mean anything to Iowans who are still out of work.   Today's report shows that any progress is tenuous at best and Congress still has a lot of work to do for there to be a meaningful recovery.  The small steps that have been taken up to this point to get the economy heading in the right direction have provided only a small boost.  Congress needs to come together and move forward with commonsense, bipartisan solutions in order to create jobs and boost the economy."

 

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Braley joins family who benefited from tax credit in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines 

 

Washington, DC - On Monday in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will announce a legislative effort he's launching to renew and expand a tax credit for families that choose to adopt children.

 

Braley will introduce the Making Adoption Affordable Act, a bill to permanently extend a federal tax credit for qualified adoption expenses.  The legislation also expands the tax credit to $13,360 and makes refundable, allowing more families to take full advantage of it.

 

Braley will be joined at the stops by Jonathan and Kayla Craig and their son Joseph, a Des Moines-area family who appealed to Braley's office for help when the adoption of Joseph nearly fell through because of bureaucratic red tape.  The Craigs are claiming the adoption tax credit on their 2011 federal tax return.  The deadline to file federal income taxes is April 16th.

 

Monday April 9th, 2012

 

9:00am                 Braley Joins Craig Family to Announce Adoption Tax Credit Bill

Home of Scott and Regina Porter (parents of Kayla Craig)

1033 Nancy Rd.

Waterloo, Iowa

 

11:15am               Braley Joins Craig Family to Announce Adoption Tax Credit Bill

Hillcrest Family Services

United Way Building, Suite 401

317 7th Ave. SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

 

3:00pm                 Braley Joins Craig Family to Announce Adoption Tax Credit Bill

Des Moines Central Public Library, Meeting Room #2

1000 Grand Ave.

Des Moines, Iowa

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