05 Jun 2012

Ballet Quad Cities presents Ballet Under the Stars

By Ballet QC

Sponsored by John Deere

What: Ballet Under the Stars

Who: Ballet Quad Cities

Where: Lincoln Park Classic Theatre 11th Ave & 38th St Rock Island, IL

When: June 8, 9 & 10 at 8:00pm

Ticket Prices: No Admission Charged!

Three evenings of no admission charged ballet performances - a perfect time to introduce your family to our family of dancers at Ballet Quad Cities! Bring a picnic supper, chairs, or a blanket and spend an evening under the stars at lovely Lincoln Park.

The program will bring back favorite selections from this past season including the Black Swan Pas de Deux and an excerpt from The Sleeping Beauty as well as other audience favorites.

Also joining the dancers on stage are students from Frances Willard Elementary School in Rock Island who participated in an after school program lead by company dancer Margaret Huling.  The 8 students learned original choreography and will perform with brightly colored Chinese ribbons.  The Dance with the Stars program was funded by a grant from Quad City Arts Dollar$: Community Access to the Arts.

For more information, please call 309-786-3779 or visit www.balletquadcities.com

05 Jun 2012

Scott Co. Board of Supervisors Tentative Agenda

By Chris Berge
05 Jun 2012

Secretary Vilsack Releases Report Highlighting Obama Administration Accomplishments Supporting Rural Communities

By USDA Communications
Events Being Held Nationwide Today To Showcase Successful Healthcare, Education and Public Safety Investments; New Projects Announced in 21 States

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released a report highlighting the ways in which infrastructure investments in rural communities help create jobs and boost economic development, and he announced additional investments that will create jobs and promote economic growth across the nation.

"Quality hospitals, schools and libraries are the building blocks for a vibrant rural America," said Vilsack. "Today's announcement illustrates how the Obama Administration is leveraging Rural Development's investments to ensure that rural communities can compete in the global economy."

Since the start of fiscal year 2009, Rural Development's Community Facilities Program has helped more than 37 million rural Americans address essential challenges in health care, education, public service and public safety by financing projects through loans, grants, or loan guarantees.

For example, thousands of families in Missouri depend on the care provided by Macon County Samaritan Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, the existing hospital had no private patient rooms, and its surgical rooms did not meet current standards. USDA Rural Development provided a direct and guaranteed loan to finance the construction of a new health care facility and renovate existing hospital space. The hospital employs 215 full-time employees and provides critical health care services to a primary service area of almost 16,000 residents in northeast Missouri.

To find out how the Community Facilities Program is making a difference in your state, click here.

Vilsack also announced that 38 Community Facilities investments in 21 states are being awarded today to continue the Administration's commitment to help create jobs and improve the economy. For a complete list of awards announced today, please click here.

For example, in Arizona, the Cibecue Community Education Board, Inc. is being awarded a $50,000 grant to purchase a used 20-foot cargo van that will be converted into a bookmobile for the school and community. The van will be equipped with shelving, books, computer, printer, generator and supplies. The community library closed in 2010. The bookmobile will enable the school to provide the K-8th grade, high school students, and adult community access to a library and restore the literacy program that once benefited the community. Cibecue is located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Program supports essential infrastructure and services for public use in rural areas of 20,000 in population or less. Financing for Community Facilities projects covers a broad range of interests, including healthcare, education, public safety and public services. There are three major Community Facilities Programs: Community Facilities Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs, Community Facilities Grants, and the Rural Community Development Initiative.

Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council - chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack - the President wants the federal government to be the best possible partner for rural businesses and entrepreneurs and for people who want to live, work and raise their families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $165 billion in affordable loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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05 Jun 2012

Lt. Governor Simon Statement on strip club surcharge

By Kara Beach

SPRINGFIELD - May 31, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement regarding the House's 92-23-3 concurrence to House Bill 1645, Amendment 3, which establishes a strip club surcharge and fee structure to help fund rape crisis centers that have seen state funding decline about 28 percent over the past five years. The bill now awaits the Governor's signature.

Simon said: "I want to thank all of the advocates who answer rape crisis hotlines and counsel women, men and children who survive sexual abuse and assault. Sen. Hutchinson worked hard on your behalf to negotiate a compromise with the adult entertainment industry and garner bipartisan support for legislation that will help restore critical funding during tough budget times. My thanks also go out to Rep. Feigenholtz who ushered this bill through the House, again with bipartisan support. This is an example of how the process should work. All parties worked together for the good of our state."

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05 Jun 2012

Loebsack Announces Funding For Local Airport Improvements

By Joe Hand

Loebsack Announces More Than $233,000 for Davenport Airport Improvements

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the Davenport Municipal Airport will receive a total of $233,500 to make improvements to the runway.  These funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) grant program.

"Access to local airports allow our communities to grow, as well as fuel additional economic development in the region," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased that the Davenport Municipal Airport is receiving this grant which will help fund much needed runway improvements and allow the airport to continue functioning safely and effectively."

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Loebsack Announces Nearly $180,000 for Muscatine Airport Improvements

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the Muscatine Municipal Airport will receive a total of $179,488 to make improvements to the taxiway and runway.  These funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) grant program.

"Access to local airports allow our communities to grow, as well as fuel additional economic development in the region," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased that the Muscatine Municipal Airport is receiving this grant which will help fund much needed runway and taxiway improvements and allow the airport to continue functioning safely and effectively."

Specifically, the airport will receive:

$129,088 to rehabilitate the existing taxiway pavement that has reached the end of its useful life

$50,400 to remove obstructions in the runway approach

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05 Jun 2012

Braley Announces Over $1 Million for Improvements to Eastern Iowa Airports

By Jeff Giertz

Will allow for infrastructure improvement and future planning at the Waterloo, Independence & Oelwein airports

 

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced today that three eastern Iowa airports will receive a total of $1,051,556 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration.  This funding will be used to update master plans, identify future needs and improve runway lighting.

 

"This is great news for Eastern Iowa. The grant money will help these airports make critical infrastructure improvements right now and identify improvements needed in the future - both ensure the safety of passengers and employees," Braley said. "Whether traveling for business or family vacation, Iowans rely on their community airports to be safe, secure and reliable. It's critical we give Iowa's airports the tools they need to provide the safest and most efficient service to their customers."

 

Specifically, the funds will be used for:

 

Waterloo Regional Airport                        $967,856 to improve the runway lighting system to ensure visibility

Independence Municipal Airport              $52,200 to update the airport master plan and identify future needs

Oelwein Municipal Airport                        $31,500 to update the airport master plan and identify future needs

 

 

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05 Jun 2012

Youngest Person to Run Barefoot Across the Country to Run Through Colona, Illinois

By Elizabeth Kirk

18 year old Rae Heim is not your average high school student.  She is spending her days running across the country to help people who don't have shoes.  Having already run through 11 states and over 1,000 miles, Rae is more than half way done with her journey, which will conclude in California in November.  Rae runs between 12 and 30 miles a day with all of her belongings piled in a backpack.  And although she is running solo, supporters from across the country are meeting up with her to run alongside and show their support.

WHO:
Rae is raising funds for the charity Soles4Souls, who is able to provide a pair of shoes to someone in need for every dollar raised.  Supporters can donate to Rae's cause by visiting http://www.soles4soulsfundraising.org/cgi-bin/view_profile.cgi?id=2766.  You can visit her website to view her schedule and other important details about her journey at http://flavors.me/raeainslee.

WHEN:
Tuesday, June 12, 2012

WHERE:
Annawan, Illinois to Colona, Illinois

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About Soles4Souls
Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty.  Soles4Souls' other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.  Visit www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.------------------

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05 Jun 2012

Blackhawk Hills Holds Annual Meeting

By Julie Jacobs

ROCK FALLS, IL - BlackhawkHills Resource Conservation and Development held its annual meeting on May 24, 2012 at the Freeport Country Club. The meeting was open to the public and featured Lynn Feaver of Prospering Together as the speaker.

Two awards were presented at the meeting. The 2012 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Ron Colson, Sam Newton, and William Tonne for their hard work and dedication to the Northwest Illinois Broadband Opportunities Program. The 2012 Carson DeJarnatt Economic Development Award was presented to Prospering Together and was accepted by Lynn Feaver, Chuck Moen, Della Moen, and Sam Newton of Stephenson County.

Blackhawk Hills would like to recognize the following changes to the council. Ron Colson was elected as President. He previously served as Vice President for the past three years. William Tonne accepted the position of Vice President. He previously served as President for the past three years.

About the Volunteer of the Year Award

This award is presented annually to the person or persons who have shown outstanding dedication to a project or initiative within the six-county region. This award has been presented each year since 1976.

About the Carson DeJarnatt Economic Development Award

The Carson DeJarnatt Economic Development Award is given to a person, organization, or initiative that demonstrates commitment to regional economic development. The award's namesake, Carson DeJarnatt, joined the Blackhawk Hills council as the Whiteside County Board representative in 1987. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Blackhawk Hills' Economic Development District in 1992. The council of Blackhawk Hills created the economic development award in his honor after his passing in 1995.

About Blackhawk Hills RC&D

Blackhawk Hills RC&D is a not-for-profit corporation based in Rock Falls, IL, that serves Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties in northwest Illinois.  Blackhawk Hills RC&D's services include community planning, development assistance, natural resources conservation and protection support, and grant writing and administration. Blackhawk Hills RC&D is sponsored by local county boards and Soil and Water Conservation Districts and is overseen by an 18-member council, consisting of three representatives from each of the six counties.

Questions about Blackhawk Hills may be directed to Julie Jacobs at (815) 625-3854 or info@blackhawkhills.com.

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05 Jun 2012

Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival

By Steve Hart

Celebrate the Davenport Public Library's, Dream Big READ! Carnival as the kickoff to the Summer Reading Program at the Fairmount Branch Library (3000 N. Fairmount Street) on Saturday, June 2, between 12 and 4 p.m. Be sure to get your picture taken with our new 25' Libby "the Library Dog" balloon (weather permitting)!

First sign up for the Summer Reading Program, then stay for the carnival!  We'll have loads of games, including: Bowling, Arctic Fishing, a Duck Pond, and more - including a dunk tank (weather permitting). Kids can earn tickets at all of these fun games which can be used to purchase prizes from our prize booth.

The Davenport Public Library's Libby balloon and mascot costume were made possible by funds provided by the Riverboat Development Authority.

The Summer Reading Program is for all-ages.  For more information, visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

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05 Jun 2012

Soldiers begin the most important part of the Reset process: Demobilization

By Carlos Cruz

Soldiers of the 200th Engineer Company, South Dakota National Guard, wait to be seen my medical providers at the Joint Readiness Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The unit returned to U.S. soil, May 2, after a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. As a multi-role bridging unit, the 200th had a mission to maintain, repair and replace existing military bridges throughout Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Nicole Dykstra
72nd Operations Brigade Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE DIX LAKEHURST N.J. -- When soldiers return from deployment to Joint Base-McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, they start the most important part of the reset process - demobilization. This crucial time allows soldiers time to resolve medical, dental, behavioral health, financial and administrative issues prior to their release from active duty.

Soldiers of the 200th Engineer Company, a National Guard unit from Pierre, South Dakota, recently returned to the Joint Base after a year-long deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a multi-role bridging unit, the 200th maintained, repaired and replaced military bridges throughout Afghanistan.

Returning soldiers understandably want to return home as soon as possible, and while leaders of the 72nd Operations Brigade, the South Dakota Joint Force Headquarters, First Army Division East, Army Medical Command, and JB MDL support this desire, they work hard to ensure all soldiers receive the individualized care, transition support, and understand all the benefits due to them before they depart the demobilization site.

"We have all the resources here that soldiers can take advantage of, whether it be legal, medical or administrative assistance," said Col. Michael Shrout, commander of the 72nd Operations Brigade.

The 72nd supports the First Army Division East mission of overseeing the demobilization process for all redeploying Reserve Component soldiers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

While active duty soldiers have all needed resources at hand, Reserve component soldiers may sometimes be hours away from those same resources.

"When they go back to being citizen-soldiers, the resources may still be available, but sometimes it's more difficult to get to them geographically, or it might be challenging to schedule them as they enter the civilian workforce. We want each soldier to be prepared to enter the reset process, and actually reset," Shrout explained.

"Demobilization is a necessary process, and soldiers need to be patient," said Capt. James Forbes, 200th Engineer Company commander, adding that one of the biggest challenges for a Reserve-component unit is the amount of time spent away from families and employers. For a year prior to the deployment, Reserve and National Guard units must complete additional training taking them away from their responsibilities at home. By the end of the deployment, soldiers have spent a considerable amount of time separated from their families.

Upon arrival at JBMDL, the 200th immediately began the process that prepares them to return to their families. In addition to medical, dental and behavioral health support, demobilizing soldiers receive information and resources on benefits, programs and access to care to assist their transition home. Representatives from TRICARE, the Veteran's Health Administration and Employer Support of Guard and Reserve are among the organizations who offer information and assistance. Soldiers also electronically registered for health benefits through the VA.

"This is the last stop before returning home but there is still a lot of work to be done and it's important not to lose sight of that," said Forbes. "Soldiers need to take a realistic look inside and assess what issues need to be addressed. You need to be able to ask for help if you need it, and you absolutely need to take the time we are given to get it taken care of."

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Dejong, a platoon sergeant in the 200th, was impressed by the quantity and quality of information provided at the demobilization site, especially compared to his experiences after his previous deployment to Iraq in 2004.

"When I returned from my first deployment, the process was much shorter and really only addressed medical issues," Dejong, a Sioux Falls, S.D., native said. "There was definitely a lot more information for us this time - you see the Army has learned a lot over the last eight years."

"We have a sacred responsibility to take these Active Duty, Federal troops and return them home as citizen-soldiers properly, with the dignity and respect they deserve as veterans," said Shrout.

"The Army isn't all about machines and weapons platforms - it's about people. If we want to sustain our operations around the world over the long haul, we have to take care of our people."

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