10 Oct 2011

Grassley urges consideration of Governor Branstad's appeal to FEMA

By Rick Martin

Thursday, October 6, 2011

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today asked the top official of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to consider an appeal made by Governor Terry Branstad to make Iowans living in Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury counties eligible for individual disaster assistance.

"It's only fair that residents of these Iowa counties be eligible for individual assistance, especially considering the latest about the magnitude and severity of the Missouri River flooding," Grassley said.

In June, the President issued a major disaster declaration in response to the flooding.

Grassley has met personally with FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate this year and pressed for Iowans to receive assistance that is equitable to that provided elsewhere.

Here is the text of Grassley's October 6 letter to Fugate:

 

October 6, 2011

The Honorable W. Craig Fugate

Administrator

Federal Emergency Management Agency

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

500 C Street SW

Washington, DC 20472

 

Dear Administrator Fugate,

I respectfully ask that you consider the appeal that Governor Branstad submitted today for Individual Assistance for Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie, and Woodbury Counties.  On June 27, 2011, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Iowa in response to the record amounts of rain and snowmelt which led to unprecedented runoff in the Missouri River basin during the months of May, June, and July.

It is my understanding that additional information has been gathered since the original request was submitted that clarifies the magnitude and severity of this disaster.  Individual Assistance will be vital in helping Iowans, who have endured prolonged hardship over the past four months, recover.

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this appeal.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

United States Senator
10 Oct 2011

Local Students enrolled at Cornell College

By Jamie Kelly

MOUNT VERNON, IA (10/06/2011)(readMedia)-- This year's class of new students at Cornell College is among the most geographically and ethnically diverse in the history of Cornell, with students from 42 states and 10 countries and 25 percent domestic students of color. They are academic achievers, with 14 valedictorians, six salutatorians and 57 students who held a 4.0 or better GPA, and they are involved in co-curricular activities, as well. Sixteen percent were class or organization presidents, 15 percent were captains of a sport, 32 percent were varsity athletes, 34 percent were musicians, and 19 percent were involved in theatre.

With a total enrollment of 1,197 students, Cornell College set a record for the second year in a row.

Among the students enrolled at Cornell are:

Irene Herzig of Davenport

Katherine Jessen of Davenport

Bryce Lightner of Davenport

"Cornell received 3,600 applications for admission this past year," said Jonathan Stroud, vice president for enrollment. "This volume of interest enables the college to make offers of admission based upon a careful assessment of the academic and personal fit of a student with the level of academic challenge and quality of community here at Cornell. We are excited about the talents and interests of our incoming class. They have already demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for and commitment to learning, intellectual curiosity, a taste for adventure and exploration, and a desire to make a difference in their communities and beyond."

Featured in Colleges That Change Lives, Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time (OCAAT), or block, academic calendar. The OCAAT provides students with intellectual immersion, academic focus, and unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship-all without missing out on other classes. Cornell's excellent faculty, majors and pre-professional programs, and engaging residential life all combine to offer numerous extraordinary opportunities in the classroom, on campus, and around the world. Founded in 1853, the college's entire hilltop campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"We're pleased to welcome some of the best students from Iowa, 41 other states and around the world this fall," said Cornell President Jonathan Brand. "Cornell's academic rigor, creative teaching and flexible One Course At A Time calendar help ensure that we draw students to campus, once again, in record numbers. This puts us in an excellent position as we continue to work to strengthen Cornell further and increase enrollment."

10 Oct 2011

Ceremonial ribbon cutting at QC Int'l Airport

By Cathie Rochau
Runway Reconstruction Season Nears Completion

Six Month Project Was Part of $34 Million In Airfield Improvements

MOLINE, ILLINOIS         Rehabilitation of the main 10,000 ft. runway at the Quad City International Airport, known as 9/27 is just days away from final completion.  A ceremony today featuring Dr. Susan Shea, Director of Aeronautics for Illinois, Susan Schalk, Airports Division Manager, Great Lakes region for the FAA, a representative from Senator Durbin's office, and other area dignitaries will commemorate this milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:00 noon.  The ceremony will take place on the airfield near the "bulls-eye" where three of the airport runways intersect.  The rehabilitated runway 9/27 will feature 47,000 cubic yards of new concrete.  Paved asphalt shoulders on each side of 9/27 are an added safety enhancement.

Construction started in mid-April, and all three runways have been shut down for the past six months.  During this time a temporary runway of 6,500 feet in length was used (runway 10/28.)  The project remained on target throughout the season and will be completed one month ahead of schedule.  Planning for this major phase began in 2007, and encompassed $34 million in total airfield improvements.  Funding for the improvements has come from local, state and federal resources.  "The Quad City International Airport is a critical transportation link that is key to the region's economy," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).  "This runway will help put the airport in the strongest possible position to compete for better air service and aviation development projects and contribute to the long term ability of the Quad City Airport to serve travelers safely, securely, and efficiently.  It is a great example of Recovery Act funding at work."

Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation says "Planning for this project started in 2007.  We are finishing the third stage of a four-stage plan and we are very pleased with the cooperation that was achieved through the efforts of the FAA, the Division of Aeronautics, the engineers and contractors.  Hundreds of jobs were created in the fields of concrete, asphalt, earthwork, electrical, and trucking.  This infrastructure improvement will take us well into the future." Carter adds, "While today is ceremonial in nature, we are ready to open all three of our runways to arrivals and departures next weekend.  This is an exciting time in history for the Quad City International Airport and for our travelers."

The fourth and final phase of the overall project will be completed next year, when the temporary runway used during the construction period converts to a taxiway, which will be called Taxiway P "Papa."  
# # #

10 Oct 2011

Winnie's Wishes Resale Shop and More now Open in Davenport

By Rick Martin

Winnie's Wishes Resale Shop and More, 902 E. River Drive, Davenport

A shop with a purpose??    YES!

Winnie's Wishes purpose is . . . .

*   To provide a place for people to DONATE their gently used items to help DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 

*  To provide a place for people to VOLUNTEER to help those victims of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 

*  To provide a place for the victims of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE at "Winnie's Place" to come and shop for FREE!

 

*  Mission:   To lift up the women we serve    (of Winnie's Place)

Winnie's Place - a shelter for women who are homeless or victims of domestic violence . . . with or without children will be celebrating it's 5th Anniversary in December.     Winnie's stands for "Women in Need, Nurtured into Excellence" and that's just what Winnie's Place does.    While in shelter the basic life necessities are provided for them along with a safe roof over their heads.  They are also given basic life skills to help them learn how to get a job, make appointments, nutrition, finances, etc.

Winnie's Wishes allows the community to "Brighten Lives and Save Money" and help women and children of Winnie's Place.

You better come check us out and see the STARS!

(A ministry of Churches United of the Quad City Area)

Shop hours:    Tuesday - Friday  10 AM - 4 PM         Saturday 9 - Noon

Winnie's Wishes   563/323-5007

10 Oct 2011

ALLEGIANT REPORTS SEPTEMBER 2011 TRAFFIC

By Kristine Shattuck-Cooper

Las Vegas, October 6, 2011/ GLOBENEWSWIRE -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ:ALGT) today reported preliminary passenger traffic results for September 2011.

Scheduled Service

 

Sep. 2011 Sep. 2010 Change

Passengers                     359,739        362,519          (0.8)%

Revenue passenger miles (000)               327,382        330,800          (0.2)%

Available seat miles (000)                          363,438        359,785             1.0%

Load factor                         90.1%           91.9%        (1.8) pts

Departures                     2,684            2,697          (0.5)%

Average stage length (miles)                        892               889             0.2%

 

3Q11 3Q10 Change

Passengers                     1,478,046     1,488,600          (0.7)%

Revenue passenger miles (000)             1,347,896    1,356,043          (0.6)%

Available seat miles (000)                         1,462,636     1,512,650          (3.3)%

Load factor                         92.2%           89.6%          2.6 pts

Departures                     10,834          11,316          (4.3)%

Average stage length (miles)                        892               891             0.1%

 

Total System*

 

Sep. 2011 Sep. 2010 Change

Passengers                     398,206        390,492             2.0%

Revenue passenger miles (000)                 357,525  362,714          (1.4)%

Available seat miles (000)                          415,941        420,469          (1.1)%

Load factor                         86.0%           86.3%        (0.3) pts

Departures                     3,317            3,231             2.7%

Average stage length (miles)                        832               873          (4.8)%

 

3Q11 3Q10 Change

Passengers                     1,578,645     1,559,836             1.2%

Revenue passenger miles (000)            1,425,002     1,425,761          (0.1)%

Available seat miles (000)                         1,593,766     1,646,431          (3.2)%

Load factor                         89.4%           86.6%          2.8 pts

Departures                     12,527          12,761          (1.8)%

Average stage length (miles)                        845               865          (2.3)%

 

*Total system includes scheduled service, fixed fee contract and non-revenue flying.

 

Preliminary Financial Results

 

Change

August 2011 actual year-over-year

scheduled revenue per ASM (PRASM) change                                  20.6%

August 2011 actual year-over year

scheduled total revenue per ASM (TRASM) change                          15.8%

 

September 2011 estimated year-over-year PRASM change          32.5 to 32.9%

September 2011 estimated year-over-year TRASM change         23.8 to 24.2%

 

September 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon                        

- system                         $3.04

September 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon                        

- scheduled                      $3.30

 

3Q11 estimated year-over-year PRASM change                           24.2 to 24.6%

3Q11 estimated year-over-year TRASM change                         19.1 to 19.5%

 

3Q11 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - system                         $3.12

3Q11 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - scheduled                        $3.33

 

Guidance

 

 

Capacity guidance, subject to revision

Year over Year Growth

 

Departures

ASMs

October 2011

 

 

Scheduled

4%

5%

 

 

 

4th Quarter 2011

 

 

System

+5 to 9%

+6 to 10%

Scheduled

+2 to 6%

+5 to 9%

 

 

 

1st Quarter 2012

 

 

System

+8 to 12%

+13 to 17%

Scheduled

+10 to 14%

+15 to 19%

 

 

 

 

 

ASMs - Available seat miles

 

 

Cost and revenue guidance, subject to revision

 

 

Cost guidance

 

 

3rd Quarter 2011

Cost per available seat mile excluding fuel (CASM-ex fuel) - year over year growth

+14 to 16%

 

 

Fixed fee and other revenue guidance

 

 

3rd Quarter 2011

Fixed fee revenue and other revenue (millions)

$12 to $14

 

About the Company
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) has posted 34 consecutive quarters of profitability.  The company is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.  Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel and hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services.  In 2011 and 2010 Allegiant ranked 64 and 25, respectively, on FORTUNE magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies list.  In 2010, Allegiant was ranked number one for low-cost carriers in Aviation Week's Top Performing Airline study.   ALGT/G

Note: This news release was accurate at the date of issuance. However, information contained in the release may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

For further information please visit the company's investor website: http://ir.allegiant.com

10 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Key Appointments

By Andrew Mason

Arlene Juracek Appointed Director of Illinois Power Agency;
Michael Jones to Serve as Illinois Lottery Superintendent

CHICAGO - October 5, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointments of Arlene Juracek as director of the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) and Michael Jones as superintendent of the Illinois Lottery. Today's action is the latest in a series of appointments the Governor is making as he continues to fulfill his commitment to creating jobs, fostering economic development, and increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government.

"Arlene Juracek's decades of experience in the energy sector will be critical to fulfilling the Illinois Power Agency's core mission of ensuring reliable and sustainable energy for Illinois families at the lowest cost," Governor Quinn said. "Michael Jones' past success in responsibly growing lotteries throughout the world will be invaluable as my administration works to ensure that the Illinois Lottery reaches its full potential."

As director of the IPA, Juracek will develop and submit annual competitive electricity procurement plans, including the use of conventional and renewable energy and clean coal resources, to the Illinois Commerce Commission. The plans will help ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient and environmentally-sustainable electric service at a low cost to families throughout Illinois.

Juracek retired as vice president of energy acquisition from Commonwealth Edison in 2007 after a 34-year career in energy and transmission services acquisition, power station engineering, and strategic economic and policy analysis. She also worked on purchasing agreements for ComEd's renewable resource activities, including wind power and other green sources of energy.

In addition to her extensive legislative, policy and private sector experience, Juracek also brings a record of public service to the IPA. She is currently serving her second term on the Mount Prospect Village Board of Trustees and was formerly chair of the Mount Prospect Planning and Zoning Commission.

As superintendent of the Illinois Lottery, Michael Jones will be responsible for maximizing lottery profits and overseeing the private firm hired last year to manage Illinois' lottery operations for the next decade. Jones brings decades of experience to this critical position. He served as superintendent of the Illinois Lottery from 1981-1985 under former Governor James Thompson, overseeing a record billion-dollar increase in sales.

After leaving the position, he founded a marketing promotion firm that specialized in assisting all forms of gaming with maximizing sales and profits in an ethical and responsible manner. Jones has served as a consultant for lotteries in 13 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Great Britain, Ukraine, British Columbia and Western Canada. Jones also served as a director of Independent Lottery Research that uses market and consumer analysis to evaluate growth potential in lotteries.

Jones is a graduate of the University of Florida and served as an officer in the United States Army.

###
10 Oct 2011

Tyler Dippel Awarded Scholarship to Attend Lake Forest College

By Lindsey Nemcek

LAKE FOREST, IL (10/05/2011)(readMedia)-- Tyler Dippel '15 of Bettendorf, IA, has been awarded a Johnson Science Scholarship to attend Lake Forest College.

The Johnson Science Scholarship is a Forester Scholarship. Forester Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated special ability in and dedication to art, foreign language, leadership, music, theater, writing, or science (including the natural, mathematical, and computer sciences).

Dippel is a graduate of Pleasant Valley Community High School in Bettenforf, IA.

Lake Forest College is a national liberal arts institution located 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. The College has 1,500 students representing 47 states and 78 countries. For more information visit www.lakeforest.edu.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Tyler-Dippel-Awarded-Scholarship-to-Attend-Lake-Forest-College/3038716.
10 Oct 2011

In Case You Missed It: Ron Paul Foreign Policy Favored By Vets

By Gary Howard
Majority of veterans respond that the U.S. should follow
non-interventionist foreign policy LAKE JACKSON, Texas - Today, the Pew Research Center released a pollhighlighting veteran views on America's ongoing, decade-long 'War on Terror.' The following was found in the poll:

  • 59 percent of post-9/11 veterans respond that the U.S. should focus on domestic issues versus be active in world affairs;
  • About half (51 percent) of post-9/11 veterans respond that the use of military force to fight terrorism creates hatred that breeds more terrorism;
  • 33 percent of veterans respond that neither war (Afghanistan nor Iraq) has been worth the cost;
  • Veterans and the public agree: The nation should not bring back the military draft, which ended in 1973. 82 percent of post-9/11 veterans said they are against reinstating the draft; and
  • 44 percent of post-9/11 veterans report that they have had difficulties readjusting to civilian life, and 37 percent say that ? whether or not they have been diagnosed - they have suffered from post-traumatic stress.

As a 2012 presidential candidate, Dr. Paul has garnered more donations from active-duty military than all of the other Republican presidential candidates combined, and more than President Barack Obama as well. Paul's consistent adherence to Constitutional principles regarding American foreign policy has gained him broad support among veterans and active military alike.

In late September the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign released its latest television ad.  The 60-second spot titled "He Served" highlights Paul's military service and unrivaled commitment to veterans.

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com

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10 Oct 2011

Kooky, Spooky, and All-Together Ooky Activities Fill the Family Museum for Scarecrow Shenanigans

By Elly Gerdts

Bettendorf – Come in costume and celebrate the fall season! On Sunday, October 23, from noon - 5:00 PM the Family Museum's annual event, Scarecrow Shenanigans, returns this year with even more kooky, spooky, and ooky activities. Almost every gallery and room in the Museum will be filled with art activities, games, and science projects.

In the Museum's Great Hall visitors will construct haunted houses, play Halloween games, and grab a quick snack. The Family Museum Gallery will get a spooky make-over, including a one-day-only spooky change to the virtual pond in the PlayHouse area. Inside the Gallery there will be monster crafts, masks, and human "body parts" to touch. Visitors are also invited upstairs to make snot out of common household items and to dissect real eyeballs. And new this year: there will be horse drawn hayrack rides!

Tickets are free for Family Museum members and $8.00 each for the general public.  Tickets are limited and going fast, so get yours today.  Everyone must have a ticket to enter - even Museum members. For more information please call (563) 344-4106, or visit www.familymuseum.org.  Scarecrow Shenanigans is sponsored by The Family Credit Union.

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10 Oct 2011

National Memorial Service to Honor Fallen Iowa Firefighter

By Jenni A. McClelland
EMMITSBURG, MD. - The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will honor an Iowa firefighter who died in the line of duty in 2010.  He is among the 72 firefighters who died in 2010 and 17 firefighters who died in previous years who will be remembered at the official national service held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. 

Firefighter Steven S. Crannell, age 47, of the Guthrie Center Fire Department died after suffering a heart attack within 24 hours of participating in a department training exercise on April 22, 2010.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security will sponsor the official national tribute on October 16, 2011.

As first responders to all natural and manmade emergencies, fire service personnel are in constant danger. During 2010, 72 firefighters died in the line of duty, making firefighting one of the nation's most dangerous occupations.

More than 6,000 people, including Members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families and friends of the fallen firefighters will attend the event.  Families will receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national tribute.

Many fire departments across the country will also conduct simultaneous services, lower flags to half-staff, sound sirens, and observe a moment of silent tribute.  For the first time in Memorial Weekend history, departments and local places of worship are invited to participate in Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, a national moment of remembrance, to honor those who died in the line of duty.  For more information on Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters visit: www.BellsAcrossAmerica.com.

For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website, along with Memorial Weekend related videos, photos, media and broadcast information visit Weekend.FireHero.org.         

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)

The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. For more information on the Foundation and its programs contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit www.FireHero.org.

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