03 Oct 2011

Q & A on Chinese Currency and U.S. Exports with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

By Sen Charles Grassley

Q:        What's the effect on Americans when China undervalues its currency?

A:        China's policy of intervening in its currency markets to limit or halt the appreciation of its currency, the yuan, against the U.S. dollar or other currencies has the effect of keeping Chinese exports cheap and imports expensive, putting some U.S. businesses at a disadvantage.  That has a negative effect on U.S. jobs.  It's also an unfair and unlawful trade advantage for China to subsidize its exports.  New market opportunities are needed for job creation here at home, and market-based currency policy is an important factor in free and fair trade relationships.  Iowa has long been an exporting state, with good-paying jobs related to exports in manufacturing and agriculture.  One in every three tractors made in John Deere's plant in Waterloo is sold to customers overseas.  One in every three acres planted on Iowa farmland heads to the international marketplace.  Ag exports account for one-quarter of farm cash receipts in Iowa.  U.S. exporters deserve a level playing field with China's exporters.

Q:        What can be done?

A:        By law, the Treasury Department is required to name any country it suspects of manipulating the value of its currency to gain an unfair advantage in international trade.  Unfortunately, for too long, presidential administrations of both parties haven't done what the law allows.  The current debate in Congress over China's currency policy draws from more than five years of legislative proposals that would induce China, and other countries manipulating their currencies, to reform its currency policy or to address the effects of that policy on the U.S. economy.  I've introduced bipartisan legislation in the past, and this fall there is a proposal with bipartisan support to increase U.S. oversight of currency manipulation.  The measure would trigger meaningful consequences for countries that fail to adopt appropriate policies to eliminate currency misalignment and make sure U.S. trade laws may be used to counter the economic harm to U.S. manufacturers caused by currency manipulation, in accordance with international trade laws.

The executive branch also can and should prepare a case against China's currency manipulation in the World Trade Organization, the 153-member organization (made up mostly of sovereign nations) that governs international trade.  The framework for World Trade Organization policies is based on the principles of non-discrimination, reciprocity, binding and enforceable commitments, transparency, and safety valves.  In joining the World Trade Organization ten years ago, China committed to adhering to the trade rules of the global marketplace.  If China is not willing to live up to its obligations, the behavior should be challenged under the international rule of law.

 

September 30, 2011
03 Oct 2011

TACO TUESDAY BENEFITS WQPT ON OCTOBER 25TH AT MULLIGAN'S VALLEY PUB

By Rick Martin

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - Mulligan's Valley Pub in Coal Valley is providing a tasty way to support WQPT. On October 25th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. everyone who purchases a $5.00 order of tacos will also be supporting quality television programming and educational outreach projects for WQPT, our area's local PBS station.

"Viewers, friends and others are invited to show their support for the station while enjoying great tacos that have generously been provided by  Mulligan's and Royal Neighbors of America," said WQPT General Manager, Rick Best.  "Mulligan's donates 100% of the proceeds for the night to various charities and WQPT is honored to have been chosen to receive this gift" Best said.

WQPT provides educational, public affairs and entertainment programming on its main channel and broadcasts MHz Worldview on its second channel. Both are provided to eastern Iowa and western Illinois viewers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Membership dollars and special events help provide the funding to support the station.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University located in Moline, Illinois.

03 Oct 2011

WQPT Calendar of Events

By Lora Adams

WQPT Calendar of Events

Title: "A Class Apart": Special Screening and Discussion

Moderated by Alfred Ramirez with panelists Bob Ontiveros, Ernie Rodriquez and Henry Vargas

Where: Moline Public Library, 41st Street, Moline, Illinois

When: October 4, 2011  - 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

What: American Experience's "A Class Apart" tells the little known story of how a band of underdog Mexican-American lawyers take the Hernandez v. Texas case to the Supreme Court, challenging Jim Crow-style discrimination.

Admission: Free

Sponsored by: Ascentra Credit Union with additional support from The Moline Public Library, Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Western Illinois University.

----------

Title: WQPT presents Freedom Riders with special guest, Diane Nash

Where: Martin Luther King Community Center, Rock Island, Illinois

When: October 15, 2011 - 10:00 am

What: The public is invited to a special screening of the documentary "Freedom Riders" and then listen to Diane Nash - one of the leaders of the Freedom Rides Civil Rights movement. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Admission: Free

Sponsored by: Rock Island Community Foundation and Illinois Humanity Council

----------

Title: Taco Tuesday WQPT Fundraiser at Mulligan's Valley Pub

Where: Mulligan's Valley Pub in Coal Valley, Illinois

When: October 25, 2011 - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

What: Help support WQPT when you purchase $5.00 tacos. Enjoy a great meal with 100% of the proceeds benefitting WQPT. Viewers, friends and others are invited to show their support for the station while enjoying great tacos.

Admission: $5 per order of tacos

Sponsored by: Mulligan's Valley Pub and Royal Neighbors of America

----------

Title: WQPT Trivia Night

Where: North Hall at the Highland Park Bowl, 4202 Avenue of the Cities, Moline, IL.

When: November 4, 2011 at 6:00 pm

What: Enjoy a friendly competition testing your smarts at the 4th Annual WQPT Trivia Night. Bring your own snacks. Beverages are available for purchase.

Admission: Tables of 8 must be reserved. $80.00 for a table.
03 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Volunteer Fire Assistance Program Grants

By Katelyn Tye

Federally-Funded Grants will Boost Public Safety Throughout Illinois by Supporting 90 Rural and Small Town Fire Departments

CHICAGO - September 30, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that 90 Illinois communities will benefit from more than $677,000 in federal grants to rural fire protection districts and fire departments. The Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program is a federally-funded program that provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and training.

"This important program boosts public safety by helping many of Illinois' rural and small town fire departments upgrade their equipment and training," Governor Quinn said. "Homeowners and business owners throughout the state will benefit from this assistance to their local firefighters."

The Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program reimburses 50 percent of the recipients' costs for providing training and acquiring equipment to assist local firefighters. Grant recipients must make the initial financial outlay for the projects before being reimbursed. The grants announced today are supporting more than $1.3 million in local projects.

The U.S. Forest Service grant program is administered in Illinois by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), however no state funds are involved.

"Local firefighters will be able to do a better job of protecting property and lives in their communities thanks to the federal funds being used for the new equipment and training these grants support," IDNR Director Marc Miller said.

A list of the 90 grant recipients is attached.

 

Volunteer Fire Assistance Program Local Agency Grant Awards

 

Volunteer Fire Department Name         Grant Amount    County




Alto Pass FD

$  7,331.50

Union

Amboy FPD

$15,000.00

Lee

Anna FD

$11,500.00

Union

Ashland VFD

$  1,375.75

Cass

Bath FPD

$  4,420.00

Mason

Bismarck Comm. FPD

$  6,000.00

Vermilion

Blackhawk FPD

$  7,105.00

Rock Island

Bourbonnais FPD

$ 2,400.00

Kankakee

Brighton Betsey Ann FPD

$  2,878.00

Macoupin/Jersey

Cerro Gordo

$  2,985.00

Piatte

Chadwick FPD

$  6,876.85

Carroll

Cobden VFC, Inc.

$14,959.50

Union

Crete FD

$  1,500.00

Williamson

Crete Township

$14,850.00

Williamson

Divernon FPD

$  5,647.00

Sangamon

Dixon Rural FPD

$  4,120.00

Lee/Ogle

Dowell FD

$  1,441.00

Jackson

Easton Rural FPD

$  4,750.00

Mason

Fairbury, City of

$10,262.28

Livingston

Fillmore Comm. FPD

$  3,316.00

Montgomery

Fox Lake FPD

$14,770.00

Lake

Freeport Rural FPD

$  5,019.75

Stephenson

French Village FPD

$  7,200.00

St. Clair

Godfrey FPD

$15,000.00

Madison

Grant Park, FPD

$  5,000.00

Kankakee

Greater Wabash FPD

$13,365.00

Wabash

Greenville FPD

$  7,061.50

Bond

Hebron/Alden/Greenwood FPD

$  3,750.00

McHenry

Hull-Kinderhook FPD

$  4,804.00

Pike

Jonesboro FPD

$  7,500.00

Union

Kankakee Twp. FPD

$  4,975.00

Kankakee

Keyesport FPD

$  9,490.00

Bond

Lake County Wildland FTF

$     459.00

Lake

Lake Egypt FPD

$  7,399.00

Williamson

Lena FPD

$10,385.00

Stephenson

Leonore VFD

$15,000.00

LaSalle

Lexington FPD

$ 0,800.00

McLean

Liberty FPD

$12,000.00

Adams

Limestone, FPD

$  4,300.00

Kankakee

Lincoln FPD

$  7,314.00

Coles

Loami, FPD

$  2,901.00

Sangamon

Lostant FPD

$15,000.00

LaSalle

Maeystown

$  2,500.00

Monroe

Magnolia FPD

$  2,000.00

Putnam

Massac FPD

$15,000.00

Massac

McClure/East Cape Girardeau

$  7,982.50

Alexander

Metropolis FD

$  5,765.00

Massac

Mid_Piatt FPD

$  2,325.00

Piatt

Milledgeville FPD

$  2,475.00

Carroll

Morris FPD

$15,000.00

Grundy

Mt. Hope Funks Grove

$  5,012.50

McLean

Mulberry Grove

$  3,960.00

Bond/Fayette

Neoga FPD

$  3,967.50

Cumberland

New Athens

$  7,463.00

St. Clair

Newport

$  3,500.00

Lake

Niota FD

$  6,000.00

Hancock

North Clay FPD

$12,370.00

Clay/Effingham

Northern Piatt FPD

$  8,077.00

Piatt

Oakland FD

$15,000.00

Coles

Odin FPD

$  7,497.50

Marion

Oglesby FD

$  6,600.00

LaSalle

Olmsted FD

$  2,160.00

Pulaski

Olney FPD

$ 5,000.00

Richland

Park Forest FD

$  2,102.00

Cook/Will

Petersburg FPD

$  9,574.50

Menard

Pleasant Plains

$ 5,000.00

Sangamon

QEM

$14,200.00

Jersey

Rapids City FPD

$12,500.00

Rock Island

Roanoke FPD

$     915.00

Woodford

Rural Pope County

$12,608.00

Pope

Salina Township FPD

$  2,565.00

Kankakee

Scales Mound FPD

$  6,347.78

Jo Daviess

Secor FPD

$  4,079.00

Woodford

Sheridan Comm. FPD

$  8,750.00

LaSalle

Sherman FPD

$  1,617.00

Sangamon

South Jacksonville FPD

$15,000.00

Morton

Spring Valley  FD

$  2,402.12

Bureau

St. Libory FPD

$  7,287.50

St. Clair

Standard FPD

$  4,625.00

Putnam/LaSalle

Stockton FPD

$14,408.00

JoDaviess

Timber Hollis, FPD

$  8,115.00

Peoria

Union FPD

$14,824.50

McHenry

Utica FPD

$  6,810.00

LaSalle

Valier FPD

$  7,600.00

Franklin

Valmeyer FPD

$  8,720.00

Monroe

Vergennes FD

$     400.95

Jackson

Ware-Wolf Lake FPD

$  2,850.00

Union

Williamson County FPD

$  6,590.00

Williamson

Williamsville, FPD

$10,464.00

Sangamon

Woodland FPD

$  4,990.00

Iroquois





Grand Total                          $677,211.48
03 Oct 2011

Bettendorf's Kaitlyn Gutheil Inducted into Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society

By readMedia

CANTON, MO. (09/30/2011)(readMedia)-- Culver-Stockton College is proud to announce Kaitlyn Gutheil, a senior history and education major from Bettendorf, Iowa, was recently inducted into the Alpha Eta Lambda chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society.

Faculty sponsor D'Ann Campbell, professor of history, along with Patrick Hotle, professor of history, and Scott Giltner, assistant professor of history, welcomed the 12 new members into the society, "whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians" and honors history majors and minors with a 3.1 grade point average in history and a 3.0 cumulative overall grade point average.

03 Oct 2011

Winnie's Wishes Resale Shop and More Opening October 8th to benefit "Winnie's Place" - Brighten Lives & Save Money!

By Rick Martin

Winnie's Wishes, a resale shop and more, is opening at 902 East River Drive in Davenport on Saturday, October 8th.  Store hours will be Mon - Fri from 10am until 4pm and on Saturdays from 9am until Noon.

All sales at Winnie's Wishes are to benefit "Winnie's Place" (a shelter for women - with or without children - who are homeless or victims of domestic violence).

We lift up the women we serve of Winnie's Place and help make woman's wishes come true!

Winnie's Wishes would be a great opportunity for Bible Study groups or Woman's groups to volunteer.  Help hang, price or display items and know that it benefits women and children who have been homeless or domestic violence victims!    By the way, women in shelter will SHOP the store at no cost - whether it be for clothing when they first enter or after completing the nurturing programs at Winnie's to help furnish their new apartments.  Winnie's Wishes is there to SERVE.  Would you like to volunteer?

For more information, please call (563) 323-5007 or visit www.winnieswishes.com

###

03 Oct 2011

Providing for the Common Defense: The First Duty of the 'Super Committee'

By Travis Korson
Cordially Invites you to:
Providing for the Common Defense:
The First Duty of the 'Super Committee'
Wednesday, October 5th from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m.
at
Congressional Meeting Room North, CVC 268, Capitol Visitor Center
1st Street, SE and East Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20515
Panel Participants Include
Representative Mike Conaway (TX-11)
Representative J. Randy Forbes (VA-4)
Representative Trent Franks (AZ-2)
Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-5)
Rear Admiral Jim Carey, Chairman, Flag & General Officers' Network
Lt. General Jack Klimp, President, National Association of Uniformed Services
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr., President, Center for Security Policy
Scott Cooper, V.A. Tea Party Federation
To RSVP, please e-mail Adam Savit at rsvp@forthecommondefense.org.
The congressional 'super committee' that emerged from the extraordinary debt ceiling legislation adopted by Congress last August faces the daunting mandate of reigning in federal spending that many argue is a symptom of a government that has far exceeded the bounds established for it by the Constitution.  While this charge to enforce the Framer's intent should be commended, its methods may in fact bring about an equally unconstitutional result; that is, the failure to "Provide for the Common Defense."

Today the "Coalition for the Common Defense," announces its "Statement of Principles," which, at its core, rejects the false choice between military strength and economic health. We hope you can join us as we begin this effort to return the nation's defense to its constitutionally proper place as the preeminent responsibility of the federal government.  The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.
03 Oct 2011

Avoiding deer-car collisions this time of year

By Janet Masters
Fall into defensive driving habits to reduce the risk of deer-car collisions

Madison, Wis. (September 29, 2011) - Fall has arrived, and so has the time when motorists in many states are more likely to encounter deer on streets and highways. Unfortunately, these meetings often result in a serious traffic accident.

Hundreds of thousands of animal-vehicle crashes occur each year, the majority with deer. This results in millions of dollars of damages, injuries and in some cases, even death.
Sometimes these accidents are unavoidable, particularly during the fall months into early winter when deer are active and breeding. However, attentive drivers can take several simple precautions to reduce the likelihood of these encounters resulting in a traffic accident.

For 2010, American Family customers in the company's 19 operating states submitted claims for animal-vehicle crashes totaling nearly $84.5 million, with Wisconsin ($23.4 million), Missouri ($15.7 million) and Minnesota ($10.9 million) reporting the highest numbers, accounting for more than 58 percent of claims, with an average cost per claim of $2,573 (see chart below for statistics on the top 12 states among the 19 states in which American Family operates).

Here are some defensive driving tips to help avoid deer-vehicle accidents:
•       Fasten your seatbelt. It's simple common sense and the best defense in the event a crash is unavoidable.
•       Pay attention to deer-crossing signs.
•       Be especially alert at dawn and dusk. These are the times deer are most active.
•       If you see one deer, expect more to follow. Deer typically travel in single file.
•       If you see a deer on the road, brake firmly and blow your horn.
•       If a crash is unavoidable, don't swerve! Studies show the most serious crashes occur when motorists swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or object, or roll over.

One preventative measure you might hear about is the use of deer whistles. Deer whistles produce ultrasonic noise when the vehicle they are attached to exceeds 30 mph. The idea is the deer will be warned upon hearing the noise. It's unclear whether deer hear the noise, but regardless, studies show the whistles have no effect on deer behavior, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

If you do strike a deer, contact the authorities. You may be legally required to report an accident with significant vehicle damage, depending on state laws. Also contact your insurance company to report your claim. Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive section of your auto insurance policy. Since comprehensive coverage is optional, be sure to check your auto insurance policy for specific coverages.

2010 American Family claims for animal hits*
Ranked by number of claims
State   Number of Claims        Cost of Claims
Wisconsin       9,051   $23,449,682
Missouri        6,060   $15,748,155
Minnesota       4,366   $10,910,038
Kansas  2,366   $6,677,384
Illinois        1,807   $4,805,393
Iowa    1,770   $4,675,789
Ohio    1,206   $3,001,267
Indiana 1,193   $3,024,176
South Dakota    1,154   $2,777,437
Nebraska        904     $2,553,822
Colorado        832     $2,797,008
North Dakota    698     $1,637,216
Average cost per claim $2613
*Top 12 states

Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, health insurance, business and farm/ranch insurance in 19 states. American Family insurance ranks 358th on the Fortune 500 list and is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company
03 Oct 2011

Augustana students performed a disaster relief concert

By Keri Rursch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (09/29/2011)(readMedia)-- More than six months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the people of Japan are still trying to rebuild their lives. To reverently remember and show sympathy for the Japanese people, members of the Augustana College Symphonic Band performed a disaster relief concert on Saturday, September 24.

Free will donations were collected at the concert. Donations totaled $1,550, and funds raised will be distributed through the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan.

"It is easy to forget about such disasters, yet much of Japan is still uninhabitable-much remains to be done," said Augustana's Director of Bands James Lambrecht, who has programmed select musical works related to Japan in order to expose the students and Augustana community to Japanese musical culture.

From your area, the students involved included:

Anne VanSpeybroeck, a Junior from Rock Island, Ill. majoring in Music Performance.

Jennifer Youngs, a Senior from Taylor Ridge, Ill. majoring in Psychology/Political Science.

Gaetano Iaccarino, a Senior from Davenport, Iowa majoring in Anthropology/Music.

Grace Drenth, a Junior from Davenport, Ill. majoring in Psychology.

"This was a celebration of music, and it was also a meaningful gesture to the people of Japan that Augustana College is committed to helping those in need-no matter where they live." said Augustana senior Gaetano Iaccarino, Davenport, Iowa.

Augustana's music department shares a special connection with Japan. Lambrecht departed for his second guest residency at the prestigious Musashino Academia Musicae, Tokyo, only two days after the concert. While in Japan, Lambrecht will conduct the Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble with music programmed in response to the devastating events.

For more information, please contact Keri Rursch, director of public relations, at kerirursch@augustana.edu or (309) 794-7721.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls nearly 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty and has a student-faculty ration 11:1. Augustana continues to do what is was always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in out complex, ever-changing world.

03 Oct 2011

27th Annual Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend, "Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!"

By Rick Martin

French-inspired Nouveau wine tradition is a 27-year tradition in Galena, Illinois

GALENA, Ill. - "Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!" Simply translated, "Wine lovers: get ready, get set, go!" The third Thursday of November marks the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau and the opportunity to be among the first to sample the new, shortly fermented wine, previewing the current year's fall harvest.

In France, this tradition began more than a century ago. In Galena, Illinois, it kicked off at the hands of Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery in 1985. Today, it's grown to be a full-blown community celebration inviting epicureans of all levels to enjoy all things wine.

The weekend officially kicks off at noon on Friday, November 18 with traditional French stew and wine-inspired lunches at many area restaurants. At 2:30 pm, the familiar "clip clop" of horse hooves will be heard throughout Galena's downtown. On board the horse-drawn wagons sporting revelers is a celebrated guest that will have the entire town in merriment all weekend?Galena Cellars' 2011 Nouveau wine.

Local restaurants continue the celebration with live music, wine tasting, dinner specials and receptions. Throughout the weekend, wine lovers can also enjoy vineyard tours (Galena boasts three area vineyards open to the public), winemaker dinners, wine-inspired pampering such as spa and shopping specials and lodging packages.

Offered for the second year in a row is the Grand Tasting, providing the opportunity to sample a variety of more than 200 wines?worldwide wines from Albarino to Zinfandel. From value-priced Chardonnays to pedigreed Cabernets, this tasting has it all and is a great value at only $30 per person ($35 at the door). The Grand Tasting takes place on Saturday, November 19 from 3:30-6 pm at Galena's Convention Center (900 Galena Square Drive).

Advanced tickets purchase (recommended), as well as a complete list of weekend happenings are available online at www.nouveauweekend.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

 

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