WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - FEB. 27, 2012 - This month's Iowa Farm Bureau Renew Rural Iowa entrepreneur of the month award recognizes an innovative tool-making company. Based in Huxley, Kreg Tool Company is a family-owned business that has steadily expanded its reach to woodworkers around the world while helping the local community.

"Kreg Tool Company is a great asset for the community. It brings jobs to the community, it brings people to the community," said Huxley Mayor Craig Henry. "All things we want to see in a business is here at Kreg Tool."

The Kreg Jig got its start in 1986 when Craig Sommerfeld, a tool and die maker by trade and a woodworker at heart, invented the tool while building his home. The easy and effective way to join wood quickly caught on at craft and trade shows. After years of selling the jig on his own, Sommerfeld and his wife, Kathie, founded the company in Huxley.

The business employed 12 people in 1990. Today, 115 employees work at Kreg Tool Company and the business has expanded its product line and facilities. Kreg products are available through distribution outlets across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and more.

"Our tools are just inspiring people to get into woodworking," said Sommerfeld's son, Todd, who is president of the company. "We have a product that is easy to use and works as promised...that's been successful in building our brand. Our goal is to help our customers have more success with woodworking."

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an Iowa Farm Bureau Federation initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources. Look for RRI at EntreFest, held Mar. 8-9 in Ames. For more information, go to www.EntreFest.com. For more information about RRI, visit www.renewruraliowa.com.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online Newsroom page at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

APhA Releases Results of 2011 Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey

WASHINGTON, DC - With cold and flu season still active and allergy season on its way, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) encourages patients to actively seek their pharmacist's advice about the proper use of medications. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care provider and are available to help the public choose the best over-the-counter (OTC) medication for cold, flu and allergy symptoms.

As the medication experts, pharmacists are trained in prescription medications, over-the-counter products and dietary and herbal supplements, and can provide patients with important information about how those medications and products may interact with certain foods or one another. Pharmacists can help patients determine whether they are suffering from a cold, flu or allergies and select products that address their individual needs, or recommend a patient see a doctor or other health care provider when symptoms warrant. A pharmacist can also provide a patient and their family with a flu vaccination and, in many states, other immunizations that prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Treating and preventing cold, flu and allergy-related symptoms are common inquiries for a pharmacist, especially at this time of year. The listing below highlights the #1 recommended products** from the 2011 Pharmacy Today Over-The-Counter Product Survey in the adult allergy, sinus and decongestant product categories.

  • Adult Antihistamines - Claritin (27% of 3,976 pharmacist recommendations)
  • Adult Antitussives - Dextromethorphan - Delsym (41% of 2,984 pharmacist recommendations)
  • Adult Cold-Liquid Products - Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom (22% of 2,529 pharmacist recommendations)
  • Adult Decongestants - Sudafed (58% of 1,932 pharmacist recommendations)
  • Adult Expectorants - Mucinex/Mucinex D/Mucinex DM (70% of 1,645 pharmacist recommendations)
  • Adult Multisymptom Allergy and Hay Fever Products - Claritin-D (33% of 2,307 pharmacist recommendations)
  • Adult Multisymptom Cold or Flu Products - Mucinex D (30% of 2,177 pharmacist recommendations)
  • Adult Multisymptom Cold or Flu Products-Nighttime - NyQuil (30% of 1,234 pharmacist recommendations)
  • Adult Topical Decongestants - Afrin (64% of 1,372 pharmacist recommendations)

 

The 2011 Pharmacy Today Over-The-Counter Product Survey reveals pharmacists top OTC product picks in 77 categories. The survey was conducted in September 2011 and published in the February 2012 edition of Pharmacy Today. It was completed by over 1,400 practicing community pharmacists who are recipients of Pharmacy Today.

The annual survey tracks the OTC products that pharmacists are recommending to their patients as well as the interactions they are having with those patients. With more than 100,000 nonprescription medications on the market and more than 1,000 active ingredients, it's critical that patients consult their pharmacist to maximize the benefits from medications and minimize the potential for harmful drug interaction and/or side effects.

Optimizing Your Pharmacist's Over-The-Counter Medication Suggestions

  • Discuss the symptoms you are trying to treat, and the duration of those symptoms, with your pharmacist.
  • Provide the age and weight of the patient to your pharmacist. This is especially important with children's products or if you are caring for an elderly family member, as formulations may differ depending on weight.
  • Read product labeling, take the medication exactly as directed, learn of possible side effects, and ask your pharmacist what should be avoided while taking the medication.
  • Watch for duplicate ingredients. If you are taking or giving more than one OTC medication check the active ingredient(s) used in each medication to make sure you are not using more than one product with the same active ingredient.
  • Do not use a kitchen spoon to measure liquid medications. Obtain appropriate medication administration aids (i.e. droppers, syringes, spoons, etc.) and ask the pharmacist how to use them properly.
  • Don't give medications in the dark. Turn on the lights if your child or family member needs medication at night. Do not give medication to anyone who is not fully awake.
  • Follow good health practices to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. Cover the mouth and nose during a cough or sneeze, avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth and wash the hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently.
  • Remember, most OTC medications are for temporary relief of minor symptoms. Contact your pharmacist or health care provider if your condition persists or gets worse.

Pharmacists work with doctors and other health care providers to optimize care, improve medication use and to prevent disease. To achieve the best outcomes for their condition, patients should maintain regular visits with all of their health care providers. APhA encourages patients to fill all their prescriptions with one pharmacy, get to know their pharmacist on a first name basis, discuss their medications with their pharmacist, carry an up-to-date medication and vaccination list and share all medical information with each of their health care providers.

** Being a #1 recommended product in the Pharmacy Today OTC Product Survey does not indicate Pharmacy Today or APhA endorsement of any product or service.

About the American Pharmacists Association
The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, is a 501 (c)(6) organization, representing more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. For more information, visit www.pharmacist.com.

 

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The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Highlights the Portability of the Charter Model

Washington, D.C. - The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is today announcing the release of its most recent Issue Brief, "Beyond City Limits: Expanding Public Charter Schools in Rural America." As lawmakers in states with predominately rural areas grapple with the idea of enacting charter school laws, this brief is meant to be used as a guide for policymakers, charter support organizations, and communities that want to offer high-quality options that can meet the educational needs of rural students.

The Issue Brief dissects common challenges faced in rural public education, the current landscape of rural charter schools, and key hurdles that must be overcome in order to launch a successful public charter school in a rural community. Additionally, innovative approaches that charter schools have used to achieve success in rural areas are highlighted, which offer real-life examples and yield policy recommendations for achieving charter school success in rural communities.

"Rural students comprise a vital segment of the American public education system; however, their educational needs are not always being met," said Ursula Wright, interim president & CEO.  "One in four students, which equates to over 11 million children, attend rural public schools, and one in five of the nation's lowest performing schools are in rural areas.  Rural schools must meet the academic needs of their students, and charter schools can help by providing high-quality options."

In 2009-10, there were 785 rural charter schools in operation, comprising 16 percent of all charter schools nationwide, enrolling more than a quarter-million students. In addition to citing examples of successful charter schools located in rural areas, the report highlights the common challenges faced by all rural public schools - charter and traditional - including budget constraints, course offerings, recruitment, special education resources, and transportation.

An example of a successful charter school in a rural area can be found in Paradox Valley, Colorado.  The community saw its local district school close in 1999 as a result of declining population, forcing students to travel three hours to attend the nearest public school. In response, the local community founded the Paradox Valley Charter School to not only address logistical issues, but also take a stance toward preserving its distinctive rural culture. During the 2010-2011 school year, Paradox served 54 students ranging from pre-K to eighth grade.  The school consistently reaches its adequate yearly progress accountability benchmarks.

There are a number of ways that policymakers and charter support organizations can help expand high-quality charter schools in rural communities. For policymakers, laws allowing for public charter schools and equitable funding of those schools must be at the forefront. State charter support organizations are instrumental in making sure that rural communities are well-informed on the potential benefits of charter schools.

The Rural Issue Brief can be found online at http://www.publiccharters.org/publication/?id=693 and national and statewide public charter school data can be found on the Public Charter School Dashboard: http://www.publiccharters.org/dashboard.

About the National Alliance
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. Our mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of academic achievement by fostering a strong charter sector.  For more information, please visit our website at www.publiccharters.org

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Washington, DC – Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) has announced the schedule of upcoming mobile office hours. His staff will travel throughout the 17th Congressional District to meet with constituents and address any questions or concerns they may have. No appointments are necessary. A field representative will be available in the following locations at the following times:

 

March 7, 2012
Monmouth City Hall- Council Chambers
100 East Broadway
Monmouth, IL 61462
9:00am - 12:00pm

Albany City Hall
102 S Main St.
Albany, IL 61230
1:00pm - 4:00pm

March 21, 2012
Oquawka Village Hall 
507 Schuyler St.
Oquawka, IL 61469
9:00am - 12:00pm

Aledo City Hall - Council Chambers
120 North College Ave
Aledo, IL 61231
9:00am - 1:00pm

March 28, 2012
Kewanee City Hall
401 East Third Street
Kewanee, IL  61443
9:00am - 4:00pm

Rep. Schilling's staff will work to maintain the best constituent service possible in holding mobile office hours, however sometimes weather does not cooperate with our intentions.  In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), we may be forced to reschedule mobile hours rather than put constituents at risk.  If in doubt, please call (309) 757-7630 to verify that hours are still in effect.

Constituents are also encouraged to visit the Moline, Galesburg, Canton, and Rock Falls offices during normal office hours: 

Moline District Office
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
3000 41st St., Suite B
Moline, IL 61265
P: (309) 757-7630

Galesburg District Office
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30am to 5:00pm
Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce
185 South Kellogg St.
Galesburg, IL 61401
P: (309) 343-2220

Canton District Office
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am - 5:00pm
8 South Main St., Suite 200
Canton, IL 61520
P: (309) 649-3307

Rock Falls District Office
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9:00am - 4:00pm
1600 First Ave., Suite A
Rock Falls, IL 61071
P: (815) 548-9440

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Jerome White to Speak in Champaign, Illinois


Jerome White, the Socialist Equality Party candidate for US president in the 2012 elections, will hold a press conference near the main entrance of the Champaign public library at 6pm Tuesday, February 28. White will issue a statement supporting a socialist program and urging broader community mobilization.


White has written extensively on workers struggles, most recently on the Cooper Tire lock-out in Ohio, and has interviewed many workers as a reporter for the World Socialist Web Site. (See http://bit.ly/A7zKeI).


White announced his candidacy for president as a member of the SEP last Monday. His campaign calls for a political movement of the working class in opposition to both Democrats and Republicans. The SEP also advocates rank-and-file committees independent of the trade unions, including the AFL-CIO, Illinois Federation of Public Employees, the USW, UAW, SEIU and UNITE HERE.

After issuing a statement, White will take questions from the media. A map of the approximate location of the press conference can be found here: http://bit.ly/wKqDiD

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March 1st. 2012
Independent Scholars' Evenings is reserved for:
" Enfolded: An Ordinary Story of God's Love"
An original short story written and presented
by
Roger Farinha
At
The Independent Scholars' Evenings
7.00 pm
The Moline Commercial Club
1530 Fifth Avenue.
2nd floor.
A spiritual short story chronicling the journey of an ordinary, "unfortunate" man through life; and how the Love of God overtook him, and all his family.
Roger Farinha was born in British Guyana in 1971 and immigrated with his family to the US at the age of 9 years. He became a naturalized citizen in New York at the age of 16, and went on to earn a Bachelors in the History of Modern philosophy, and a masters of Liberal Studies through Fordham University. Most recently, Farinha spent six years as a big-rig trucker, talking to his fellow Americans as a part of his book writing project, the manuscript of which is entitled The New Walden; and the conclusion of which heralded an economic justice message which flowered into his most recent organizing activities in the Quad Cities in the Occupy Wall Street spirit.
Follow his social entrepreneurial movement at www.newamericanspring.org.
Please attend.  Please feel free to forward this email to your network.
These Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by
The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c) 3 at State and Federal levels since 1996.
Please visit our website www.qcinstitute.org
Looking forward to meeting you at the ISE
Independent Scholars' Evenings  are free and open to the public.
Doors open at 6.30 pm.
Light snacks, wine and beverages are provided.

On behalf of the Quad City Federation of Labor,

You are invited to attend a Chili Supper for

 

Candidate for State Representative

Mike Smiddy

Featuring Special Guests

Rock Island Sherriff Jeff Boyd

IL AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Tim Drea

 

Thursday, March 1st,  5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

 

Laborer's Hall, 2835 7th Avenue, Rock Island

 

 

Suggested Contribution:

Individual: $10

Family: $15

Sponsor: $100

Host: $250

 

 

Please make your check payable to:

Mike Smiddy for State Rep.
PO Box 171
Hillsdale, IL 61257

 

Please RSVP to Brian at (563) 210-8979 or at brian@mikesmiddy.com



"The Voice" on NBC is the number one new series of the season, featuring the country's best unknown artists and four of the biggest names in music as coaches: Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera.

Open Call Auditions for "The Voice" will be sweeping the nation beginning March 2012!
Audition Cities:
Chicago, IL - March 3, 2012
New York, NY - March 10-11, 2012
Atlanta, GA - March 17, 2012
Los Angeles, CA - March 31-April 1, 2012
To register, go to: www.nbcthevoice.com
Once you register and confirm your email address, you'll be able to login to your Artist Account and select your audition city, date & time!

If you already have an Artist Account, simply login with the email address and password you used to originally create your account.
Audition Details:
The Casting Process & Audition Locations
Audition Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Video Submissions
Eligibility Requirements

Pete De Kock stepping down at month's end

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced today that Pete De Kock, who has served as Braley's District Director since he was first sworn-in to the US House in 2007, is stepping down at the end of the month to pursue new opportunities.  De Kock is based in Braley's Davenport district office.

Braley said, "Pete has done truly outstanding work on behalf of the people of Iowa and has become in many ways a fixture of the communities he's served in.  I was saddened when he told me the time had come for him to pursue new opportunities, but I know that Pete and his wife Jen have bright futures ahead.  I wish Pete and his family the best.  He will always be a friend of mine and a friend of the people of Iowa."

De Kock said, "My wife and I live in the Quad Cities, and with redistricting moving Scott County out of the First District, we decided now was the right time to pursue new opportunities for our family.  I am honored and blessed to have spent the last five years helping Iowans on Bruce's behalf.  This is a bittersweet moment for me.  I will miss working with Bruce and his team, but I'm looking forward to new opportunities.  I'd like to thank Bruce, my colleagues, and community partners for their friendship and commitment to listening, working hard, and getting things done for our country."

De Kock is stepping down effective next Wednesday, February 29th.  At Braley's request, De Kock has agreed to continue working in an advisory capacity until April 30th.

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BOURBONNAIS, IL (02/24/2012)(readMedia)-- Olivet Nazarene University recently released the dean's list for the fall 2011 semester. To qualify for inclusion on the dean's list, a student must have been enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and must have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 grading scale. Area residents named to the dean's list are:

Abby Boardman of Hillsdale

Rebekah Harrison of East Moline

Hannah Rowen of East Moline

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Ill. - just 50 miles south of Chicago; three sites: Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill., and Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.

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