ROCK ISLAND, IL (01/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Nearly 900 students have been named to the Dean's List at Augustana College for the 2011 fall term. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.

From your area, students who have earned this honor include :

Christopher Atha from Bettendorf, Iowa, a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Katelyn Benge from Bettendorf, Iowa, a Sophomore majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Allie Bierhaus from Bettendorf, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Elementary Education/Spanish.

Tyler Cowherd from Bettendorf, Iowa, a Sophomore majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Elizabeth Kuster from Bettendorf, Iowa, a Sophomore majoring in Creative Writing.

Muna Omar from Bettendorf, Iowa, a Sophomore majoring in Biology.

Anthony TouVelle from Bettendorf, Iowa, a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Anna Tunnicliff from Bettendorf, Iowa, a Junior majoring in History.

Peter Wessels from Bettendorf, Iowa, a Senior majoring in Business Administration-Finance/Accounting.

Moselle Singh from Le Claire, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Anthropology.

Thomas Harris from Davenport, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Biology.

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

Kelsey Lovaas from Davenport, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Business Administration-Advising/Accounting.

James Wiebler from Davenport, Iowa, a Sophomore majoring in Biology.

Anthony Ash from Davenport, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Accounting/Business Administration-Finance.

Alannah Golden from Davenport, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Elementary Education.

Benjamin Knapper from Davenport, Iowa, a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Richard Rector from Davenport, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Anna Rusch from Davenport, Iowa, a Sophomore majoring in Business Administration-Advising.

Ingrid Schneider from Davenport, Iowa, a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Alexander Wenskunas from Davenport, Iowa, a Senior majoring in Political Science.

Adam Bengfort from Davenport, Iowa, a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Zain Dada from Davenport, Iowa, a Senior majoring in Biology/French.

Kylie Koger from Davenport, Iowa, a Sophomore majoring in Classics.

Manisha Kumar from Davenport, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Pre-Medicine/Biology.

Jacob O'Rourke from Davenport, Iowa, a Junior majoring in Accounting/Economics/Business Administration-Finance.

Shelby Womack from Davenport, Iowa, a Sophomore majoring in Biology/Pre-Medicine.

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Pre-Teaching English.

Leo Anderson from Rock Island, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Business Administration-Advising.

Jessica Bacon from Rock Island, Ill., a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Angela Bahls from Rock Island, Ill., a Junior majoring in Commmunication Sciences and Disorders/Psychology.

Nicholas Cummins from Rock Island, Ill., a Junior majoring in Biology.

Tonnie Farwell from Rock Island, Ill., a Junior majoring in Accounting.

Clare Kilbride from Rock Island, Ill., a Junior majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Anna Letendre from Rock Island, Ill., a Junior majoring in Business Administration-Marketing/Psychology.

Nathaniel McDowell from Rock Island, Ill., a Senior majoring in English/Philosophy/Classics.

Amie Rogers from Rock Island, Ill., a Junior majoring in Art.

Rosalie Starenko from Rock Island, Ill., a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Erica Aten from Coal Valley, Ill., a Senior majoring in Psychology.

Elaine Guthrie from Coal Valley, Ill., a Senior majoring in Biology.

Crystina Mayfield from Coal Valley, Ill., a Senior majoring in French/Africana Studies/Classics.

Andrew Shearouse from Coal Valley, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Brandy Blakeney from East Moline, Ill., a Junior majoring in Mathematics/Scandinavian.

Michael Kautz from East Moline, Ill., a Junior majoring in Accounting/Business Administration-Finance.

Eryn Maccabee from East Moline, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in English.

Leart Neziroski from East Moline, Ill., a Junior majoring in Pre-Medicine/Biology.

Lindsey Sikorski from East Moline, Ill., a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez from Milan, Ill., a Junior majoring in Psychology.

Micaela Terronez from East Moline, Ill., a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Kelsey Winter from East Moline, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Biology.

Samantha McGreer from Illinois City, Ill., a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Samantha Ott from Milan, Ill., a Senior majoring in Sociology-Social Welfare.

Laurel Williams from Milan, Ill., a Senior majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders/English.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Biology/Pre-Medicine/Psychology.

Kayla Ferguson from Orion, Ill., a Junior majoring in Creative Writing.

Alyssa Zwicker from Orion, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Psychology.

Courtney Brown from Port Byron, Ill., a Senior majoring in Biology.

Douglas Peters from Port Byron, Ill., a Junior majoring in Neuroscience.

Tyler Richards from Port Byron, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Business Administration-Advising.

Emma Thompson from Port Byron, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Spanish.

Jacob McManus from Reynolds, Ill., a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

Alexandra Jones from Sherrard, Ill., a Sophomore majoring in Biology.

Lauren Reid from Sherrard, Ill., a Senior majoring in Business Administration-Marketing/Communication Studies.

Chelsea Vickerman from Silvis, Ill., a Junior majoring in Business Administration-Advising.

Rebecca Anderson from Taylor Ridge, Ill., a Senior majoring in Biology/Pre-Medicine.

Jessica Scheckel from Taylor Ridge, Ill., a Junior majoring in Biology/Psychology.

Nathan Woeber from Taylor Ridge, Ill., a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

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

Sarah Riedel from Long Grove, Iowa, a First Year majoring in Augie Ages Undecided.

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 Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers nearly 90 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of approximately 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Jan. 26, 2012 - Whether it's moving massive structures such as wind turbine equipment, hauling out water vessels in Alaska or engineering a unique system to plant trees at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, HMR Supplies prides itself on solving literally the nation's biggest  moving and transportation challenges. The Forest City company's commitment to innovation has helped it earn the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur of the Month award.

HMR Supplies is an original equipment manufacturer that provides products for the heavy transport industry, including structural movers, large construction equipment moving or transportation of oil field, cement, marine and wind industry products.

The company started when founder Ron Holland of Forest City needed to raise his home to put in a basement. Holland ended up buying the house-moving business he used in 1977 and from there, began manufacturing Holland Dollies for resale. In 1999, Ron's son, Chris, brought new skills to the company that he learned while studying electrical engineering at Iowa State University.  Chris and his wife, Natalie Hammer, helped turn the small manufacturing company into a global industry powerhouse, which still operates out of Forest City.

In addition to creating innovative products that move large loads, the company is hiring. Natalie said the company currently employs 18 people and hopes to grow to 50 in the next five years. "We're helping bring people back to Iowa to work and raise their families," said Natalie. "It's part of the rural brain gain."

Winnebago County Farm Bureau member Randi Benson said companies like HRM are vital to the rural area. "Without agriculture and businesses like this, there wouldn't be a Main Street in Forest City," said Benson. "It keeps the community going."

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources. The next Renew Rural Iowa Business Success Seminar takes place February 15th at the Muse-Norris Conference Center in Mason City.  For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com.

 

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Downtown Davenport is loaded with events this week, but first, we'd like to open with some big news.  Restoration St. Louis has begun its $4.5M renovation of the historic Renwick Building!  Eighteen beautiful market-rate apartments and new commercial space are on the way, and we couldn't be more excited.

The good news doesn't end there, because Downtown Central Perk just celebrated its grand opening in the historic Bayer Building at 226 West 3rd Street!  The coffe shop features vegetarian and vegan entrees, as well as direct trade coffees and more. 

The coffee shop is a major component of the Bayer Building's ongoing restoration, that once completed, will also boast a restored façade and additional market-rate apartments.  Check out our photo album and this QC-Times article, too.
Bridal Expo
If you're planning a wedding, don't miss the Jaycees Bridal Expo at the RiverCenter this weekend!  Next door, the Tribute National Talent Contest will be in full swing at the Adler Theatre.

Celebrate our local artistic and musical talent during the Augustana Sights & Sounds Final Friday event at Bucktown!  This unique photography exhibit will make for a special night, and if you're still not familiar with Final Friday, check out this video made by our friends at Star Dog Gallery.

River Roots Live veterans, The Giving Tree Band, are headlining a gig at River Music Experience!  Local favorite Tim Stop will also be performing at RME, and fans of electro-funk should grab tickets now to see Eliot Lipp on Wednesday.  There are a whopping eight FREE events this week at RME!  Bring the family down to give the Community Drum Circle a try, too.

You've probably heard of Carnival in Rio and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but are you familiar with Fasching and Karneval?  Learn all about these fascinating events at the German American Heritage Center, and mark your calendar to catch their next showing of The White Rose film, as well.

Support our youth by attending the Young Artist Exhibit opening at the Figge, and if you're in the mood for a sporting event, attend a hockey game at River's Edge.  Last, but not least, don't forget that you can still shop for groceries at the Freight House Farmers Market all winter long indoors.

See you downtown!

 

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This Week's Events: January 26 - February 1


Thursday, January 26

$2,800 Bank It Blackjack Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Registration 5 p.m. Tournament 6 p.m.

Price: $20 entry fee

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Brady Street Pub Lunch Specials & Happy Hour

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: Lunch specials every weekday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Time: Happy Hour specials every weekday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Time: Sunday, drink specials all day

Prices: See website

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Jazz Jam with the North Scott Jazz Combo

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Randy Leasman

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Million Points Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10:00 a.m., Noon, and 2:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

River's Edge Monthly Turf & Ice Schedule

Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!  Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf schedule for the month.

Ice Schedule

Turf Schedule

Website

 

Trivia Challenge - Win Gift Certificates!

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Friday, January 27

Adam Beck

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11:00 a.m. - Midnight

Price: FREE live entertainment,

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Augustana College v. Wheaton College - Hockey

Where: River's Edge

Time: 7:45 p.m.

Price: under $10

Website

 

Bucktown Final Friday: "Photo Phest"

Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Couples Dinner & Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Exhibition: Beyond the Surface: Charles Turzak Prints from the Great Depression

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Fins and Feathers

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Restoring the Spirit: Celebrating Haitian Art

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Ellis Kell

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Red Eye Breakfast

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Price: $4.99

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Sudlow Jam Session

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price; FREE

Website

 

The Tangents

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Tim Stop

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: $8

Website

 

Tribute National Talent Competition

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Saturday, January 28

Adam Beck

Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 11:00 a.m. - Midnight
Price: FREE, Live Entertainment

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Augustana College v. Wheaton College - Hockey

Where: River's Edge

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Price: under $10

Website

 

Community Drum Circle

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Price: $5 for Adults, $2.50 for Children 12 and under

Website

 

Davenport Jaycees Bridal Expo

Where: The RiverCenter

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: $8 in advance; $10 at the door

Website

 

Dustin Lee

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Exhibition Opens: Young Artists at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Flat Screen Frenzy

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Ladies Day Saturdays

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 2:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Quad City Junior Flames v. St. Louis

Where: River's Edge

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: under $10

Website

 

Red Eye Breakfast

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Price: $4.99

Website

Follow on  Facebook and  Twitter

 

The Giving Tree Band
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Price: $8

Website

 

Tribute National Talent Competition

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 7:30 a.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Zither Ensemble

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission, or FREE with membership

Website

 

Sunday, January 29
$3,000 Sunday Shake Up Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Brady Street Pub Sunday Special

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: All Day

Price: $2 domestic bottles

Website

 

Exhibition: The White Rose

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: All Day

Price: Museum Admission ($5 and under), or FREE with Membership

Website

 

Exhibition Reception: Young Artists at the Figge - North Scott Community Schools

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 12:30 & 1:00

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Fasching and Karneval

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($5 and under)

Website

 

Main Library Open

Where: Davenport Public Library - Main Branch

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Men's Day Sundays

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Quad City Junior Flames v. St. Louis

Where: River's Edge

Time: 1:15 p.m.

Price: under $10

Website

 

Sunday Funday at Kilkenny's

Where: Kilkenny's Irish Pub

Time: All Day Sunday

Price: No cover; Drink specials all day, and Food Fresh from the Grill

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Sunday Shopping Spree

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 p.m. - Midnight

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Tour: Museum Tour

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Tribute National Talent Competition

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Monday, January 30

2 Times Points Plus

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 4:00 p.m. - Midnight

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 A.M.

(Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center)

_____

Roll Call: Earnhardt, Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch, Cusack

FACILITIES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

_____

1. Approval of adoption of a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Scott County. (ITEM 1)

HUMAN RESOURCES

_____

2. Approval of updates to the County's General Policy.

_____

3. Approval of organizational changes in the Health Department.
(ITEM 3)

_____

4. Discussion of strategy of upcoming labor negotiations with the County's organized employees pursuant to Iowa Code Section 20.17(3). - CLOSED SESSION

_____

5. Approval of personnel actions.

HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

FINANCE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL

_____

6. Discussion with Scott County Kids on Parenting Program: Inside Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 A.M.

_____

7. Approval of assessment of the 2011 election costs for school board and municipalities elections totaling $163,528.68.
(ITEM 7)

_____

8. Semi-annual GIS Update.
_____

9. Approval of ESRI GIS Software maintenance. (ITEM 9)

_____ 10. Approval of Kwik Shop, Inc., Eldridge, beer/liquor license.

_____ 11. Approval of the appointment of Ned Schroder to Benefited Fire District #1. (ITEM 11)

_____ 12. Approval of the appointments to the Condemnation Appraisal Jury. (ITEM 12)

_____ 13. Approval of setting a public hearing for February 23 at 5:30 p.m. for an amendment to the County's current FY12 Budget. (ITEM 13)

_____ 14. Approval of authorization for the filing and publication of the budget estimate for FY13 and setting a public hearing for February 23 at 5:30 p.m. (ITEM 14)

_____ 15. Discussion of Administration FY13 budget presentation. (The meeting will move to the 6th Floor Conference Room for this discussion.)

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

_____ 16. Consideration of appointments with upcoming term expirations for boards and commissions. (3 month notice)

o Zoning Board of Adjustment (Needs 1 more female representative) Kevin Jenkins (term expires 05-01-12)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

REGULAR BOARD MEETING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:30 P.M.

(Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center)
Rock Island County Forest Preserve President, Tom Rockwell, has named Mr. Marc Heinzman as Acting Director of Niabi Zoo. Mr.  Heinzman has agreed to serve in this position until a permanent replacement can be made.

Marc Heinzman is currently one of the two Assistant Zoo Directors at Niabi Zoo, a position he has held since December 1, 2010. Prior to that, he was a zookeeper at Niabi Zoo since July 2008. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. He has also worked at the Kansas City Zoo in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as Rock Island County Animal Care and Control in Moline.

Mr. Heinzman was raised in Milan, Illinois.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Harris Interactive©, one of the world's leading market research firms, has completed a comprehensive study on homeowner preferences for roofing and exterior home features. Sponsored by DaVinci Roofscapes®, the color leader in the polymer roofing industry, the nationwide study of homeowners age 40 and older with household incomes of $150,000 or more and who own a single-family home valued at $400,000 or more, finds that homeowners* are eager to select durable exterior products for the home that complement their personalities and that color is important to them when deciding to replace those exterior features.

Conducted between November 22 and December 13, 2011, the Harris Interactive survey was commissioned by DaVinci to establish a benchmark for monitoring homeowners' color attitudes and product opinions related to the exterior of the home. The extensive survey questions dealt with gaining insights into the overall exterior of the home along with specific information on the roof, windows, siding, doors, trim and garage doors.

Some of the key findings of the survey include :

v  A vast majority of homeowners (88 percent) across all regions of the country see the exterior of their homes as one entity and not a sum of its separate components.

v  Color preference for exterior features on the home is driven mostly by homeowners' individual sense of style (45 percent) and their desire to blend in with their surroundings (42 percent).

v  One-third of surveyed homeowners (32 percent) indicate that they are restricted on the color palettes they are allowed to use on exterior features of their homes, usually by a homeowner association or by historical area requirements.

v  Curb appeal is considered extremely/very important to higher end homeowners, particularly those in the Northeast where one-third mentioned curb appeal as being "extremely important" to them.

Colorful Roofs

"We were especially interested to learn what role color plays in the homeowner's mind

when planning for major home improvement projects," says Ray Rosewall, CEO and President of DaVinci Roofscapes. "What we discovered is that color does play an important role when deciding to replace exterior features. In addition, color availability from manufacturers for different exterior features plays a role in what brand a homeowner will purchase.

"At DaVinci, we offer 49 standard colors of polymer slate and shake roofing tiles that can be used to create a virtually infinite variety of color blends for a roof. Hearing these study results confirm that we're on the right track with our color offerings and that homeowners are gravitating to companies that offer a variety of colors for the home exterior."

Survey results indicate that shades of black, gray and brown are currently the most popular colors of roofing products on homes. "These results match up with our ongoing sales records," says Rosewall. "When we talk about color in roofs, we're not talking about orange, pink or purple. We're speaking about dozens of different gradations and shades of brown that we offer, from light clay to dark autumn, or a multitude of gray shades from light gray to dark weathered gray."

Roofing Desires

When considering a new roof purchase, homeowners are far more interested in purchasing a roof that lasts than cutting corners by purchasing a low-cost product. Durability was identified as the number one factor when determining which new roof to purchase, followed closely by longevity. Key factors that received the most mentions as having "a lot" of influence in the decision on what type of roof to purchase include :

·       Durability (88 percent)

·       Longevity (83 percent)

·       Low/no maintenance (72 percent)

·       Resistance to weather (71 percent)

·       Has a warranty (69 percent)

·       Fire resistancy (57 percent)

·       Material the roof is made of (55 percent)

·       Price (50 percent)

"Fortunately the family of DaVinci polymer roofing products satisfies the needs ranked

highest by homeowners in this study," says Rosewall. "Durable and resistant to weather, insects, rot and mold, our recyclable tiles have a 50-year warranty and we offer the most affordable polymer tile on the market today."

One of the other interesting elements of the survey results include influencers that will encourage homeowners to purchase a new roof on an existing home. Not surprisingly, 65 percent of respondents indicated that they would replace their roof if it became damaged from severe weather. After that, significantly lower numbers of people said they would replace their roof soon because it is old and worn out (23 percent), the roof is near the end of its warranty (13 percent), they want a roof that's more energy efficient (12 percent) and their current roof looks bad, is stained or discolored (11 percent).

Study Methodology

This 15-minute survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of DaVinci Roofscapes among 1,005 U.S. homeowners age 40+ with household incomes of $150,000 or more and who own a single0family home of at least $400,000 in value in the South and Midwest, at least $500,000 in the Northeast and West (excluding California) and at least $700,000 in California between November 22 and December 13, 2011 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset, based on their responses to certain questions). Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in the Harris Interactive panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through its North American and European offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help its company --- and its clients --- stay ahead of what's next. For more information, visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

About DaVinci Roofscapes

DaVinci Roofscapes has manufactured award-winning polymer slate and shake roofing since 1999. The roofing tiles are virtually maintenance free and far more cost effective than the natural product. DaVinci leads the industry in tile thickness, the tile width variety and the greatest selection of subtle earth-toned colors. Company products have a 50-year warranty and are 100 percent recyclable. DaVinci proudly makes its products in America and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, the Cool Roof Rating Council and the U.S. Green Building Council. For additional information call 1-800-328-4624 or visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.

###

Grassley Seeks Fulfillment of FCC Chairman's Commitment to Make Staff Available to Discuss LightSquared

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa has asked the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to fulfill his commitment to make agency staff available to discuss the LightSquared wireless project with Grassley staff.

Grassley wants his staff to have a conversation with Paul de Sa, a top FCC staff member who is described as the "father" of the LightSquared project, before de Sa leaves the agency next month.  When Grassley staff asked to meet with de Sa, the FCC's legislative affairs director responded that he was "not available."

In a letter to agency chairman Julius Genachowski, Grassley reminded Genachowski of his written statement to Grassley in October that he would "continue to make staff available to discuss this matter further" with Grassley and his staff at their "convenience."

"The FCC chairman should make this staff member available to fulfill his commitment," Grassley said.  "Otherwise, the words weren't meaningful.  And the FCC's lack of transparency on LightSquared and the questions it raises will continue."

An FCC official is quoted in reaction to Grassley's request to have his staff meet with de Sa as calling it a "witch hunt."  Grassley said, "Asking to meet with the 'father' of this project before he leaves the agency in a few weeks is due diligence, not a witch hunt.  Besides, if this top FCC official has time to meet with the hedge fund owner behind LightSquared, he should have time for a meeting with Senate staff trying to shed some light on a controversy created at the FCC."

Since last April, Grassley has been reviewing why the agency rushed approval of the LightSquared project without adequately exploring what turned out to be  widespread concerns of interference with the Global Positioning System devices widely used by the military, first responders, aviation, precision agriculture, and consumer navigation.

The text of Grassley's letter to Genachowksi is available here.  The chairman's letter from last October is available here.

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Governor Branstad is sticking to his pledge to not propose a fuel tax hike this session. Instead, he's looking at alternative ways to sustain Iowa's road construction projects and staying  away from raising the state fuel tax. The Governor has laid out 13 cost efficiencies as way to save $50 million. The efficiencies include :

  • better overall management,
  • merging government functions,
  • and reforming how our Road Use Tax Fund is administered.

House Republicans have pledged to not spend more than we take in. This demonstrates a commitment to commonsense budgeting and economic health. It appears budget targets will be out shortly, and while Iowa's budget OUR GOAL SHOULD BE TO seems to be in good condition, it looks like the Bush tax cuts will end. This will cause Iowans to pay more federal tax and HAVE A STATE AND FEDERAL less state tax. This in turn will reduce Iowa's revenue by approximately $175 million. Our goal should be to have a BUDGET THAT  CONTRIBUTES state and federal budget that contributes instead of takes INSTEAD OF TAKES AWAY FROM away from economic, family and community health.

The Senate approved $1.3 million additional dollars ECONOMIC, FAMILY AND for Iowa National Guard tuition aid for members attending COMMUNITY HEALTH. Iowa colleges and universities as thousands of troops have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Before spending this money, Republicans want to be certain $1.3 million is the correct amount and that this new expense fits within the budget already approved by Republicans and Democrats and signed by the Governor. Iowa National Guard members can be confident that this  issue is a priority for House Republicans.

On Wednesday the Iowa House passed the first bill of the 2012 Legislative session, House File 2042, a bill that requires all administrative rules created by state agencies to be  accompanied by a jobs impact statement which sets out in detail the impact of the proposed rule on state agencies, local governments, and public and Iowa businesses. Additionally, it must determine whether a proposed rule would have a positive or negative impact on private sector jobs and employment.

If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact me via email at steven.olson@legis.state.ia.us

GREENVILLE, IL- Lisa Kistner of Moline graduated from Greenville College on Dec 31, 2011.

Kistner graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Greenville College empowers students for lives of character and service through a transforming Christ-centered education in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Founded in 1892, Greenville College is a four-year Christian liberal arts school with over 1600 students involved in traditional, Adult and Graduate Studies programs. Greenville College is located 45 miles east of St. Louis, MO.

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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (DATE) - Teri Anson of Davenport, a Bachelor of Science - Nursing major, and Matthew Purl, Davenport, a Bachelor of Science - Biology major, have been named to the fall 2011 Dean's List at Mount Mercy University. Students with a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better and who are graded (letter grade, not pass/fail) for six or more semester hours are eligible for inclusion on the Dean's List.

Founded in 1928 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mount Mercy University offers students a personal, practical, and faith-inspired education that distinctly blends professional career preparation and liberal arts with a strong curriculum grounded in leadership and service.

In more than 80 years, Mount Mercy has grown in size and reputation, adapting to meet the changing educational needs of the Cedar Rapids community. Mount Mercy offers baccalaureate and graduate education to more than 1,800 traditional, transfer, adult and graduate students. Popular undergraduate majors include business, nursing, criminal justice, education, and social work. Graduate programs are offered in business, education, nursing and marriage and family therapy.

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