13 Dec 2011

MADIGAN SUES AUTO PARTS COMPANY FOR DEFRAUDING CONSUMERS

By Maura Possley

Springfield - Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed suit against a central Illinois company for selling consumers aftermarket auto parts online that were damaged, the wrong parts or never shipped at all.

Madigan filed the lawsuit in Macon County Circuit Court against Pershing Auto Body Parts, and co-owners Kevin W. Sliney and Matthew W. Sliney, all of Warrensburg, Ill.

"Anyone can set up shop on the Internet," Madigan said. "That's why it's so important to ensure you're working with a reputable company. Check to see if any complaints have been filed against the company with my office's Consumer Fraud Bureau or the Better Business Bureau before making any significant purchasing decisions."

Madigan said Pershing Auto Body sold car parts on third-party bidding sites, such as eBay, to consumers for prices ranging from $50 to $1,000. Her lawsuit alleges consumers who received wrong or broken parts never received refunds. In some instances, consumers never received their orders at all.

Nearly 40 consumers nationwide, including Illinois consumers living in Cook, Cumberland, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Kankakee, Kane, Macon, McHenry and Rock Island counties, filed complaints with Madigan's office against Pershing Auto Body. In addition, the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois has received 92 complaints. In total, consumers reported losing more than $14,000, Madigan said.

Madigan is asking the court to ban the defendants from the business of selling auto parts online. The suit also seeks to cancel pending contracts with consumers, obtain restitution for affected consumers and impose civil penalties on the defendants.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Van Hise is handling the case for Madigan's Consumer Fraud Bureau.

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13 Dec 2011

Ultimate Show Gets Ultimate Roundup

By Dana Morgan

For the first time, the editors of Farm Progress have pulled together all of their reporting on new products exhibited at the 2011 Farm Progress Show.

DECATUR, ILL., (12/08/2011) - The challenge of covering the 90-plus-acre exhibit field of the nation's largest outdoor farm show with more than 500 displays is no easy task. For the first time, the editors of Farm Progress have pulled together a comprehensive look at many new products they found during the 2011 Farm Progress Show.

Editors' Picks - 100 New Ag Products
With more than 100 products included in the new Farm Progress white paper, "What's New From the Farm Progress Show - 2011 New Products White Paper," the compilation gives you a chance to download and view plenty of new technology. The report is free and available on www.FarmProgressDaily.com.

"We've been putting a team of editors 'on the ground' to cover the show for more than a decade, and every year we're astounded by what we turn up," says Willie Vogt, editorial director, Farm Progress. "In this first-ever edition, farmers can review those products, and have interactive access to company websites and phone numbers if they're ready to buy."

Learn About the Latest Ag Technology
Whether you're looking for information from major company introductions, or dozens of new tools and technologies from specialty and shortline companies, you'll find it in this new report. It's a concise, handy review for producers who visited the show as well.

"The white paper is an efficient, and effective, way to deliver higher-end, in-depth content for our readers," says Jeff Lapin, president, Farm Progress. "It's a service we believe our readers will do more to take advantage of as our library expands."

To download this FREE white paper, go to www.FarmProgressDaily.com and click the link to "What's New From the Farm Progress Show - 2011 New Products White Paper" located at the top right of the site under the "Free Reports" heading. After a very short sign-in, you'll get an e-mail link to the information-packed document. It's that simple.

Additional White Papers
Two additional high-interest white papers are also posted on www.FarmProgressDaily.com and more are in development for the site. "We're producing a range of new white papers in the next year covering a wide range of topics. Already, we're giving farmers an in-depth look at key issues with vertical tillage and with corn production," Vogt said. "And you'll see more covering everything from wind power to balers to technology issues."
13 Dec 2011

FCC information request, hold on nominees

By Grassley Press
Thursday, December 8, 2011

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment regarding his intention to place a hold on two nominees for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) when the nominees are placed on the Senate calendar for consideration.

"More than seven months ago, I started asking the FCC for information that would shed light on the agency's apparent rush to approve the LightSquared project.  The agency has provided none of the information and found excuses not to provide the information.  Even the private companies involved, LightSquared and Harbinger Capital, have promised to be more forthcoming than the FCC as a public agency funded by the taxpayers.  LightSquared and Harbinger Capital promised to provide me with requested documents on their dealings with the FCC this week.  As a last resort to try to exhort more transparency and accountability from the FCC, I'll place a hold on consideration of the agency nominees on the Senate floor.  This agency controls a big part of the economy.  It conducts the public's business.  And the public's business ought to be public."

13 Dec 2011

Grassley addresses college tuition, tax-favored asset hoarding

By Grassley Press
Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on recent interest from President Obama and his education secretary in the cost of higher education.

"It's good to see the Administration is at last recognizing the problem of high college tuition, at least verbally.  If the Administration wanted to take action, it could have taken seriously the mandate to study colleges' use of tax-preferred arrangements to house their assets.  The Treasury Department's study on donor-advised funds and supporting organizations, released this week, highlighted that colleges heavily use these vehicles, yet the study stopped there.  The Administration could and should find ways to get educational institutions to help the people they're supposed to help instead of hoarding assets at taxpayer expense.  In addition to the benefit of income tax exemption, private, tax-exempt colleges and universities are able to raise capital through tax-exempt bonds and tax-deductible contributions.  It's important to understand whether these tax benefits are fueling the tuition increases by subsidizing high salaries for college leaders and rock-climbing walls and other non-educational amenities to try to attract students.  The Administration should follow through on the proposal to require new disclosures for tax-exempt colleges and universities, similar to the schedule required for tax-exempt hospitals.  Additional transparency related to revenues and expenses would give us all a better handle on how tuition is set.  Colleges that have well-funded endowments, including money housed offshore to avoid taxes, should tap more of those resources before raising tuition."

Grassley's comment on the Treasury Department's study on donor-advised funds and supporting organizations is available here.
13 Dec 2011

Grassley statement on Cordray vote

By Grassley Press
Thursday, December 8, 2011

Senator Chuck Grassley made the following comment regarding his vote against the nomination of Richard Cordray to be the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB.

"This position was created to operate inside the Federal Reserve, without any opportunity to hold the bureau accountable.  That's the wrong direction.  Lack of accountability contributed in big ways to many of the problems that came to a head in the 2008 financial meltdown.  It doesn't make sense to try to fix things with more of the same and unchecked power.  Our system of government depends on checks and balances.  Americans deserve to have their voices heard in any regulatory process through the representative branch of government.  This position, as currently set up, flies in the face of those values and principles."

13 Dec 2011

Milan Happy Joe's Hosts Annual Special Needs Children's Party

By Rick Martin

Milan, IL - Milan Happy Joe's team members will host a special needs party for children from 10am to noon on December 13th at Horace Mann Early Learning Center.  Santa will be on hand to spread holiday cheer and delight to special needs children throughout the Milan area.  Approximately 100 children from Horace Mann Early Learning Center are expected to attend the event.  The first special needs party began in 1972 when Happy Joe Whitty opened his first store in the Village of East Davenport.  Since that first event 39 years ago, nearly 155,000 special needs children have attended parties throughout the 59 store chain.

"We look forward to December and hosting the special needs party each and every year," says Dave Vanderginst, Milan Happy Joe's Franchise Owner.  "The party is an opportunity for us to reflect and be thankful for the past year while continuing a long standing tradition our founder, Happy Joe Whitty, started one holiday night in 1972."
Before opening his first Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor in the Village of East Davenport, founder Joe Whitty was nearly fired from another pizza chain for sponsoring a party for a group of special needs children without first checking with his boss.  In 1972, on the eve his first restaurant's opening night , he invited a local priest to bless his business and promised that if he could make enough money to feed his family, he would give something back to the community.  After just a few weeks in business, people were waiting out the door.  True to his word, Joe shut down the restaurant one day a year to have a party for those less fortunate, and required his franchisees to do the same.  Now, 39 years later, nearly 155,000 special needs children have benefited from the parties held throughout the chain over the holiday season.
All media are welcome to join our team members at Horace Mann Early Learning Center located at 3530 38th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201.
For more information, contact Johanna Smith at 760-458-1218 or at Johanna_M_Smith@hotmail.com.
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13 Dec 2011

Lt. Governor Simon to record holiday message for troops

By Kathryn Phillips

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will spread holiday cheer to service members this season, thanks to a new "digital care package" project launched by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting.

Simon will work with student broadcasters to record a holiday video during the school's first "man on the street" recording session at 4:15 p.m. Thursday across from the iconic Chicago Theater sign at State and Lake Streets in downtown Chicago.

The ICB is also taking appointments from military families and supporters who want to record a free message at their holiday studio between Thursday and December 16. The video messages will be distributed to military members stationed throughout the country and in Iraq and Afghanistan by the U.S. Army and Illinois National Guard.

"The selfless dedication of our service members should be recognized year-round, but the holidays are often more difficult for our troops overseas and away from their families," Simon said. "I encourage all that are able to send a warm greeting from home to our service members stationed across the world."

As chair of the state's Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), Simon works to preserve military installations throughout the state and provide support for military members and their families.

Lt. Governor Simon holiday message recording

TIME: 4:15 p.m.
DATE: Thursday, December 8
PLACE: Southwest corner of State and Lake Streets, Chicago

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13 Dec 2011

Flight information update: Additional Allegiant flights from MLI to Mesa, added especially for bowl-bound travelers to AZ

By Cathie Rochau

Airport officials found out late this afternoon, that Allegiant has agreed to add two more departures to Mesa, AZ, in anticipation of those travelers who may be following the Iowa Hawkeyes to the Insight Bowl in Tempe, AZ, on December 30th.  Allegiant added two round trip flights at the request of airport officials, knowing that the nonstop flights and extra choices in dates will be very alluring to regional area fans.

Non-stop flights on Allegiant will depart for Mesa, AZ on 12/28, and 12/31.  "The extra departure on the 28th is very important at this point because our regularly scheduled (nonstop) flights on Tuesday the 27th and Thursday the 29th on Allegiant are completely booked." says Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation.

Cathie Rochau, Marketing Representative adds "The additional nonstop flights to/from Mesa will likely serve those fans interested in returning the day after the game, and making it home in time to celebrate New Year's Day. Plus, if people choose to go back to work on Monday, they can do so with a little time to relax."

If fans would like to stay and enjoy the warmer climate, nonstop return flights are also on January 3 and 5, 2012. January 1 was a regularly scheduled return flight and has also sold out.  Fans can call their travel agent for assistance or Allegiant, or visit Allegiant's website at www.allegiant.com.
13 Dec 2011

HOTEL BLACKHAWK IS PRESERVATION SUCCESS STORY AWARD WINNER

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Historic Hotels of America recognizes "creative rehabilitation efforts"

Davenport, IA - Hotel Blackhawk has just been named a Preservation Success Story Award Honorable Mention winner by the Historic Hotels of America - a part of the National Trust For Historic Preservation. The award was officially announced Dec. 1st.

According to organization Executive Director Thierry Roch, the award exemplifies "creative rehabilitation efforts undertaken to recapture, promote and glorify the property's original use in a preservation sensitive manner."

This caps a year of recognition for Hotel Blackhawk. It earned a "Smart Meetings" Platinum Choice Award for 2011 marking excellence in service and amenities among meeting facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Then, management was informed it would be featured as a must-see destination in a book from The New York Times entitled "36 Hours, 150 weekends in the USA and Canada."

"It's thrilling to see the vision of Amrit and Amy Gill of Restoration Saint Louis and the City of Davenport rewarded by Historic Hotels of America, Smart Meetings and The New York Times," said General Manager Tim Heim. "It was the vision of restoring a jewel which has been realized by me and my staff. It provides great satisfaction that preservationists, industry observers, guests and clients have recognized this gift as well."

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 95-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, eight meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is part of the Summit Hotels & Resorts group (www.summithotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org).

For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

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13 Dec 2011

Newt Gingrich Finds Refuge at Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo

By Sally Bahner

(DES MOINES, IA) – When Newt Gingrich gets tired of fielding "gotcha questions" from the journalistic wolf packs prowling Iowa, he might want to return to Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo where he can caucus with its hissing cockroaches.

He has already been there twice this year, according to a zoo spokesperson, once for the opening of the Australian Adventure exhibit and again in August after the Republican debate that preceded Iowa's straw poll.

Gingrich, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, native, has a soft spot for zoos, which played a crucial role in his awakening to politics as a profession, a story he relates in his foreword to America's Best Zoos, by Allen W. Nyhus and Jon Wassner (Intrepid Traveler, $15.95).

"When I was ten, I asked how Harrisburg could get a zoo," Gingrich wrote in America's Best Zoos. "The kind older, park official ... told me they had closed the zoo during World War II because of rationing and that my job was to come to the next city council and explain why Harrisburg needed a zoo. The next Tuesday, I was right there. I have been hooked on animals, zoos, and citizenship from that point on."

Authors Nyhuis and Wassner describe Blank Park Zoo as "a standout mid-sized zoo" and praise the zoo's African Boardwalk, where visitors can hand feed giraffes, and the Australian Trail, showcasing wallabies and emus.

Gingrich might be disappointed that the zoo has no elephant. On the bright side, it has no donkey either.

America's Best Zoos is published by The Intrepid Traveler. It is available at bookstores, many zoo gift shops, and online at www.intrepidtraveler.com/store.

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