09 Aug 2011

Kaplan University Announces Local Summer 2011 Online Graduates

By readMedia

CHICAGO, IL (08/09/2011)(readMedia)-- Kaplan University, a leader in higher education innovation, celebrated the graduation of its summer 2011 class during a graduation ceremony on Aug. 6 at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. During her address, former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman spoke to the online graduates about the importance of education to workforce development and global competitiveness.

She noted that those with degrees fare better in a tough labor market, citing the U.S. Labor Department's most recent 9.1 percent unemployment rate.

"What's not reported in the news is that the unemployment rate for those with college degrees is four percent. This number confirms what we have always known," Secretary Herman said during the ceremony. "What you know will directly influence how far you go and education matters more than ever. It is the great equalizer."

The following local students were awarded degrees:

Linda Gorsch of Blairstown, IA was awarded a Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Technology.

Christina Rhodes of North English, IA was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Jamecia Harris of Bettendorf, IA was awarded a Master's degree in Business Administration.

Lisa Zerbonia of Bettendorf, IA was awarded a Master of Science degree in Higher Education.

Christene Fahrenkrug of McCausland, IA was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.

Fred Monfeli of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Kelly Scott of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies.

Angela Schumacher of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master's degree in Business Administration.

Brian Williams of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Eric Heiting of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Teacher Education.

Essie Taylor of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Teacher Education.

Shanesha Hall of Davenport, IA was awarded a Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Sciences.

Emily Jackson of Rock Island, IL was awarded a Master of Science degree in Nursing.

The Kaplan University's summer 2011 class included more than 7,200 graduates who earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees, all online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Others watched from home via a live webcast. Since 2001, Kaplan University has graduated nearly 40,000 students who have used their education to advance professionally and meet personal goals.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves more than 61,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves more than 92,000 students online and through more than 70 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), and its largest division. For more information about Kaplan University, visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

09 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Monday, August 8, 2011**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

Bill No.: SB 98  
An Act Concerning: Elections  
Defines "federally-operated" veterans' homes and requires that they be voting locations.  
Action: Signed  
Effective Date: Jan. 1     

 Bill No.: SB 1263  
An Act Concerning: State Government  
Amends the Deposit of State Moneys Act to allow the Treasurer more flexibility in managing the state's investment portfolio.  
Action: Signed  
Effective Date: Immediately     

Bill No.: SB 1856  
An Act Concerning: Transportation  
Amends the Illinois Highway Code to require the Illinois Department of Transportation to conduct public hearings to discuss the viability and feasibility of each protected corridor every 10 years.  
Action: Signed  
Effective Date: Immediately     

Bill No.: HB 1427  
An Act Concerning: Employment  
Increases the population required to be in a municipality for firefighters to be exempt under certain provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act from 200,000 to 500,000.  
Action: Signed                            
Effective Date: Immediately     

Bill No.: HB 1527  
An Act Concerning:  State Government  
Provides that the Department of Revenue may enter into a reciprocal offset agreement with the federal government.  
Action: Signed                    
Effective Date: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: HB 1560  
An Act Concerning: Civil Law  
Provides that unclaimed wages, payroll and salary in any form, held or owing by a banking or financial organization, is presumed abandoned after one year, instead of five years.  
Action: Signed                            
Effective Date: Immediately     

Bill No.: HB 2874  
An Act Concerning: Local Government  
Provides that no later than 120 days after the effective date, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) must develop and make available a universal fare instrument for riders age 65 and older that may be used interchangeably on all RTA-funded public transportation.  
Action: Signed                            
Effective Date: Jan. 1     

Bill No.: HB 3253  
An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits  
Prohibits a sheriff's law enforcement employee who begins service in that capacity after the effective date from being able to convert up to 10 years of service in any other capacity into service as a sheriff's law enforcement employee. 
Action: Signed                        
Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 3332
An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits
Allows a member of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund to transfer up to 10 years of service credit they have earned in a police pension fund to the IMRF within 60 days.
Action: Signed                               
Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB  3377 
An Act Concerning: Finance
Emphasizes that grants made from the Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund should be directed towards entities with less than $1 million.
Action: Signed                        
Effective Date: Immediately

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09 Aug 2011

THE BON-TON STORES EXTENDS ITS COMMUNITY DAY EVENT TO TWO DAYS

By Christine Hojnacki

MILWAUKEE, WI. (August 8, 2011) - The Bon-Ton Stores, which operates, Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's, Parisian and Younkers stores, announced its semi-annual Community Day event will be a two-day event,  Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, 2011, allowing the local non-profit groups a greater opportunity to raise funds for their organizations.

Groups may sign up at www.communitydayevent.com and begin selling booklets immediately.  The savings booklets contain over $200 or more in savings on in-store and online merchandise during the Bon-Ton Community Day event.

Eligible Community Day organizations include 501C-3 nonprofit organizations and schools.  Non-profit groups sell savings booklets for a $5 donation to support their group, and in return, the purchaser receives the valuable booklet of offers which instantly pays the donor back with a $10-off on $10 or more item-coupon.  The organization keeps 100% of the $5 donation.

"Providing opportunities to support non-profit groups in the community is extremely important to our company," said Bud Bergren, president and chief executive officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "By extending the event to two days, we hope participating groups will be able to generate more donations and, at the same time, customers who buy the booklets will have more time to take advantage of the tremendous offers."

In 2010, over $10 million was raised by participating nonprofit organizations through the Community Day events.  Successful organizations have raised thousands of dollars by participating in this event.  View testimonials on www.communitydayevent.com and find out first-hand what groups are saying about their success and learn more about how non-profits can benefit from this event.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operates 275 stores, including 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, stores in the Detroit, Michigan area. The stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. 

# # #

09 Aug 2011

Governor Signs Law Banning Workers' Compensation Benefits Following Serious Criminal Convictions

By Administrator

New Law Prevents Workers from Claiming Benefits after Felony, DUI Convictions

CHICAGO - AUGUST 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to prevent workers convicted of serious crimes from claiming workers' compensation benefits for injuries resulting from those crimes. Senate Bill 1147 prohibits workers from receiving benefits or attorney fees for injuries sustained in the commission of forcible felony, aggravated DUI or reckless homicide. 

"Our workers' compensation system is designed to protect workers injured on the job, not those who commit crimes," said Governor Quinn. "Earlier this year, I passed and signed a comprehensive overhaul of our workers' compensation system. This is another tool to make sure that workers' compensation benefits go only to those who deserve them."

After being charged with a forcible felony, aggravated DUI or reckless homicide, the new law also prevents employees from collecting benefits or attorney's fees until their criminal case has concluded. Acquittal or dismissal, however, does not automatically guarantee benefits; after the conclusion of the criminal case, workers are able to pursue benefits similar to any other workers' compensation claim.  

In June, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 1698, a comprehensive overhaul of Illinois' workers' compensation system. The reforms are expected to save Illinois businesses between $500 and $750 million dollars, while continuing protections for injured workers. The reform package also includes a stipulation to prevent workers from claiming benefits due to injuries caused by their own inebriation while on the job. 

Senate Bill 1147 was sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Dwight Kay (R- Glen Carbon), and is effective immediately.

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09 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Boost Economic Development in Quad Cities

By Katelyn Tye

Announces Support for Northwest Illinois Company to Expand, Creating and Retaining Nearly 100 Jobs

CHICAGO - August 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to expand the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority, which will encourage greater economic development in Northwest Illinois. The Governor's signature comes as Tennant Truck Lines, Inc. announces an expansion that will create and retain close to 100 jobs. The new law reflects Governor Quinn's aggressive business agenda that is creating jobs in every region of the state and growing the economy.

"Powerful economic tools like this new law demonstrate our commitment to creating jobs and making Illinois even more competitive in the global economy," said Governor Quinn. "This legislation helps local governments in Northwest Illinois to attract and develop businesses in the region, growing the economy."

Senate Bill 1755, sponsored by Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) and Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island), amends the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority Act by expanding the geographic area of the authority. The authority currently includes Rock Island, Henry, Knox and Mercer counties. The new area will also include Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Stephenson and Lee counties. Senate Bill 1755 also expands the governing board of the authority from 11 to 16 by adding a member from each of the five additional counties. New members will be appointed by each of their respective county board chairs.

Illinois law gives regional economic development authorities power to issue bonds on behalf of a company to help facilitate economic development. The Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority focuses its development in three main project areas: manufacturing, not-for-profit and senior housing.

Governor Quinn's signature comes as Tennant Truck Lines, Inc., a family-owned and operated transportation and logistics company located in the Quad Cities, plans to invest $3 million to merge their headquarters and logistics operations into one facility in Colona, creating 30 new jobs and retaining 65 full-time jobs. The new site will allow the company to keep existing functions in Illinois and provide room for expansion of both headquarter and logistics functions. The state will provide a more than $1 million business investment package in the form of job creation tax credits spread out over 10 years and an employer training grant to leverage the private investment.

Governor Quinn's aggressive business agenda is creating jobs, growing the economy and encouraging economic development in every region of the state. In June, Governor Quinn awarded more than $10.4 million through the "IKE" Disaster Recovery Program to communities throughout Northwest Illinois to assist with water and sewer improvements and other critical public infrastructure needs. Through the state's economic development agency, Illinois has a wide range of programs and services available to help businesses of all sizes remain competitive.

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09 Aug 2011

German Language Classes

By Kathryn Davis

The German American Heritage Center is offering German Language Classes to be held on twelve consecutive Thursdays beginning September 1 through November 17.

 

The Level l Beginning Class will be 5:00 - 6:30

The Level ll Advanced Class will be 7:00 - 8:30


The course is $95.00 for non GAHC members and$75.00 for GAHC members plus $20 for the textbook (members receive a 10% discount off books purchased at the GAHC.) 

 

 

Registrations are due by phone at (563)322-8844 or by email at info@gahc.org by August 26.

09 Aug 2011

CALLING ALL ST. KATHARINE'S (ST. KIT'S), ST. KATHARINE'S-ST. MARK'S, AND RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE ALUMNI!

By Administrator

St. Katharine's School, St. Katharine's-St. Mark's, and now Rivermont Collegiate - what a history!  Rivermont has been developing intellect and inspiring creativity in Quad City area students since 1884!  Rivermont invites all alumni to join us for food, friends, and fond memories on Saturday, August 13th.  A casual gathering will be held at 2:00 p.m. on the Rivermont campus, located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf. A tentative menu of "hometown" eats includes Happy Joe's pizza and Whitey's ice cream.  Alumni are encouraged to bring spouses, partners, dates, children, siblings, and/or parents.  This event is open to alumni and former students from ALL graduating years!  Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to catch up with classmates and former teachers!   

Our alumni come from St. Katharine's School (affectionately known as St. Kit's), St. Katharine's-St. Mark's School, and now Rivermont.  The school was founded in 1884 and originally organized as St. Katharine's School, an Episcopal boarding school for girls, located at 10th and Tremont Streets in Davenport.  In 1968, St. Katharine's dropped its boarding program, became co-educational, and added St. Mark's to its name.  In 1973, SKSM moved to its present location at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf, formerly the home of Joseph Bettendorf.  In 1980, the school amicably broke ties with the Episcopal Church and in 2001 the name was changed to Rivermont Collegiate.  Rivermont is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college prep school, serving preschool through 12th grade.  Students at Rivermont are grounded in the basics, yet encouraged to think analytically and creatively, creating alumni who confidently and enthusiastically meet today's opportunities and challenges.

Alumni who plan to attend should RSVP to Carol Loula at cloula@aol.com.

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate and/or Saturday's Alumni Event, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

-END-

09 Aug 2011

Chick-fil-A at Davenport and Heritage Church to Sponsor Financial Peace University

By Hannah Wagner

WHAT: The Chick-fil-A® restaurant at 2945 E. 53rd St. in Davenport, Ia. will partner with Heritage Church to sponsor a 13-week financial training course called Financial Peace University. The course is taught through video by author and nationally syndicated talk-radio host Dave Ramsey.

Course participants will meet each week to watch a video lesson and participate in discussion groups led by the Chick-fil-A at Davenport. The video course is geared to teach individuals how to beat debt, build wealth, find bargains, invest for the future and give generously. The 13 sessions include the following topics:

  • ·         Lesson 1: Super Saving
  • ·         Lesson 2: Relating With Money
  • ·         Lesson 3: Cash Flow Planning
  • ·         Lesson 4: Dumping Debt
  • ·         Lesson 5: Credit Sharks in Suits
  • ·         Lesson 6: Buyer Beware
  • ·         Lesson 7: Clause and Effect
  • ·         Lesson 8: That's Not Good Enough!
  • ·         Lesson 9: Of Mice and Mutual Funds
  • ·         Lesson 10: From Fruition To Tuition
  • ·         Lesson 11: Working In Your Strengths
  • ·         Lesson 12: Real Estate and Mortgages
  • ·         Lesson 13: The Great Misunderstanding

Those interested in participating are invited to attend an informational meeting at Heritage Church: Bettendorf campus in Bettendorf, Iowa, on Aug. 28 at 12 p.m. and Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The cost of Financial Peace University is $99.51 for an individual and/or couple, and covers the course and all necessary materials.

Registration fees are due by Aug. 29 and can be turned in to Chick-fil-A in Davenport or Heritage Church: Bettendorf campus. Checks can be made out to Chick-fil-A in Davenport. The course will be held at Heritage Church on Mondays beginning Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by Chick-fil-A for each session.

For more details about Financial Peace University and other courses offered by Dave Ramsey, please visitwww.daveramsey.com.  

WHEN: Informational meeting:
Sunday, Aug. 28
12 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 29
6:30 p.m.

Registration fees due by:
Monday, Aug. 29
10:30 p.m.

Course begins:
Monday, Sept. 12
6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Chick-fil-A at Davenport
2945 E. 53rd St.
Davenport, IA 52807

(563) 355-1742
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Heritage Church: Bettendorf campus
2700 Middle Rd
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Website

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Davenport Chick-fil-A Invites Community to August Events

WHAT: The Chick-fil-A® restaurant at 2945 E. 53rd St. in Davenport, Ia. is offering a series of activities throughout August for families to enjoy. The community is invited to take part in the following events:

 

Toddler Time
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Children can enjoy storytelling, crafts, music and playtime in the indoor playground. Parents will receive a free small coffee or hot chocolate.

Family Night
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25 

Children will receive a free Icedream® with the purchase of a Chick-fil-A® Kid's Meal, and they can top it off with toppings of their choice from the sundae bar. The Chick-fil-A "Eat Mor Chikin®" Cow will appear at every Family Night to greet the kids.    

  • Bubble Night, Aug. 4: Children are invited to create their own bubble wand to take home.
  • Pajama Party, Aug. 11: Kids who dress in pajamas will receive a free Chick-fil-A® Chicken Nugget Kids Meal (four-count). There will also be a craft station where children can create their own pillowcase.
  • Back to School Night, Aug. 18: Children are invited to create a pencil case and pencil-topper.
  • Prince/Princess Night, Aug. 25: Kids who dress in prince- or princess-wear will receive a free Chick-fil-A®Chicken Nugget Kid's Meal (four-count). They can also create a crown at the craft station.

Senior Breakfast
7 - 10 a.m. 
Thursday, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25 
Seniors will receive 25% off all purchases.

All Pro Dads Day
9 - 10 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 6
All Pro Dads meets the first Saturday of every month. During this breakfast hour, dads and their children will receive a free Chick-fil-A Breakfast entrée. Prizes will also be given each month.

WHERE:         
Chick-fil-A at Davenport
2945 E. 53rd St.
Davenport, IA 52807

(563) 355-1742
Website
Facebook
Twitter

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09 Aug 2011

Iowa's Largest Art Show Joins Butter Cow Celebration at the Iowa State Fair

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (08/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center will be bursting with fine art at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Home to Iowa's largest art show, the Cultural Center features sand sculptures, art activities, demonstrations and much more. As the Fair celebrates 100 years of the Butter Cow, art throughout the Cultural Center will pay tribute to Iowa's buttery icon August 11-21.

Sandscapes, a team of national, international and world champion sand sculptors, returns to the Cultural Center atrium to construct a Butter Cow-themed masterpiece. Watch the progress unfold as the team works throughout the Fair to complete the sculpture, showcasing their talents from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the atrium each day.

Stop by to see the outstanding art entered in this year's Fair. The state's largest art show will showcase exhibits in the areas of fine arts, photography, creative arts, wood projects and doll house and miniature room displays. Several special Butter Cow categories promise to provide creative commemorations of the world-renowned buttery bovine.

Fairgoers can even let their creativity loose and try their hands at making art. Make and Take projects available in the Cultural Center include name bracelets, candles and blown glass ornaments. Youngsters will also have a special chance to make a masterpiece at Art Attack. Occurring daily from 1-5 p.m. in the courtyard, Art Attack features special arts and crafts activities for kids to make and then take home.

Live demonstrations and working exhibits also offer Fairgoers the opportunity to see art in action, with artists demonstrating such art forms as wood carving, cardboard art, charcoal portraits and many more.

For a complete schedule of activities in the Cultural Center, visit iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visitwww.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

09 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Advance Wind Energy in Illinois

By Katelyn Tye

New Laws Give State Additional Tools to Grow Green Economy

CHICAGO - August 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the signing of two bills into law that advance clean wind energy in Illinois. The new laws create a council to study offshore wind energy projects in Lake Michigan and clear the way for more wind energy projects throughout Illinois.

"These bills give the state additional tools to further enhance Illinois' growing renewable energy industry," Governor Quinn said. "A thriving green energy sector will further strengthen Illinois' economy, create jobs and boost our economic recovery."

House Bill 1558, sponsored by Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston), creates the Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Council within the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The council will review the potential for wind energy projects in the waters of Lake Michigan. It will be chaired by the director of the IDNR and will be made up of representatives from state agencies and organizations that include environmental, tourism, education and energy entities.

"Offshore wind power provides our communities an incredible opportunity for clean and efficient energy, and helps our state achieve its energy independence goals," Gabel said. "With this unique opportunity, however, comes new challenges, and it is important that we undertake this process to set the right guidelines from the start. I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this into law."

After examining wildlife impact, protected habitats and recreational uses of Lake Michigan, the council will identify locations that would be appropriate for offshore wind development. The council will present its recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by June 30, 2012. The law goes into effect immediately.

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 1487, sponsored by Rep. Chad Hays (R-Catlin) and Sen. Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign). The new law creates the Renewable Energy Production District Act, which allows county boards to establish renewable energy districts or wind farm districts. Under the new law, such a district would receive approval through a voter referendum.

House Bill 1487 goes in effect immediately.

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