11 Aug 2011

Yard and Garden: Onions and Garlic

By Joy Venhorst

Harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity results in high quality, nutritious products. If properly harvested and stored, onions and garlic will keep most of their original flavor and food value for months. Iowa State University Extension specialists describe the correct harvesting and storage for these two vegetables. To have additional questions answered, contact the experts at hortline@iastate.edu or call 515-294-3108.

When should you harvest onions?
Onions should be harvested when most of the tops have fallen over and begun to dry. Carefully pull or dig the bulbs with the tops attached.

What is the proper way to store onions?
After harvesting the onions, dry or cure the onions in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location, such as a shed or garage. Spread out the onions in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. Cure the onions for two to three weeks until the onion tops and necks are thoroughly dry and the outer bulb scales begin to rustle. After the onions are properly cured, cut off the tops about 1 inch above the bulbs. As the onions are topped, discard any that show signs of decay. Use the thick-necked bulbs as soon as possible as they don't store well. An alternate preparation method is to leave the onion tops untrimmed and braid the dry foliage together.

Place the cured onions in a mesh bag, old nylon stocking, wire basket or crate. It's important that the storage container allow air to circulate through the onions. Store the onions in a cool, moderately dry location. Storage temperatures should be 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The relative humidity should be 65 to 70 percent. Possible storage locations include a basement, cellar or garage. Hang the braided onions from a rafter or ceiling. If storing the onions in an unheated garage, move the onions to an alternate storage site before temperatures drop below 32 F.

What is the storage life of onions?
The storage life of onions is determined by the variety and storage conditions. When properly stored, good keepers, such as 'Copra' and 'Stuttgarter,' can be successfully stored for several months. Poor keepers, such as 'Walla Walla' and 'Sweet Spanish,' can only be stored for a few weeks. If the storage temperatures are too warm, the onions may sprout. Rotting may be a problem in damp locations. Inspect the stored onions on a regular basis in fall and winter. Discard any that are starting to rot.

When should you harvest garlic?
Harvest garlic when the foliage begins to dry. In Iowa, garlic is usually harvested in August or September. Carefully dig the bulbs with a garden fork or shovel.

How do you store garlic?
After harvesting the garlic, dry the garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. Place the garlic on an elevated wire screen or slotted tray to promote drying. When the tops have dried, cut off the dry foliage 1 inch above the bulbs. Also, trim off the roots and brush off any loose soil. Place the bulbs in a mesh bag or open crate and store in a cool (32 F to 40 F), dry (65 to 70 percent relative humidity) area. Garlic can be stored for three to six months if properly dried and stored. An alternate way to store garlic is to braid the foliage together immediately after harvest, dry and then hang the braided garlic in a cool, dry location.

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11 Aug 2011

ISU Scott County Extension Calendar

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office
August 23                              Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm

September 2                        Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

September 27                      Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm

October 5                              Aquatic, Forest and Roadside Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 9/28/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

October 7                              Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

October 25                            Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm

October 27                            Mosquito & Public Health Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 10/20/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

November 4                         Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

November 9                         Ornamental & Turf Applicators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/2/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 1:30pm-4pm

November 16                       Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management CIC, $35 if registered by 11/9/11, after that
$45, at the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

November 29                       Fumigation CIC, $35 if registered by 11/22/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension Office,
9am-11:30am

December 2                         Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

December 7                         Pest Control Operators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/30/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension
Office, 9am-11:30am

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

11 Aug 2011

RME AND FIGGE PARTNER TO MAKE SOME ARTFUL MUSIC

By Susan Horan

Davenport, Iowa - August 2011 -The Figge Art Museum and the River Music Experience will host the family workshop "Art of Percussion" on Saturday, August 13 from 10am to 2pm.  Families will enjoy a fun, creative day at the Figge beginning with an entertaining performance of Native American music and stories presented by Larry Lockwood on the Figge plaza. Afterwards, participants will create cool and colorful rain sticks, drums, maracas and other shakers and noise makers out of recycled materials in the Figge Studios, and then play these percussion instruments in a musical procession to neighboring River Music Experience. Terry Hanson and fellow musician Ellis Kell will lead a mega drum circle, working out dynamic rhythms and beats.

Schedule:
10 am                       Registration 
10:15 - 10:45am       Native American stories and music on Figge plaza
10:45am-12pm        Instrument building in Figge Studios

12 - 12:30pm            Lunch break

12:30pm                   Musical procession to River Music Experience
12:45 - 2pm              Drum circle at River Music Experience

The fee for this workshop is $10 per family.  This workshop is appropriate for children of all ages; an adult must be present for each family.  Families can pre-register by contacting Heather at 563.326.7804 x 2045 or haaronson@figgeartmuseum.org; day of registration will be available in the Figge lobby at 10am. Families should pack a sack lunch. 

This workshop is in partnership with River Music Experience and supported with Quad City Arts Dollar$ funds, provided by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, the Doris and Victor Day  Foundation, the John Deere Foundation, the Mary Iva Gittens Knouse Charitable Trust, Quad City Arts Partners and Festival of Trees.

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11 Aug 2011

President Obama to Travel to the Midwest on a Three-Day Economic Bus Tour

By Randy Stalsberg

On August 15-17, President Obama will travel to the Midwest on a three-day economic bus tour, making stops in southern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa and western Illinois.  The President will discuss ways to grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and accelerate hiring in communities and towns across the nation and hear directly from Americans, including local families and small business owners.  The President knows we must do everything we can to promote economic growth, restore confidence in our nation's future and restore the sense of optimism for future generations.

Additional details about President Obama's trip will be released as they become available.

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11 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Protect Volunteer Drivers Who Transport Seniors

By Katelyn Tye

New Law Strengthens Transportation Options for Seniors

CHICAGO - August, 9, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to protect volunteer drivers from being denied auto coverage or paying extra for car insurance premiums simply because the driver is a volunteer driver. House Bill 1378 also prohibits insurers from imposing a surcharge on or increasing the rate for a vehicle policy solely due to the fact one or more of the vehicle's drivers is a volunteer driver.

"Many seniors rely on others when they need to go to the grocery store, pick up prescriptions or visit the doctor, and it is important that their volunteer drivers have the insurance coverage they need," said Governor Quinn. "This legislation clears hurdles for the volunteer drivers who are helping our seniors maintain their independence."

Illinois is home to more than 2 million adults ages 60 and older. Through the Department on Aging, the state administers programs to assist the most vulnerable seniors in remaining independent. With more seniors relying on transportation services to remain active and independent, a number of alternative transportation programs for seniors have been established in Illinois.

One such program is the Independent Transportation Network America (ITN), a public-private partnership with 16 affiliates in 12 states. The ITN service allows seniors who are unable or no longer wish to drive to donate their cars to ITN in exchange for rides from volunteers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many ITN volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to transport or run errands for seniors. 

Volunteer drivers must verify that they hold the proper liability insurance, but differing policies among insurers have in some cases limited the number of available drivers; HB 1378 removes an impediment to the operation of nationally-affiliated transportation networks.

This legislation will help expand the pool of volunteer drivers for organizations operating in the City of Chicago and the counties of Bureau, Henderson, Henry, Knox, LaSalle, McDonough, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island and Warren. While insurers in these areas may not refuse or impose a surcharge based solely upon volunteer driver status, HB 1378 does not prevent the insurer from considering factors other than volunteer status when issuing policies or setting rates for volunteer drivers.

House Bill 1378, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Lyons (D-Chicago) and Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero), goes into effect immediately.

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11 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Tuesday, August 9, 2011**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 9, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: HB 189
An Act Concerning: Education
Requires general education classrooms to be composed of a certain percentage of special education students with individualized education programs (IEPs).
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately

 

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11 Aug 2011

Community Calendar Event

By Kathy Yaudas

WHO:                  GENERAL PUBLIC 

WHAT:                NEIGHBORHOOD ICE CREAM PARTY

WHEN:                SATURDAY, AUGUST 27th AT 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:             IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

3834 ROCKINGHAM ROAD

DAVENPORT, IOWA

Immanuel Lutheran Church & Preschool is having their 4th Annual Neighborhood Ice Cream Party on Saturday, August 27th 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. There will be Ice Cream, Hot dogs, Chili dogs, Popcorn, Iced Tea, and Lemonade; Live music, Kid's activities, and much much more for all our neighbors in the West end!

Live Music will be provided by the Band "Smile", Ice cream with a wide variety of toppings to choose from, face painting, Bounce House, pony rides for kids, and fun. All food items will be priced at $1.00 each or less! Come and join your neighbors and friends for some great family fun! This event is outdoors; feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket. In case of rain event will be held indoors.

Thanks to West Scott Thrivent Chapter for supplementing this event. This is open to the public, and all are welcome to join us. For more information please contact the church office at 563-324-6431.

11 Aug 2011

Art Display at Eldridge Library

By Kathy Holloway

Artists, Pat Halverson & Judy Gray have a joint show of their artwork displayed at Eldridge Library (200 N. 6th Ave., Eldridge, IA) through September.  

   

Artisans, Bonnie Grebner (www.the-art-collective.org/Bonnie.html) will be doing a Raku-firing at the Clay & Fiber weekend in Bishop Hill, IL on August 20 & 21. 

Artist Judy O. Gray (www.judyogray.com) has a 40-piece artwork display at the Clinton River Arts Center through September 18th.  A reception is planned for Sunday, August 21 from 1 - 3.  The address is 229 - 5th Ave S, Clinton, IA. (free)

Artist Allen Holloway (www.artbyallenholloway.com) is showing a body of his work (realism framed originals and prints, modern art originals and many un-framed prints) through Mid-Coast Fine Arts at the I-80 Welcome Center in LeClaire, IA  through September 30.  A demonstration of his art-making skills along with light refreshments is planned for Sunday, afternoon September 11. (free)

Watercolor Artist, Tom Jones (www.tomjonesartist.com), a resident of Central Florida will be holding a 4-day workshop through Left Bank Art league on August 25 - 28 in Moline, IL.  There are still some openings available Contact Judy Gray (563-344-7837 or rjgray01@mchsi.com for details.

11 Aug 2011

Quad City Residents Given Chance To Become A Star As Local Dealership Searches For New Talent

By Heather Robu

Davenport, IA - August 8, 2011 At a time when everyday individuals are receiving numerous opportunities to display their talents on hit shows like American Idol and America's Got Talent, Smart Toyota of Quad Cities is presenting one for area residents with Davenport's first ever dealership talent search.

The contest is open to all area residents - male or female - age 18 or older. The winner will be starring in the dealership's future commercials. No previous experience is necessary and the dealership is encouraging anyone with an interest in appearing on television to audition.

The Smart Toyota of Quad Cities Talent Search open audition registration begins online via www.SmartToyotaTalentsearch.com on August 2, 2011 and will continue thru September 7, 2011. The open auditions will beheld at the dealership on September 8th from 9 am until 7 pm. Five finalists will be announced on October 5th with the winning talent selected on October 20th..

For more information, contact:
Gwen Tombergs gtombergs@lujack.com 563-445-4191
Nick Tarpein ntarpein@smarttoyotaqc.com 563-391-4106
Sean McCullough sean@onlyaction.com 678.287.1209

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11 Aug 2011

Grant of $30,000 to Help Anhydrous Ammonia Facilities in Iowa Comply with Regulations

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., Aug. 9, 2011) - EPA has awarded the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) $30,000 to assist with outreach, education and implementation of the Clean Air Act's Risk Management Program. All fertilizer facilities that handle, process or store more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are subject to EPA's chemical safety requirements. There are approximately 700 agricultural retail anhydrous ammonia facilities in Iowa.

"This grant is designed to prevent releases and protect the health and safety of area residents, and enhance communications with local emergency responders and regulated facilities," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. "IDALS is receiving this funding to conduct on-site audits, workshops and follow-up safety assessments at agricultural retail anhydrous ammonia facilities in Iowa."

Anhydrous ammonia is generally safe provided handling, storage and maintenance procedures are followed. However, it is toxic and can be a health hazard. Inhaling anhydrous ammonia can cause lung irritation and severe respiratory injuries.

EPA Region 7 receives more accidental release reports for ammonia than for any other chemical.  In addition to releases caused by transportation accidents, human error and equipment failure, a number of releases have been caused by anhydrous ammonia thefts. Anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient in the illegal production of methamphetamine. When stolen, the toxic gas can be unintentionally released, causing injuries to emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, the public and the criminals themselves.

Retailers were first required to be in compliance with the Risk Management Program in 1999.  EPA then started facility inspections and enforcement of the program, which includes five components: hazard assessment system, management, accident prevention, emergency response and submittal of a risk management plan.

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