It's the dream of every baseball fan in the Midwest. Now it's your chance to visit Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs play the Cardinals!

 

Calling all Cubs and Cardinals fans! Join us for a Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals game on Friday, August 19. We leave the River's Edge at 8:00 am, arriving Wrigley field by noon. Game start time is 1:20 pm. Our bus will depart Wrigley field promptly after game, and arrive back at the River's Edge around 8:00 pm. Your price includes game ticket and transportation.  Cost per person is $95.00.

 

Hurry! Limited space. Only a few tickets left.

Register online at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks or at the River's Edge.  For questions, call 563-326-7812.

cubs

 

When: Friday, August 19, 8:00 AM

Where: Leave from the River's Edge

Cost: $95 includes transportation and tickets

New Law Will Give Victims of Sex Trafficking a Chance to Appeal Prostitution Convictions

CHICAGO - August 6, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a new law that will help victims of sex trafficking who have been charged with prostitution by giving them the opportunity to clear their names. The new law gives victims of sex trafficking a chance to remove their convictions through a court of law.

"Sex trafficking is a truly reprehensible crime that preys on the most vulnerable. Victims deserve a chance to clear their records and rebuild their lives," Governor Quinn said.

Illinois has taken major steps to address human trafficking by passing the 2006 anti-trafficking law and 2010 Safe Children Act, which helps support victims who were forced into the sex trade and have criminal records as a direct result of being trafficked.

Sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), Senate Bill 1036 allows defendants who are victims of human trafficking at the time of their prostitution convictions to file a motion to vacate the conviction if the defendant's participation in the offense was the result of being a victim.

Prostitution convictions limit victims' abilities to access housing, employment education, immigration status and parental rights. The bill also creates a new filing timeline for victims of sex trafficking because they often endure years of abuse at the hands of traffickers and customers before they are able to seek help.

"The most important thing about Senate Bill 1037 is that it makes sure that the judicial system has a mechanism to ensure that a person who has been the victim of a crime is not automatically considered a criminal," Sen. Hutchinson said. "It is good public policy to protect women and children who have been taken advantage of in this most heinous way. They can take the necessary steps to rebuild their lives and become functional members of society after suffering trauma of that magnitude."

"Victims of human trafficking are often forced into prostitution and other crimes against their own will, and too many of them are being prosecuted as criminals," Rep. Yarbrough said. "When we have evidence that involuntary human trafficking was the cause of the crime, even though the victim may not have had the ability or representation to prove it during trial, we must do the right thing and reverse their conviction so they can move on with repairing their lives."

The bill takes effect Jan. 1 and was supported by a variety of institutions, leaders and anti-crime organizations including the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless; Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Sargent Shriver Center on Poverty Law; Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE); Lutheran Social Services of Illinois; Rape Victim Advocates; Girls Education and Mentoring Services (GEMS); Cook Co. Sheriff Tom Dart and DePaul University College of Law.

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MOLINE, Ill - Lt. Gen. Bednarek, First Army commanding general believes business and Army leaders share some of the same goals and ideals, and this was the focus of his presentation to a group of community leaders at the Quad City chamber's Executive Club meeting at the i Wireless Center Aug 5.

"We are in the same business in developing and shaping our community and the Nation's future leaders, regardless of profession" Bednarek explained. "Grounded in the strength of our core values with dignity and respect; a strong work ethic and a belief in what we stand for. We build coach, train and educate teams to do a job and accomplish a mission."

"You and I know that as we train, build and strengthen the core of our workforce," Bednarek continued. "Whether it's a Soldier in the Army or a worker in a warehouse downtown, we are building stronger citizens, and ultimately a stronger America."

Recently, members of Iowa's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, were demobilized after returning from Afghanistan. "Great Americans, such as the Red Bulls served nine tough months serving the nation and protecting its national interests," said Bednarek. "Hiring vets is a good will act and good business."

Recalling a recent visit to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, Lt. Gen. Bednarek asked a Soldier what he did while he was participating in a training exercise. "Sir, I work at Lowes," he responded.

The First Army welcome event was hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce to provide the area the opportunity to learn about their mission and how they will tie to their new community.

First Army is a multi-component command that serves as U.S. Forces Command's executive agent for providing training support to reserve component forces. The First Army mission is to mobilize, train, deploy and demobilize Reserve Component units at installations throughout the continental United States. 

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New Law Helps Small Businesses Participate in State Projects

TINLEY PARK - August 5, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to boost small businesses owned by Illinois Veterans. Under the new law, the state will set an annual goal of 3 percent of every state contract to be set aside for businesses owned by Veterans and service-disabled Veterans.

"Veterans who have taken the initiative to start small businesses and help create jobs should be supported when competing for government contracts," Governor Quinn said. "We must honor the men and women who have honorably served our country. This important law further recognizes the commitment made by those Veterans who have returned home and are working to support their communities."

Sponsored by Sen. Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest) and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), Senate Bill 1270 amends the Illinois procurement code to help Veteran-owned small businesses better compete in the state bidding process. To be eligible, the businesses must be based in Illinois and be at least 51 percent owned by Veterans or service-disabled Veterans

The new law sets an annual goal of 3 percent of every state contract to go to service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) with annual gross sales of $75 million or less. Larger Veteran-owned businesses can apply for an exemption if they can demonstrate that a significant number of Veteran-owned suppliers or subcontractors would benefit.

Senate Bill 1270 passed the General Assembly unanimously and was supported by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), JAR Consulting, American Institute of Architects - Illinois Council, American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois, American Institute of Architects and the Illinois Department of Professional Engineers.

The new law takes effect immediately.

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Q:        Why is a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution needed?
A:        Congress can vote to abandon plans put in place for spending restraint and history proves that, too often, Congress either unravels budget controls or never adopts them in the first place.  A constitutional requirement for a balanced budget would compel members of Congress to act in a fiscally responsible way, since every member of Congress takes an oath to uphold the Constitution, and members tend to take the oath seriously.  A majority of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversees constitutional issues, said this about a balanced budget amendment after passing one twice during the 1990s:  "Flagrant disregard of the proposed amendment's clear and simple provisions would constitute nothing less than a betrayal of the public trust.  In their campaigns for reelection, elected officials who flout their responsibilities under this amendment will find that the political process will provide the ultimate enforcement mechanism."

Q:        How would a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution be put in place?
A:        An amendment to the Constitution requires a two-thirds vote both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the approval of three-fourths of the 50 state legislatures.  At least 46 states have requirements to balance their state budgets.  Congress has voted on a balanced budget amendment several times, but there never have been enough votes to approve the amendment and send it to the states for ratification.  Along with every other Republican senator, I am a co-sponsor of legislation that could establish a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.  The last time the Senate voted on a balanced budget amendment was in March 1997, when the nation's debt was less than half of what it is today.  The resolution failed by one vote.  A balanced budget amendment passed the House of Representatives in 1995.  Both the Senate and the House of Representatives must vote on a balanced budget amendment this year, sometime between October 1 and December 31, thanks to a requirement in the agreement that was reached to increase the federal debt ceiling.

Q:        How would the balanced budget amendment work?
A:        The legislation I've co-sponsored for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution would require the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually.  It would prohibit Congress from spending more than it takes in or spending more than 18 percent of gross domestic product, compared to the 24 percent that's being spent today.  In addition, the proposal I support would require supermajorities in the House and Senate to raise taxes.  With a federal debt of more than $14 trillion and deficits as far as the eye can see, it's time for Congress to act on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and then let states have their say.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Sunday, September 11, 2011 3 pm
Augustana's Centennial Hall, Rock Island
(Free event, open to the public, refreshments served)

In 2001 Churches United brought the over 5,000 people from across the Quad Cities together in the aftermath of 9/11. Once again we will reach out tA the whole area for this 10th year remembrance. People from diverse faith groups and community leaders from the Quad City area will come together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with reflections and prayers.

Keynore speaker is Ms. Najeeba Syeed-Miller, an attorney by training who has worked extensivvely in the area of conflict resolution between diverse groups and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Interreligious Studies at the CLaremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA.

A year-long series of interfaith events in the spirit of promoting bridge-building within our community will be announced, moving forward with greater strength and deeper understanding of each other.

Services for Jose M. "Joe" Pena Jr., 49,Davenport, are 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home @ 614 Main Street in Davenport Iowa.
Burial is at Holy Family Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Monday at Halligan Funeral Home 614 Main Street Davenport Iowa.

Joe died Aug. 2, 2011, at home.

He was born Nov. 8, 1961.

Joe was a Singer / Songwriter / Musician and a collector (of Guitars, G.I. Joe's & other collectables), selling collectables online & at various venues.    He also played extensively with The Pena Blues Band (otherwise known as the Pena Brothers) in the Quad-Cities & atMidwest Venues.   Joe recorded several CDs with his brothers & had a CD produced by the legendary Blues Artist "Buddy Guy" at Catamont Studios.
Just was a Gentle Giant with a good heart who loved his family & friends.

Joe is survived by his wife, Tammy; children, Amelia, Rolando, Guadalupe and Julio, all of Davenport, and Cayetano, Rock Island; mother, Barbara, Davenport; siblings, John, Rolando, Lyle Peña, and Danny, all of Davenport, Christina Olsen, Rock Island, and Alicia, Des Moines.

Joe will be missed.
MONTICELLO, IOWA-Fresh pineapples will be in Iowa for the 34th Annual Pineapple Sale for Camp Courageous the weekend of August 12th-14th. The pineapples will be on sale at nearly 30 Hy-Vee Stores in Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Clinton, Coralville, Davenport, Dubuque, Iowa City, Marion, and Waterloo.  Sales are Friday, August 12thSaturday, August 13th, and Sunday August 14th. Most locations will have the ability to core and place the pineapple in a container for the customer.

The 33rd Annual Pineapple Gala, will be Friday, August 19th at the Cedar Rapids Marriott beginning at 6:00 p.m. This is one of Iowa's largest charity silent and live auction with nearly 400 items ranging from $5 to condos. An exceptional Hawaiian dinner, entertainment, and door prizes, including a trip for two to Hawaii, are planned for this year's Gala.  Volunteer Emcee for the evening will be Gary Dolphin and the volunteer auctioneer will be Todd Smith.  Tickets are $50/each or a table of 10 for $500. Auction items can be donated, or tickets can be obtained through the camp by calling Charlie Becker at 319/465-5916, ext. 2100 or e-mailing at cbecker@campcourageous.org. Many auction items can be viewed at: www.campcourageous.org. Special Camp Courageous overnight rates are available by calling the Marriott.
This year Camp Courageous will be honoring the Lions Clubs of Iowa and their support of the camp since the camp's earliest days.

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Las Vegas, August 5, 2011/ GLOBENEWSWIRE -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ:ALGT) today reported preliminary passenger traffic results for July 2011.

Scheduled Service

                                            July 2011 July 2010 Change

Passengers                     639,789        601,401             5.2%

Revenue passenger miles (000)                    581,106        553,102             5.1%

Available seat miles (000)                          622,970        627,466          (0.7)%

Load factor                         93.3%           88.1%          5.2 pts

Departures                     4,657            4,704          (1.0)%

Average stage length (miles)                        886               890          (0.4)%

Total System*

                                                July 2011 July 2010 Change

Passengers                     672,727        629,689             6.8%

Revenue passenger miles (000)                    605,331        571,048             6.0%

Available seat miles (000)                          663,055        661,443             0.2%

Load factor                         91.3%           86.3%          5.0 pts

Departures                     5,206            5,149             1.1%

Average stage length (miles)                        847               861          (1.5)%                        

*Total system includes scheduled service, fixed fee contract and non-revenue flying.

Preliminary Financial Results

                                                                                          Change

June 2011 actual year-over-year

scheduled revenue per ASM (PRASM) change                                  24.7%

June 2011 actual year-over year

scheduled total revenue per ASM (TRASM) change                          18.9%

 

July 2011 estimated year-over-year PRASM change                     23.7 to 24.1%

July 2011 estimated year-over-year TRASM change                    19.8 to 20.2%

 

July 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - system                       $3.17

July 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - scheduled                 $3.34

Guidance

 

Capacity guidance, subject to revision

Year over Year Growth

 

Departures

ASMs

August 2011

 

 

Scheduled

(12)%

(9)%

 

 

 

3rd Quarter 2011

 

 

System

(5) to (1)%

(5) to (1)%

Scheduled

(8) to (4)%

(5) to (1)%

 

 

 

4th Quarter 2011

 

 

System

+4 to 8%

+5 to 9%

Scheduled

+1 to 5%

+4 to 8%

 

 

 

 

 

ASMs - Available seat miles

About the Company
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.  Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services.  In 2010, Allegiant was ranked number one for low-cost carriers in Aviation Week's Top Performing Airline study and ranked 25 on FORTUNE magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies list.  ALGT/G

Note: This news release was accurate at the date of issuance. However, information contained in the release may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

For further information please visit the company's investor website: http://ir.allegiant.com

Reference to the Company's website above does not constitute incorporation of any of the information thereon into this news release.

Under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only estimates or predictions based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include our statements regarding future departure and capacity growth. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "guidance", "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "project," "hope" or similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements generally may be found in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

Any forward-looking statements are based on information available to us today and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.

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Quad-Cities/ July 10th, 2011 - A massive volunteer effort to clean the mighty   Mississippi   is about to begin its third phase in the place where it all began.  The Great Mississippi River Clean-Up (GMRC) is a volunteer effort coordinated by Living Lands & Waters (LLW), an East Moline, IL-based non-profit environmental group.  Last year, LLW coordinated the first-ever simultaneous clean up of the  Mississippi River .   This year, the initiative has expanded from 22 to 30 cities and has grown into a summer-long campaign.    Living   Lands   & Waters (LL&W) will launch the third phase of the 2011 Great Mississippi River Clean Up on Saturday, August 13th. Volunteers from the Quad-Cities through Keokuk will help pull garbage out of the waters and onto the shores of Muscatine  Burlington  Ft.   Madison  and  Keokuk  Iowa  and Oquawka, New Boston and   Nauvoo  Illinois  .  This year's Great Mississippi River Clean-Up began on June 11th along the shores of  Wisconsin  Minnesota  and  Northern Iowa , where volunteers pulled truckloads of discarded materials from the waters so that it could be disposed of properly.   Clean-ups previously scheduled in   Saint Paul   and Red Wing, MN and Prairie duChien, WI had to be re-scheduled because high water and fast-moving debris made it too hazardous for volunteers.

The phenomenal growth of the Great Mississippi River Clean-up, with the addition of eight more cities this year, required organizers to broaden their efforts to monthly clean-ups across the summer.  In all, 1200-1500 volunteers are expected to take part in this year's clean-up of this iconic waterway.  The final phases of the GMRC will begin September 17th and involve volunteers from  Canton  MO  through   St. Louis  MO.   Please note the dates are subject to river flood conditions

LL&W Founder and President Chad Pregracke says flooding is something LLW adapts to almost every year.  "The river is constantly changing, and because of that, we must always be prepared and able to respond."  Pregracke, who was recently recognized as a 'Service Hero' at the Points of Light Foundation's tribute to former President George H.W. Bush, Sr.  Pregracke adds that doing the clean up in phases will help bring our important message to more people.  Said Pregracke, "That's part of what Living Lands and Waters is all about:  bringing the health of our rivers to the attention of everyone who depends upon them, and then working to improve it."

The Great Mississippi River Cleanup will remove debris such as tires, barrels, propane tanks, appliances, plastic bottles and more from the waterway. Volunteers will be needed to assist in debris collection on the day of the cleanup. If possible, LL&W is also looking for people who are willing to haul debris in their boats to the boat launch where roll-off dumpsters or other disposal facilities will be in place.

 Living   Lands  and Waters is a 501(c) (3) environmental organization established in 1998 and headquartered in   East Moline  Illinois  .  LL&W has removed more than six million pounds of trash through cleanup efforts along the  Mississippi  Missouri  Ohio  Illinois  and  Potomac  rivers since its launch over 12 years ago. LL&W also coordinated flood relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina and the historic floods in  Cedar Rapids  Iowa  and   Lake Delton  Wisconsin   in 2008. 

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please visit www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

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