Will update information in real time, provide assistance to Iowans

NOTE: Updated times for Davenport and Buffalo events

Washington, DC - After a weekend of historic flood levels in the First District, Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) unveiled a new website to keep constituents up to date as flood relief moves forward. Constituents can click on the Disaster Relief link on Braley's home page, or go to www.braley.house.gov/disasterrelief to find helpful resources and information that will be updated with new information about federal assistance as it becomes available.

Braley spent the day traveling across the First District to meet with local officials about the historic flood levels impacting several communities. Braley is visiting nine towns and cities to receive briefings, survey the damage and hear from constituents about the help they need to rebuild their homes and small businesses.

"Many communities across Iowa are still recovering from the Floods of 2008," Braley said. "Rising flood waters are wreaking havoc across Eastern Iowa and I want Iowans to know that my office is here to help. Since Friday night, I have been in close contact with officials from Speaker Pelosi's office, the White House, FEMA and other agencies that will likely be involved in federal assistance efforts. We are doing everything we can to ensure Iowa's families receive the assistance they need to rebuild after yet another summer of record flooding.

"We are currently in the process of acquiring a federal disaster declaration. In the meantime, our primary focus is maintaining the safety and security of families near the flood zones and providing immediate disaster assistance. As we move forward, my office will continue to coordinate efforts and do everything we can to assist the families who have been impacted.  My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been impacted by these overwhelming swells."

The list of towns Braley is visiting today is below. Friday night, Braley visited local officials in Manchester.  On Saturday, Braley visited the Lake Delhi dam, Independence and Monticello.

8:00 CDT

Braley to visit Anamosa, meet with local officials about flooding

Tapkin's Convenience Store

Corner of South Elm Street and Cemetery Road, Anamosa, Iowa

8:45 CDT

Braley to visit Olin, meet with local officials about flooding

Olin Fire Station

105 West Cleveland Street, Olin Iowa

9:30 CDT

Braley to visit Monticello, meet with local officials about flooding

Monticello City Public Works Building

Corner of Hwy 38 and 11th Street,  Monticello, Iowa

10:30 CDT

Braley to tour Lake Delhi Dam site, meet with local officials

Meet on north side of dam on County Road X31.  You must approach the bridge from the north.  There is no way to cross at that point from the south.

12:00 CDT

Braley to visit Manchester, meet with local officials about flood recovery efforts

Maquoketa River bridge

Corner of River Street and Main Street, Manchester , Iowa

1:00 CDT

Braley to visit Dyersville, meet with local officials about flood recovery efforts

Meet at 1st Ave bridge

Corner of 1st Ave East and 1st Street SW, Dyersville, Iowa

3:00 CDT

Braley to visit Maquoketa, meet with local officials about flooding

Meet at corner North Main and North Street, Maquoketa, Iowa

UPDATED

5:00 CDT

Braley to visit Davenport, meet with local officials about flooding

Meet in downtown Davenport at corner of Brady Street and East River Drive, Davenport, Iowa

6:00 CDT

Braley to visit Buffalo, meet with local officials about flooding

Clark's Landing Restaurant

Corner of West Front Street and Jefferson Street, Buffalo, Iowa

# # #

 

 

 

Davenport, IA - Friday, July 23, 2010 - On Friday, August 20th, the "Pinta" and the "Nina" replicas of Columbus' ships, will open in Davenport.  The ships will be docked at the Oneida Street Landing, at the foot of Bridge Street, until their departure early Monday morning, August 30th.

The "Nina" was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools and was called by Archaeology magazine "the most historically Columbus replica ever built."  The craftsmanship of construction and the details in the rigging make it a truly fascinating visit back to the Age of Discover.  The "Nina" was used in the production of the film "1492" staring GerardDepardieu and directed by Ridley Scott.

The "Pinta" was built in Brazil to accompany the "Nina" on all her travels.  She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel and offers larger deck space for walk-around tours and has a 900 sq. ft. salon down below to view slide shows of the ship's construction.  The "Pinta" is available for private parties while in dock.

Both ships will be touring together as a new and enhanced "sailing museum" for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the "Caravel," a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for walk-aboard self-guided tours.  The prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors and $5.00 for children.  Children 4 and under are free.  The ship is open every day from 9:00 am until 6:00pm.  No reservations necessary.  Teachers or groups wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call the ship directly at 787-672-2152.  Minimum of 15 per tour, $4.00 per person.  Visit our website at www.thenina.com for additional information.  The ships arrive Thursday, August 19th and there will be a private viewing for the media after docking.

 

July 22, 2010

Singer-Songwriter Jamie McLean Brings His Exhilarating Musicianship, Burning Guitar, and Propulsive Band to Gabe's on August 3rd

In just a few short years, Jamie McLean has transformed himself from six-stringed sideman of the celebrated, New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band into a full-fledged bandleader with plenty of rock & roll swagger to live up to his first-rate musicianship. McLean is an astounding songwriter, vocalist and player in that place where Southern and streetwise rock, roadhouse blues, downtown R&B and swampy soul music find communion. With a backing band lending smooth-groovin' muscle to his hook-filled guitar chops and soulful vocals, McLean comes to Gabe's touring behind his latest release, Completely, which sees him ooze romance and heartache through roots-rock blues and guitar-pop. Fresh off a tour with Greg Allman and a smattering of dates with Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, the Jamie McLean Band is poised to take their music to great heights. And with McLean's wailing guitar, driving rhythms, and dynamic showmanship on display at Gabe's on August 3rd, this is one show that's sure to be memorable.

More about Jamie McLean Band:

From Madison Square Garden to Bonnaroo to Japan's Fuji Rock, Jamie McLean's musical footprint has marked every corner of the globe. Performing alongside musical icons such as Elvis Costello, Widespread Panic, and Dave Matthews, he has shared the stage with scores of prevalent names in the industry. Always in high demand, McLean has also lent his studio chops to everyone from Norah Jones to Chuck D, proving he is the quintessential workingman's guitarist. Backed by a dynamic voice loaded with soul, McLean's transformation from sideman to front man has been seamless. With drops of southern roots rock, blues, R&B, funk and soul oozing from their amplifiers, the Jamie McLean Band offers "honest rock and roll" that pulls no punches. Night in and night out, Jamie McLean's performances are smothered in soul and confident command of the six-string. Take the straightforward, no-nonsense rock of the Rolling Stones and The Black Crowes and mix in the personal sincerity of Ryan Adams and Tom Petty and the result is the Jamie McLean Band.

Show Details:

JAMIE MCLEAN BAND

Tuesday August 3, 2010

9:30PM doors, 10PM show

$8 Advance and Day of Show | 21+

Presented by Majestic Live

JAMIE MCLEAN BAND:

http://jamiemcleanband.com/

http://www.myspace.com/jamiemcleanband

 

Proceeds will go to three local non-profit organizations

For the 2nd year, the River Roots Live music festival will feature a Mississippi River Ride fundraiser to help local non-profits: Living Lands & Waters, the River Music Experience, and the Downtown Partnership. The "Ride" will take participants down 60 miles of the areas' most scenic river roads, ending at the FREE River Roots Live Music Festival at LeClaire Park, Davenport. The route is as follows:

Registration: 10 am - Noon

Where: Wiebler's Harley Davidson

Cost: $15 per hand + $5 for a passenger

River Ride Stops:

Begins: Wiebler's Harley Davidson Davenport, IA

Stop 2: Blueport Junction, Davenport, IA

Stop 3: Biscuit's Bar & Grill, Buffalo, IA

Stop 4: The Button Factory, Muscatine, IA

Stop 5: Ducky's Lagoon, Andalusia, IL

Stop 6: River Roots Live! - LAST BIKE MUST BE IN BY 5PM!

SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINING ACTS OF THE RIVER ROOTS LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL: CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISTED, GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS

CASH PRIZES WILL GO TO THE WINNER AND THERE WILL BE A 50/50 RAFFLE!

All proceeds from the Mississippi River Ride will benefit Living Lands & Waters, the River Music Experience, and the Downtown Partnership. With your help these not-for-profit organizations will be able to:

  • Create more opportunity for Living Lands & Waters to continue keeping the Mississippi and all of America's rivers clean

  • Help deliver top-notch music education programming for thousands of children at the River Music Experience, while also funding future Redstone Room concerts and the overall growth of the QC music scene.

  • Build on Davenport's momentum to create a revitalized and thriving downtown for everyone to enjoy!

For more information contact:

Tammy Becker 309.236.0725 tammy@livinglandsandwaters.org

Nora Coyne-Logan 309.236.0728 nora@livinglandsandwaters.org

Davenport, Iowa (July 25, 2010) -- Special days and special carnival ride rates are planned again this year for the Great Mississippi Valley Fair, set for Tuesday through Sunday, Aug. 3-8, at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport.

The special days, devoted to select groups of people, are the first three days of the fair.

Tuesday, Aug. 3 is Special Needs Day, with free admission for those with special needs until 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, is Kids' Day. Children age 12 and under are admitted free that day until 5 p.m. Then Thursday, Aug. 5,  is Senior Day, with senior citizens admitted to the fair for just $5 until 5 p.m.

Wristband ride specials for the huge Evans United Shows carnival are slated for Wednesday, Aug. 4; Thursday, Aug. 5; and Sunday, Aug. 8.

Evans United Shows is selling wristbands those days for just $15, and they're good for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"The special wristband ride prices are quite popular, particularly among families and young people," said fair manager Bob Fox.

Individual ride tickets still will be sold, he noted, for those who don't want unlimited rides.

Aside from the reduced admission rates on Special Needs Day, Kids' Day and Senior Day, daily admission tickets to the Mississippi Valley Fair, good for viewing exhibits and grounds attractions, are $10 for adults and $3 for children 4-12. Children 3 and under are admitted free.

Fair Fun Cards, which cover daily admission to the grounds and each night's 8 p.m. grandstand show, are $40 each and are for sale at Hy-Vee stores, Taco Bells, the fair office and online at mvfair.com. Grandstand show admission is by Fun Card only.

For more information, click on www.mvfair.com or phone (563) 326-5338.
On Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7, The Big 6 River Bend Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club will host the 2010 Upper Mississippi Valley Zone Meet in the Quad Cities.

Starting on Friday morning Studebakers from the upper Midwest will start converging on the Stoney Creek Inn in Moline.
Saturday the cars will be on view most of the day in the Moline owned parking lot between Stoney Creek Inn and the I-74 bridge.  Studebaker manufactured automobiles from 1903 until 1965 and there will be many examples of these fine cars on display.

Those that want to can view the cars both days completely FREE OF CHARGE to the public.

The Studebaker Drivers Club (www.studebakerdriversclub.com) holds an international meet every year. The individual Zones also hold an annual meet somewhere in their area.  The local Big 6 River Bend Chapter is hosting the Upper Mississippi Valley Zone (www.big6sdc.com/umvz) this year. For more information about the meet, you can feel free to contact either of the co-chairs. Contact information is at (www.big6sdc.com/zonemeet).

Election Day Countdown: 99 Days

 

Election Day Countdown: 99 Days

 

Election Day Countdown: 99 Days

 

as of 7/26/2010.

On Tuesday,July 27, Scott County Republicans will be hosting a grand opening celebration of our hew headquarters.  There will be a cook-out, with special guest, Lt. Governor Nominee Kim Reynolds.

The Scott County Republican headquarters is located at 311 W. Kimberly, across from North Park Mall at the opposite end of the old Ethan Allen Furniture Store. The grand opening celebration is from 5:00 - 8:00. Kim Reynolds is scheduled to arrive at 6:00.

Quad Cities IA/IL - President & General Manager Larry Rosmilso, along with representatives from Local TV, LLC, owner of WQAD, announced the decision to WQAD's full staff Thursday, July 22nd at their studios in Moline

"This is an unprecedented investment in the station" stated Rosmilso. "In the next several months, we'll spend close to 2-million dollars to upgrade the equipment at the station, and no department will be untouched by the process."

The move to high definition news coverage will bring Quad Cities news viewers more stunning video pictures, clearer audio & enhanced live coverage from the field as everything from live trucks to cameras & edit gear, even most of the internal cables gets replaced. "Every piece of equipment in the building will be upgraded to handle high definition video and enhanced audio," reported Chief Engineer Rick Serre.

The announcement came right on the heels of WQAD's first High Definition production, Helping Haiti which aired on Wednesday night.  "We've had the HD cameras and an editor and we chose the Haiti project as our first experiment in HD news production" stated Alan Baker, WQAD News Director. "We were blown away at the quality of that first production. That's just a taste of what's to come."

The entire conversion process will take place in stages over the next several months. "We'll be keeping viewers on top of the progress as we hit each milestone," stated Baker.

WQAD is one of 20 mid-sized television stations owned by Local TV, LLC, part of Oak Hill Capital Partners and a consortium of investors who like TV and local news and believe in the future of both.

A combined effort from students, faculty, staff, parents, and Trinity Lutheran Church volunteers are making the concept and a dream of a service garden into a reality at Trinity Lutheran School this summer. Students from Trinity Lutheran School's Shining Stars summer care program are discovering how plants grow from seeds and small plants to large, vegetable-producing plants.  They are part of the process of maintaining a healthy garden, and the students are now reaping the fruits of their labor.

This outdoor classroom has provided a great life-long learning opportunity for the Shining Stars students.  The students have learned how to prepare the soil for planting, experienced planting a variety of vegetables, tended the garden by weeding and watering, and are now starting to harvest and enjoy eating the various produce.  They are also learning how to prepare produce for use in cooking and baking.

The plants have come from a few key sources: the radish, carrot and sunflower plants came from Jill Schmitzer's preschool classroom at TLS.  She taught her students how to plant seeds and they watched them grow in the classroom.  Several of the other plants were ordered from Trinity Lutheran School's annual plant sale fundraiser.  Approximately 50 tomato plants and 25 green pepper plants were planted, along with hot peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, cauliflower, zucchini, a variety of herbs, and more.  Matt Wilshusen, an agronomist and a parent volunteer, donated a great deal of his time and knowledge for this 30' x 70' garden.

"This service garden is a start for us; our larger vision is to truly have a community garden to serve the community around our school and church.  This has given the students a great learning laboratory to visualize how food grows and to taste the end results," said Bill Meyer, Principal of Trinity Lutheran School.  Even this year, the community will benefit from this new project.  Extra produce will be donated to community organizations and food pantries.

The Shining Stars summer care program, led by Kathy Schneiderman, a TLS preschool teacher and preschool coordinator, and Karla Heuertz, Shining Stars program director, was established this summer to provide quality child care and education for children who have completed 4-year-old preschool - 5th grade in a Christ-centered environment.

Trinity Lutheran School offers quality Christian education for preschoolers - 8th grade, dedicated teachers, extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, and art, and an after-school and summer child care program in a Christian environment. For more information about Trinity Lutheran School, please call 563-322-5224, stop by the school office at 1122 West Central Park Ave., Davenport, or go to www.TrinityDavenport.org/school.

###

Pages