September 24 & 25 event to feature 19th century architecture

 GALENA  Ill.  - From a cozy miners' cottage to a grand Second Empire jailhouse,   Galena  's incredible architecture will take center stage during the 44th Annual Tour of Historic Galena Homes. Autumn is always a popular time to visit scenic   Galena  , but add the chance to tour inside five private historic buildings and the lure becomes irresistible.  Preservation, interior decorating, antiques and history are featured elements of the popular event hosted by the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society. The guided tour runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, both Saturday and Sunday, September 24 & 25, 2011.

Originally built as a combination bakery, market, and boarding house, farmers who came to   Galena   from a distance to sell their wares could stay upstairs in the Italianate-style Farmers' Home Hotel. Built in 1867 for   Casper   and Balzar Vogel, descendants of the bakers' family occupied the site until 1978, just more than 111 years. The building evolved as an antique shop, and then a restaurant, as a series of owners remodeled the interior spaces. The current owners purchased the Spring Street property in 2001 and opened an inn with nine guest rooms and spacious common areas. Historic architecture, vintage décor, lush gardens and patios, and its close proximity to downtown make this guest house a perennial favorite.

Frank and Betsy Jane Smith built a charming two-story house on   Wight Street   in 1856. Frank was co-owner of the Fuller and Smith Company, wholesale grocers and agents for the Anchor Steamship Line. The two-over-two windows, small second story horizontal windows, and narrow sidelights with multi-paned lights above the centered front door are typical of the late 1850s. The next owner, in 1877, was prominent local dentist, Dr. Franklin Stryker. A native of Prince Edward County, Ontario, he was one of eleven children. After teaching, then training as a dentist, Stryker moved to   Galena   in 1865. He worked the first year for Dr. J. Brown, taking over his dental practice in 1866 and marrying Dr. Brown's daughter, Jennie, soon after. The couple raised four children in the home. After changing hands a number of times, the home was purchased by the current owners in 2009. Saffron-colored built-in cabinets surround the great room fireplace; original honey-hued pine flooring and open spaces make this a cozy home, with a wonderful garden area in the rear.

Built in 1878 at a cost of $16,000, the Old County Jailhouse is  Second Empire  architecture three stories high with a Mansard roof. The top floor had six "airy apartments provided for evil-doers" according to the August 25, 1879 Galena Daily Gazette. The first and second floors were a residence for the Sheriff and his family. As a security feature, the flooring and ceiling of the prisoner area were built of iron beams and brick arches, then covered with two-inch plank, then a heavy iron plate riveted solid. Now exposed as the second floor ceiling, the soaring brick arches provide a delightful industrial feel to the master suite and bedroom areas. Sold by the County in the 1970s, the Old Jail sat empty and deteriorating until 2000 when new owners stabilized the structure and completely rebuilt its distinctive roof, showcased during the 2003 Tour. In 2006 the current owner moved his eclectic collection in and eventually plans to create two condos on the upper floors.

An enchanting miner's cottage nestled into the private hillside behind the Old Jailhouse was built in 1846 by Frederick Schwatka, a Galena Market Master. Originally a two story brick dwelling 30' x 16', the cottage was listed for sale in the January 11, 1853 Weekly Northwestern Gazette: "5 rooms and a kitchen - a first rate Cistern, holding between 70 and 80 barrels of water - a Cow Stable, Shed, and other conveniences. The whole is enclosed with a good substantial fence." Apparently the fence was not substantial enough, as just 10 months later Schwatka advertised a $5 reward for the return of his stray three-year-old red heifer. Purchased in 2008 by the current owners and enjoying its Home Tour debut, the secluded cottage with exposed stone walls is decorated in an artistic, whimsical style.

James Crowley arrived in   Galena   in 1850, wed Mary Allwell and built a house in the mid-1850s at   403 Jackson St  .. Mr. Crowley, a Civil War veteran of the 45th   Illinois  , served as East Galena Township Assessor for 30+ years. The property originally faced   Fourth Street  , no longer used, which ran directly in front of the U.S. Grant Home, just above Crowley House. The Crowleys raised eight children in the original 1,000 sq. ft. 1850s structure that features first floor 24-inch thick stone walls, a warm fireplace and wide plank floors. A kitchen and bedroom were added in 1896.   Crowley   descendants owned the home for 90 years until 1946. The house was last on Tour in 1978, after a renovation which added an office, side porch and garage. The current owners, who purchased it in 1989, made a final addition including a dining room, windowed garden room and exercise room in 2006. The property is eclectic in style, combining the original Federal structure with several additions that blend nicely into a pleasing whole.

A free shuttle service will operate between all tour homes and ticket locations. Tour guides, many in period attire, will provide historic narrative at each home. Free admission to the   Galena   History   Museum   is included with the home tour ticket and will include the new Ghosts of the Grants hologram presentation. During the home tour, the museum will be featuring a new nationally-acclaimed temporary exhibit entitled "Ulysses S. Grant: Soldier," showcasing the military years of   Galena  's favorite son.

The 44th Annual Tour of Historic Galena Homes is sponsored by the   Galena   - Jo Daviess County Historical Society. Tickets are $15, $13 in advance (before September 15); children under 10 are free with an adult. Tickets and maps are available during the tour weekend at the   Old   Train   Depot   Visitor  Information   Center   at   101 Bouthillier St.  , the DeSoto House Hotel at   230 S. Main St.  , the history museum at   211 S. Bench St  , the Gateway to History at  403 S. Main St.   and at any home on the tour. Advance tickets (non-refundable) are available at the   Galena   History   Museum  , or phone 815-777-9129 to purchase by credit card.

For further event information, contact the Historical Society at 815-777-9129 or visit www.galenahistorymuseum.org. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877-464-2536. While in town, visit the CVB's  Old   Train   Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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(Milan, IL) - The QCAWC is very pleased to announce that Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka will hold a press conference at the Quad City Animal Welfare Center (QCAWC) on Tuesday, August 9th beginning at 1:00 p.m. Our address is 724 West Second Avenue Milan, Illinois.

Comptroller Baar Topinka will be presenting her new program on her website called "Comptroller's Critters" which the QCAWC has animals listed at: http://www.illinoiscomptroller.com

We would like to invite all of you to meet Comptroller Baar Topinka. She has three dogs that she adopted from shelters. Contact Patti McRae with any questions at patti@qcawc.org or

309-787-6830 ext.13.

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Sunday, August 14, 2011   2:00 p.m.
German   American   Heritage   Center
712 West 2nd Street  Davenport  IA   52802

The   German   American   Heritage   Center   presents local educator Bruce Bufe in the first of a series on personal family immigration histories called "My German Story."  This program features the life and times of Franz Gustav Bufe, a German immigrant cigar maker in   Moline   in the l880's.  He was also an artist, a poet, and a keen social critic of his time.  Come experience his poems in translation and explore the themes and views of a common man with an uncommon talent for self-expression. This program is re-scheduled from a spring emergency cancellation. 

Members free; public welcome with $5.00 admission; includes museum exhibits.

Family fun, polka music, wiener dog racing, and German-style food headline this event

 GALENA  Ill.  - Bring the whole family to the 5th annual Galena Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 1, in   Galena  Illinois   from noon to 11 p.m.! The grassy area by the eastside of the  Galena   River , recently named   Depot   Park  , will be transformed into a German-themed festival with big white tents and plenty of seating for all. Galena Oktoberfest is hosted by the Galena Lions Club. People of all ages enjoy Galena Oktoberfest, as it features non-stop live music, a bounce house and games, German-style food and beer, wiener dog races, parade, and events, bean bag toss, polka dancing and lessons, pumpkin decorating, a raffle for cash and prizes, and much more.

The day begins at noon with a cannon blast and the ceremonial tapping of the keg, followed by check-in for all wiener dog events. Online pre-registration is encouraged for both the bean bag tournament and the wiener dog activities. Bring your dancing shoes, as this event has a dance floor and back-to-back music by the Jim Busta Band from Spring Grove, Minn., The Goodtime Dutchmen from Kewaskum, Wisc., and local rock favorite Mighty Short Bus from Madison, Wisc. Plus, two sessions of polka dancing will be led by Jennifer Mulcahey, of Ballroom by Jennifer, open to everyone who wants to learn. 

Gate tickets to Galena Oktoberfest are $5 for adults and teens, children 12 and under are admitted free. Proceeds from Galena Oktoberfest will go to aid with people's vision and hearing needs, plus various community projects.  Depot   Park  is located near the intersection of US Highway 20 and Park Avenue, by   Galena  's Old Train Depot. Plenty of parking will be available and trolley rides will be provided to go back and forth to   Main Street   for your shopping enjoyment. 

For more information about Galena Oktoberfest and the Galena Lions Club, please call (815) 331-0180 and leave a message, follow our Facebook page, or visit www.galenaoktoberfest.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling (877) 464-2536. While in town, visit the CVB's  Old   Train   Depot   Visitor   Information   Center  at   101 Bouthillier St.   (corner of  Park Avenue ) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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Performance at The Redstone Room on Saturday August 27, 2011

Rising country star Johnny Henry will be bringing his Old Fashioned Girl tour to the Redstone Room in Davenport, Iowa on August 27th.  The evening will feature Johnny and his road band with a portion of the ticket sales being donated to the Ovarian CancerResearch Fund.   

An electrifying performer, St. Louis native Johnny Henry has been a favorite on the country music touring scene for years, opening for such superstars as Sara Evans, Clint Black, recently released his debut solo CD entitled "Now."   This collection of music exemplifies Johnny's personality and introduces Country music fans to his big voice and compelling story.

It's a story about perseverance and dedication, about drive and following one's passion, and about family and responsibility.   Johnny's road to success has not followed the traditional path most aspiring Countrystars take.  Now sure, he has traveled the United States playing shows, has built a large fan-base, and is always surrounded by women - but not the women you may be thinking of... Johnny is a stay-at-home Dad with four young daughters and a devoted wife.

Between the cooking and cleaning, the concerts and the chord charts... between homework and hand-holding, the harmonies and the highways... Johnny balances the ride of being an up-and-coming Country artist with the daily joys and challenges of raising his girls.  With strong family values and an overwhelming desire to succeed, Johnny is ready to share his gift of song and story with Country music fans everywhere.

Because life has been good to Johnny, he wants to do something to give back - and to show his daughters the value of community involvement.  From this desire, the Old Fashioned Girl Tour was born.  Named after the first single from his CD, the tour is an effort to raise awareness and money for charitable organizations.  The majority of the proceeds from the August 27th show will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), an organization dedicated to finding a method of early detection and eventually a cure for ovarian cancer.  Ovarian cancer affects one third as many women as breast cancer but ovarian cancer research garners only one eighth of the funds.  It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women.  Johnny has fans, friends and family who have been affected by this terrible disease and hopes this concert will help OCRF as they search for a cure.

The Redstone Room is located at 129 Main Street in Davenport, Iowa.  Tickets are available in advance via the Redstone Room's website atredstoneroom.com/calendar.php or at the door for $25.  Doors open at 7:00 pm.

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What: "APEX '11" (APEX stands for Airport Exercise)  
Airport Mass Casualty Training Exercise  

Who: Quad City International Airport and supporting area mutual aid agencies-  including American Red Cross of the Quad Cities, local area hospitals, and area EMT's, to name a few.    

When: Tuesday, August 9, 2011, 8:00 a.m. prompt 
 (7:00 a.m. media arrival required at the site to participate)  

Where: Quad City International Airport-South Side  
Former John Deere Hangar Location, off of Indian Bluff Road  

Media interested in conducting interviews or taking photos of the drill should call 
Mike Swanson at (309) 757-1750 or e-mail: mswanson@qcairport.com   

Why: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that an Airport Mass Casualty Training Exercise is conducted every three years. The last exercise was held in 2008.  

History: A simulated air crash is designed to prepare the Quad City International Airport and area mutual aid disaster and support agencies for a real air disaster. The drill enhances the working relationship between all parties, including the airport, local area fire and law enforcement departments, hospitals, disaster services agencies, and many others. 

Other: The airport is still looking for volunteer "victims" to participate in the drill. Participants will be assigned a role to play as a crash victim. Please contact Mike Swanson if you are interested. Please allow a few hours to participate fully in the exercise. You will be asked to arrive at approximately 6:30 a.m. for moulage.  

Lunch will be provided upon the conclusion of the event.  

(Note: The public is not invited to this exercise unless they are participating as a volunteer victim.)  

 

Leaders cultivate support for Ron Paul
ANKENY, Iowa- The Iowa component of the Ron Paul 2012 presidential campaign today announced the national "Farmers for Ron Paul" coalition to energize voters in America's unrivaled agricultural sector.

In making their announcement, the Iowa team touted the support of farmers and industry advocates who hail from the Hawkeye State.

"As a farmer, I have seen the waste and unintended consequences of government programs that are outside the federal government's mandate.  Ron Paul's record spanning thirty years of Constitutional conservatism proves that he doesn't say one thing and then do another.  He's the one candidate who will steer our country back toward the liberty and prosperity that comes with true, limited government," said Rep. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig), who serves on the "Farmers for Ron Paul" national advisory board.

Rep. Schultz is a corn and soybeans farmer by trade.  Serving his second term in the Iowa House, Rep. Schultz endorsed Ron Paul for the Republican nomination for president on Monday, July 25th, the same day Story County GOP Chairman Cory Adams endorsed Dr. Paul. 

"Ron Paul's policies provide farm families the best opportunity to succeed using the God-given resources with which they've been blessed," said dairy farmer and food choice advocate Tom German.

"He promotes liberty for the benefit of individuals so that they may more freely and flexibly provide for their family, and improve their farm," said Mr. German, who serves on the "Farmers for Ron Paul" national advisory board and is a Ron Paul campaign co-chairman for the 4th congressional district.

As a first basic step, those wanting to join the "Farmers for Ron Paul"coalition should visitwww.RonPaul2012.com/Farmers

LAMONI, IA (08/02/2011)(readMedia)-- As we prepare to welcome the Fall 2011 class at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, we celebrate our graduates for the 2010-11 academic year. A total of 709 graduates this year represented 38 majors. There were 324 Master's degrees and 400 Bachelor's degrees conferred. The graduates hailed from 43 states and 15 countries.

Five-term, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa presented the commencement address. Groundbreaking for Graceland's $13.8 million expansion and renovation of regional performing arts center, the Shaw Center, also took place commencement weekend. Forty-eight new student apartments and a new fitness center are also being built this year on the Lamoni campus for a total of $20 million in construction.

Graduates from your area include :

Rita Manwiller of Davenport, IA

Graceland University was established in 1895 as a non-sectarian liberal arts institution of higher learning. It operates campuses in Lamoni, Iowa and Independence, Missouri, and offers degree completion programs at three other sites - the Kirkwood Community College campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; the Indian Hills Community College campus in Centerville, Iowa; and the North Central Missouri College campus in Trenton, Missouri.

Students from 40 states and 35 nations choose from 50 academic majors and programs at Graceland. For information about attending GU, please view our website: www.graceland.edu, and follow the links to Admissions and Financial Aid, call 866-GRACELAND, or write to Graceland University, Admissions Office, 1 University Place, Lamoni, IA 50140. At Graceland University, our passion is your success!

Roof Top Sedums proves going 'green' can be economical and beautiful

  Springfield  IL  / July 19th, 2011 - Cattle and hogs aren't the only animals being watched at the Illinois Department of Agriculture these days.  Employees at the State's Department of Agriculture building have been following the progress of three families of Killdeer that have nested in the 20,000 square foot green roof that was installed June 15, 2010.   These fledglings are showing the w or ld just one of the many benefits of a green roof.  

The Department of Agriculture building is one of the largest projects to date grown by Roof Top Sedums of Davenport, whose portfolio includes prototype projects in tornado-devastated   Greensburg  KS  , a town that is arising from the rubble of one of the worst episodes of tornado destruction in recent memory.    Greensburg   is re-inventing itself as a laboratory for green construction methods.   The LiveRoof® Hybrid Green Roof System grown by Roof Top Sedums, LLC covers both Greensburg 's   Kiowa   County   Commons   and the Silo Eco-house, one of the world's first buildings designed to be tornado resistant.  The LiveRoof® System is also featured on the roof of West Des Moines Historic City Hall at Valley Junction and Iowa City's new East Side Recycling Center which shares a building with Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store resale shop.   Additionally, hospital patients at  Genesis   Medical   Center  at East Rusholme in   Davenport   have been enjoying a lush view of more than 42 varieties of sedum and allium plants that now cover the center portion of the facility's rooftop.  Each project saw a green roof as a beautiful way to save money and improve their environment. 

In addition to providing a habitat in the midst of crowded cities, green roofs provide natural heat and sound insulation to buildings.  Green roofs extend the life of roofing materials by protecting them from the extreme variations in temperatures and photo degradation.  Green roofs reduce the 'heat island' effect in cities and reduce storm water run-off and reduce carbon dioxide in the environment.  While some green roof systems can take many years to establish, the LiveRoof® System grown by Roof Top Sedums of Davenport, IA allowed certified LiveRoof® installers to quickly convert a barren rooftop into a lush mix of well-established, custom-grown sedum ground cover plants.  "LiveRoof® not only adds beauty to the project, it is extremely efficient and low-maintenance.  It enhances the environment, wherever it is," said Roxanne Nagel, General Manager of Roof Top Sedums. 

Besides using well-established plants grown in soil specially engineered for the extremes of a rooftop environment, the LiveRoof® System also features a patent-pending hybrid design that combines the best features of all green roof systems. The LiveRoof® System creates tremendous savings on maintenance costs because the 95% fully-vegetated modules have mature plants that act as their own living mulch.

Roof Top Sedums is a Regional LiveRoof® Licensed Grower servicing  Iowa, Western Illinois, Eastern Nebraska, Eastern Kansas, and most of Missouri and has been in business since 2007.  The business is 100% women-owned and certified nationally as a Women's Business Enterprise as well as an Iowa Targeted Small Business.  Co-founder Teresa Nelson explains, "We have had tremendous success in the past four years and are excited about the reputation and attention our company is getting as our business grows." For more information on projects previously grown by Roof Top Sedums or information about the LiveRoof® System, visit www.rooftopsedums.com and follow the link to www.liveroof.com.                                         

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Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) will host its annual Barge Party at the Lake Davenport Sailing Club on River Drive and Oneida Avenue in Davenport on Thursday, August 12 from 5:30p.m.to 9:00 p.m.  Chad Pregracke and his Living Lands & Waters' staff and crew will be on hand to celebrate thirteen years of river cleanups, environmental education workshops, river forest rest or ation projects, engaging communities in river stewardship.  During these thirteen years, Pregracke has been the recipient of many awards including the Jefferson Award, American Institute f or  Public Service; Heroes of Conservation Nomination, Field & Stream Magazine and The Alumni Award and Dedication of The Pregracke Center at Heartland Community College in Normal Illinois.   

Those in attendance will enjoy a true river feast with a fish fry & shrimp boil next to the beautiful  Mississippi River . The LL&W crew will give tours of the house and garbage barges and host a meet and greet where attendees can meet members of the LL&W crew.  There will also be a silent art auction, live music and a few words from Chad Pregracke and his crew to update you on the progress that has been made this year. "This event allows us to thank the Quad Cities and its residents for all that they do to help us in continuing to make the rivers a cleaner place.  It all makes a difference and everyone should be thanked and rewarded," says Chad Pregracke, Founder & President of Living Lands & Waters. Tickets for the event are $35 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the office at (309) 496-9848 or going to their website at www.livinglandsandwaters.org

Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of   America  's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats, engaging thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a- River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project. "This thank you and fundraiser is a perfect example of how much momentum and teamwork has helped this project progress.  We have supporters flying in from all over the country to celebrate what we have accomplished so far", says Pregracke.      

   

For More Information:  

Contact: Natalie Linville-Mass  

Media Link, Inc.  

P: (309) 786-5142  

F: (309) 786-5143  

 natalie@medialinkinc.com   

 

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