18th Annual   Galena   Girlfriends' Getaway is Sept. 9-11  

  GALENA ,  Ill.   ? The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce once again plans a special weekend for "girlfriends" of all ages from Friday, Sept. 9, through Sunday, Sept. 11. This annual Galena Girlfriends' Getaway will feature sales, contests, spa specials, Quartermania and more - just for  the  ladies - in beautiful, historic  Galena  in scenic northwest   Illinois  .

A pre-registration fee includes several gifts from local merchants and a chance to win a $200 shopping spree. You can also register for a belly dancing class, Quartermania auction, slipper party and Sunday brunch. Participants may register for as few or as many activities as they choose.

The ever-popular Quartermania auction will happen once again, this time Saturday night at   Galena   Convention Center   starting at 6 p.m. Ladies can buy a roll of quarters, bid on a variety of interesting items, and see who gets the great bargains. A Saturday night "Slipper Party" at the   Wal-Mart   Supercenter  beginning at 9:30 p.m. will feature games, refreshments, coupons and a gift card. 

Sunday's finale at the DeSoto is a brunch with your "girlfriends" as the weekend will wrap up by announcing the winners of the shopping spree and gift baskets.

Throughout the entire weekend, there are more than 55 businesses throughout   Galena   and Jo Daviess County that are offering specials, drawings, and events to participants of the Galena Girlfriends' Getaway.

For more event info, including venues and fees, call  the  Galena Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-777-9050 or visit galenachamber.com. Pre-registration is also available online at galenachamber.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling 877-Go   Galena   or at www.galena.org. 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. 

#     #     #

Senator Chuck Grassley issued the following comment about his vote against Majority Leader Harry Reid's proposal to increase the nation's borrowing authority by $2.4 trillion.  Senator Grassley is a senior member of the Budget Committee.  He also is Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and supports a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

"Senator Reid's bill would grant the largest debt ceiling increase in history allowing our national debt to rise to nearly $16.7 trillion.  In exchange, it includes real spending cuts of only $900 billion over the next ten years.  The American people want Congress to act to avoid default by August 2.  But, Americans also want us to reverse the spending spree that got our country in this mess, and get us on a path to fiscal sanity.  Now that it has been demonstrated that both Speaker Boehner's bill and Majority Leader Reid's bill do not have the necessary support, I hope serious, bipartisan discussions will lead to a solution to get this matter resolved."

Pushes for Help in Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama Counties

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) and the IowaHouse delegation sent a letter to President Obama urging him to provide disaster assistance to Iowa following the severe storms earlier this month in Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama counties.

"These storms severely damaged Iowa schools, hospitals, fire stations and electricity and communications infrastructure," said Rep. Braley. "I strongly urge the President to provide assistance to help Iowa's families, communities, and businesses rebuild as quickly as possible."

A copy of the letter is available here and pasted below: http://go.usa.gov/Kcj

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As you know, Governor Terry Branstad has requested that you declare a major disaster for the Iowa counties of Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama.  These counties were significantly impacted by severe weather earlier this month, which resulted in significant infrastructure and property damage.

The severe storms began on July 9, triggering a chain of damage-causing events, lasting through July 10, when 100 MPH winds caused the damage in the counties noted above.  Thereafter, on July 13^th, heavy rainfall caused flooding in other counties (Dickinson and Clay), causing road closures, and extensive property damage.  Again, on July 15^th, severe storms caused flash floods in Cerro Gordo, Floyd and Worth Counties.  Finally, on July 22, severe storms caused significant damage in Black Hawk, Butler, Grundy, Hardin, Jasper, Marion and Poweshiek Counties.

The toll from these storms includes damage to local schools, hospitals, emergency communications facilities and fire stations.  Moreover, electrical utility infrastructure damage remains a major concern over a broad area, as is the case for telecommunications infrastructure, agriculture infrastructure (including crop damage & livestock losses) and municipal water pumping stations.

Given the scope of the damage and losses in Iowa at this time, and the potential for realization of further losses, we strongly urge you to grant Governor Branstad's request for assistance under the Stafford Assistance Act.

Sincerely,

Bruce Braley
Leonard Boswell
Dave Loebsack
Tom Latham
Steve King

###

Rock Island, Ill. -- (July 29, 2011) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project reminds everyone to be careful around the rising waters of the Mississippi River.  With large rainfall amounts to the north, the Mississippi River is rising quickly and many people who recreate on the River may not be prepared for high water this time of year.  In the Quad City area, the river is forecasted to reach flood stage Friday evening and remain over flood stage throughout the weekend.  Areas below the Quad Cities will also see River levels rise as the crest moves downriver over the next several days.

Greater caution is recommended if you plan to be near or on the Mississippi River during this high-water time.  The water is moving very fast and the current is strong.  There is much debris floating as the water washes large trees and logs from tributary rivers and streams, backwater areas and islands.

As always, if you plan to recreate on or near the river please remember to be safe, wear your life jackets and have all recommended safety equipment in working order on your boat.  As a reminder, the Locks and Dam 15 Auxiliary (recreational craft) lock will be closed this weekend due to high water.  It will re-open when the river level below the dam drops below 13 feet.  For more information call (309) 794-5338.

# # #