22 Jul 2011

Local Students Graduate from Illinois Central College

By readMedia

EAST PEORIA, IL (07/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Illinois Central College, East Peoria, congratulates 854 graduates for completing their respective program requirements during the Spring 2011 semester. Graduation ceremonies were held May 14 in the ICC CougarPlex on the East Peoria campus.

Local students and the degree/certificate they received include :

Roger H Steiner Jr, of Davenport, IA -- Certificate

Angela Marie Schmedt, of Coal Valley, IL -- Associate in Arts and Science Degree

Started in 1967, ICC is a comprehensive, public community college that prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree or providesskills and knowledge to enter a career.

22 Jul 2011

Upper Iowa University announces Spring 2011 Dean's List

By readMedia

FAYETTE, IA (07/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University names its 2011 Spring Dean's List. To be honored, the undergraduate must have earned a minimum 3.50 G.P.A. for the semester and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Ty James Grunder, Durant, IA

Michelle Susanne Marsden, Davenport, IA

Randel Lee Hendrickson, Davenport, IA

For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

22 Jul 2011

Harkin Supports Governor's Request for Individual Assistance; Urges President to Approve

By Randy Stalsberg

WASHINGTON, D.C.–In a letter to President Obama today, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) supported Governor Branstad's request for individual assistance in Fremont, Harrison, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury Counties due to rising floodwaters and asked that the President approve the declaration.  Earlier this month, Harkin urged Secretary Vilsack's declaration for crop assistance.

"The cost of the flood fighting effort is evident from cities such as Sioux City to communities downriver as far as the town of Hamburg," wrote Harkin.  "Every community, business and family on the river, and in some instances miles inland from the river, has been impacted.   I therefore urge you to assist the State of Iowa and the affected counties in every way possible so they may quickly recover from this disaster."

 

The full text of Harkin's letter follows.

 

July 20, 2011

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write today to urge expeditious approval of Governor Terry Branstad's request that Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie and Fremont Counties receive a federal declaration of a Major Disaster for Individual Assistance. This declaration will allow federal aid to immediately assist my constituents along the Missouri River.

The individuals in the areas mentioned above have taken extraordinary steps in order to fight oncoming flood waters from the Missouri River, and have spent private dollars in order to mitigate the effects of this flood.  For that reason, Governor Terry Branstad issued a State Disaster Proclamation for these counties on June 2, 2011. The cost of the flood fighting effort is evident from cities such as Sioux City to communities downriver as far as the town of Hamburg.  Every community, business and family on the river, and in some instances miles inland from the river, has been impacted.

As Governor Branstad's disaster declaration request indicates, significant manpower and equipment available at the state, county, and local level have been dedicated to responding to the Missouri River flood.  The preliminary damage assessment completed by local and state emergency management staff in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration officials have confirmed severe cost to my constituents in western Iowa.

I therefore urge you to assist the State of Iowa and the affected counties in every way possible so they may quickly recover from this disaster. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tom Harkin

22 Jul 2011

Weather-related Livestock Losses may Qualify for Indemnity Program

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa -- Producers who have lost livestock from the recent wind storms or heat may be eligible for payment through the Livestock Indemnity Program. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef program specialist Denise Schwab said the "Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008" authorized the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to provide benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather.

Schwab said producers who think they have losses that might quality should remember that LIP has eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

"To be eligible for LIP, the livestock must be owned by the producer and raised for commercial use as part of a farming operation. Pets or recreational animals do not qualify," Schwab said. "Contract swine or poultry growers also may qualify for lost livestock if they have a written agreement with the livestock owner setting the specific terms, conditions and obligations of the parties involved."

Payment for losses is determined by USDA calculations but is approximately 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock, or 75 percent of the average income loss sustained by the contract grower with respect to the dead livestock, she said. Producers also are restricted by other USDA payment limitations.

Producers who suffer livestock death losses should submit a notice of loss and an application for payment to the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center that maintains the farm records for their business. This application needs to be made within 30 calendar days after the loss of livestock was apparent to the producer.

More information is available on the FSA website in this LIP fact sheet. People also can contact their local FSA office for details and to apply. The LIP sheet can be found at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/lip2011_158c020211.pdf

For information on heat and heat stress in beef cattle operations, check out this page on the Iowa Beef Center website, or contact your ISU Extension beef program specialist. IBC site can be found at: http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/heatresources.html

IBC was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state's beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from ISU Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.

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22 Jul 2011

Battalion Buddy Program Reaches Milestone: 20,000 Brave Young Warriors Receive Surprise Hugs

By Operation Gratitude

July 20, 2011 / Encino, CA - In just two months since the program's launch, Operation Gratitude's Battalion Buddy Packages have brought smiles and hugs to 20,000 anxious sons and daughters of deploying U.S. military personnel.

In May, Operation Gratitude started sending special stuffed toys -- known as "Battalion Buddies" -- to the children of U.S. service members as their units prepare to deploy into harm'Battalion Buddy Toyss way. Each Battalion Buddy wears a tag saying: "Hi Brave Young Warrior! I am your Battalion Buddy. I am here to cuddle with you while your Mommy or Daddy is away."

Operation Gratitude's initial Battalion Buddy efforts were made possible by the McKesson Corporation, which provided a generous donation of thousands of the toys. The program has continued with the cooperation and support of Family Readiness Officers and battalion leaders nationwide. To date 20,000 packages have been shipped to 32 unique Zip Codes in 17 States plus Guam and Germany, and to 56 different deployed or deploying units.

"Battalion Buddies offer comfort and encouragement during a difficult time of separation," said Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek. "We are excited that the momentum for this program is building and that more friends across the country are joining our efforts to support military children."

Blashek says the response from families receiving the Battalion Buddy packages has been overwhelming.Boy with his Battalion BuddyShe shared an email one deployed father recently sent from Afghanistan: "Thank you for what your organization does and the positive impact you have on the lives of military service members and their families," he wrote. "You bent over backwards to help us receive several hundred Battalion Buddies for our deploying unit and I for one was very grateful as my son and daughter absolutely loved them. According to my wife, they have kept them close every night as they go to sleep."

Along with the McKesson Corporation, Tobu Print Group, Inc., Frontline Freight and Reddaway Trucking have generously provided services to assist with the production and shipment of Battalion Buddy packages.

As with its Care Packages to deployed troops, Operation Gratitude's Battalion Buddy Program will provide American companies and every citizen opportunities to encourage the children of troops serving in combat by donating stuffed toys and contributing funds.

Those wishing to donate new stuffed toys (14-18 inches from head to toe) to be used as Battalion Buddies may send them to the following address:

Operation Gratitude
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Attn: Battalion Buddy Program

Financial donations can be made online here: Donate to Battalion Buddies or by check made payable and addressed to:

Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436

Corporate Donors should contact Blashek at cblashek@gmail.com regarding sponsorship opportunities. Family Readiness Officers and battalion leaders wishing to request Battalion Buddy packages should send an email to BattalionBuddy@gmail.com for more information.

About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind, and to Wounded Warriors in Military hospitals and Transition Units. The organization's mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces and their families the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 660,000 packages to American Military members. 

Learn more about Operation Gratitude by visiting:

Web: http://www.OperationGratitude.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/OpGratitude
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OperationGratitude
Blog:            http://OpGrat.wordpress.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/OpGrat
Email: OpGrat@gmail.com
22 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Announces New Law To Expand School Choice in Illinois

By Andrew Mason

New Law Will Improve Quality of Illinois' Charter Schools  

and Empower Parents with More Choice  

   

CHICAGO - July 20, 2011. As part of his agenda to give Illinois' children more opportunities for a quality education in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the signing of legislation that will increase school choice for parents. Senate Bill 79 establishes an independent charter school commission that is dedicated to school reform and has the power to authorize and regulate charter schools throughout the state.  

   

Currently, 13,000 children in Illinois are on waiting lists for charter schools, which can only be created when authorized by school districts and certified by the Illinois State Board of Education. The new State Charter School Commission will provide an alternative path to charter school creation and improve the quality of charter schools by setting accountability and outcome standards.   

   

"I am committed to expanding choices for a quality education for every child in Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "Parents shouldn't be limited by zip codes when choosing a school for their children. By creating an accountable body dedicated to charter schools, we are giving communities another way to empower parents with more choices for their child's education."  

   

Sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), Senate Bill 79 allows the State Charter School Commission to hear and decide all appeals to charter school applications. The Illinois Board of Education will appoint the nine members of the commission from a slate of candidates proposed by the Governor. The commission will be funded through fees to charter schools which are authorized by the commission.  

   

Governor Quinn also announced the signing of House Bill 2401, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Mitchell (R- Rock Falls) and Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), which clarifies Illinois law to ensure that each re-enrollment charter school campus has the option to enter the collective bargaining process as its own entity.   

   

Charter schools are just one part of Governor Quinn's broad agenda to give children more options for a great education in Illinois. In recent months, Governor Quinn signed legislation to pave the way for a longer school day and longer school year in Illinois, and establish first-ever performance standards for teachers. Senate Bill 79 goes into effect immediately and House Bill 2401 takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.  

 

###

22 Jul 2011

RIVER'S EDGE OFFERS FREE SKATING DURING HEAT WAVE

By Administrator

July 20, 2011 (Davenport, IA) - "Even though it feels like 150 degrees outside thisweek, it's nice and cool at the River's Edge," according to Julie Hoffman, manager of the River's Edge. The Davenport Parks and Recreation Department announced today that admission for public skating at River's Edge would be free for the remainder of the week. Free skate rental is included (while supplies last) for those without their own skates.

Public skate sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times:

Public Skate Dates/Times:
Friday, July 22: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Saturday, July 23: 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
and 6:00 - 8:00 PM

The River's Edge has been designated a cooling center during the heat wave gripping the Quad City area. To encourage people to come in and cool off, free admission is being offered for the rest of the week.The River's Edge is a premier 75,000+ square foot indoor sports facility offering one Olympic size ice rink and an indoor soccer field, both with bleacher space. Skate rental and repair are available, as well as a conference and party room. The facility is located at 700 W River Drive in downtown Davenport, just west of Modern Woodmen Park.

22 Jul 2011

Braley Announces $131,100 for Independence Airport

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced a $131,100 grant for the City of Independence. The grant will go towards buying new snow removalequipment for the Independence Municipal Airport.

"This grant money will help the Independence airport ensure the safety of passengers and employees," Rep. Braley said. "Whether traveling for business or family vacation, Iowans rely on their community airports to be safe, secure and reliable. It's critical we give Iowa's airports the tools they need to prepare for all weather conditions and provide the safest and most efficient service to their customers."

The federal grant isdistributed through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

###

22 Jul 2011

Bucktown Celebrates 6th Anniversary with Bucktown Bash!

By Kyle Carter

What: Bucktown Bash! featuring "The Kraken"
Where: 225 East 2nd Street
Date/Time: Friday, July 29 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Price: $15

(Davenport, Iowa) - MidCoast Fine Arts (MFA) is proud to announce that Bucktown Center for the Arts will celebrate its 6thanniversary during Bucktown Bash! Friday, July 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This special event will feature a wide range of original local artwork for sale, live music, food, drinks, and more.

The infamous Muscatine River Monster, fondly known as "The Kraken," will be making its first appearance in the Quad-Cities during Bucktown Bash! This larger than life beast is an inflatable sculpture installation that must be seen to be believed. Its long tentacles will be beckoning the nearby Street Fest patrons to meander a little further down 2nd Street in downtown Davenport on Friday.

Falling Up, a locally produced science fiction film, will be shown throughout the evening, and live music will be provided by Lock & Dam, Ragaman, and Rock Island Rhythm. A "Mirror,Mirror" fundraiser for MFA featuring works by local artists for sale will be held in conjunction with the "VANITY" show currently on display in the 2nd floor gallery. MFA's own Dean Schroder will be showing his rarely seen functional art display, as well. Bucktown Bash! will also serve as a closing reception for the "And They Followed the Waters" exhibit on display in the 2nd floor showcase.  

Food and beverage vendors will be available, and all of Bucktown's many shops and studios will be open. From jewelry and paintings to photography and sculpture, attendees of Bucktown Bash! can expect to discover a wide range of high quality artwork to peruse.

"I'm thrilled that MidCoast Fine Arts is hosting another amazing art event," said Heather Pederson, MFA Board President.   "We do know how to put on a great party, and with Bucktown Bash being bigger and better than ever, we're looking forward to the community showing their support by having a heart for art."

Admission is $15 at the door; however, patrons who visit a shop at Bucktown between July 20th and July 28th can pick up FREE tickets in advance! Please visit www.BucktownArts.com or www.Facebook.com/bucktownarts for additional event details. MFA would also like to provide a special thank you to Deere & Company for their support of Bucktown's Bash!

Bucktown Center for the Arts is made up of over a dozen unique shops and studios featuring creative, affordable, unusual and useable works of art for sale. Bucktown is a component of MidCoast Fine Arts, a leading Quad-City non-profit organization focused on stimulating our community's economic vitality through the support of regional visual arts and artists. Founded in July of 2005, Bucktown has played an important role in the continued growth of downtown Davenport's Cultural and Entertainment District.

For more information about MidCoast Fine Arts, please visit www.Midcoast.org. For additional details regarding "The Kraken," please visit www.MuscatineRiverMonster.com.

22 Jul 2011

Suds: The Rockin' 60's Musical Soap Opera opens Aug. 4 on The Old Creamery's Main Stage

By Administrator

Amana - Join Cindy and her guardian angels as they sing their way through more than just the spin cycle in The Old Creamery Theatre's production of Suds: The Rockin' 60's Musical Soap Opera opening on the Main Stage in Amana on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m.

Set in a Laundromat, Suds will wash away your troubles with hit after hit from the 60's like "I Feel Good," "Chapel of Love," "Color My World," "Do You Want To Know A Secret," "Johnny Angel," "Wishin' and Hopin'" and many, many more.

Suds was created and written by Melinda Gilb, Steve Gunderson, and Bryan Scott with musical and vocal arrangements by Steve Gunderson. Sean McCall directs the Old Creamery's production of Suds with musical direction by Ben Bentler. The cast consists of Molly Hammer of Kansas City, Mo., Deborah Kennedy of East Amana, T.J. Besler of Manchester, and Jessica Bradish of Des Moines.

"The music in this show has such wide ranging appeal that all ages know it and can enjoy it," McCall said. "The cast, the storyline, the entire show is a pleasure to produce and we look forward to sharing it with our audiences. We're also excited to bring back The Old Creamery's Patsy Cline, Molly Hammer."

Suds: The Rockin' 60's Musical Soap Opera runs through Sept. 11 and is rated Theatre PG. Tickets are $27 for adults and $17.50 for students. Show times are Wednesday, Thursdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Group and student rates are available.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2011 season media sponsor.

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