25 Apr 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Increased Bicycle Safety Reporting

By Andrew Mason

New Tracking of "Dooring" Crashes Will Identify Problem Areas

CHICAGO - April 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that the state will begin tracking "dooring" crashes - accidents involving bicyclists who are struck by opened doors from parked cars. The change will take effect immediately to help determine locations where road improvements and public outreach efforts may be necessary to protect bicyclists from these dangerous collisions.

"As more people are riding bicycles and embracing other green modes of transportation, we need to ensure that Illinois collects data that presents a complete picture of what is happening on our roads," said Governor Quinn. "This new initiative will address a major safety issue for bicyclists and drivers, and will make our roads safer for everyone."

The new policy is the result of collaboration between Governor Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Active Transportation Alliance. Prior to the change in policy, dooring collisions went unrecognized in IDOT's annual reporting of traffic statistics because a moving motor vehicle was not involved.

The data collected and analyzed by IDOT can be used to plan for improved roadway designs and additional communication with motorists in areas with high concentrations of bicyclists.

"We appreciate Governor Quinn's action on this issue," said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance, an advocacy organization that works to improve conditions for walking, biking and transit. "Data on dooring problem spots will help communities take steps to reduce these collisions. We are grateful IDOT will track these crashes, and look forward to working with them to increase safety and education surrounding dooring."

To assist police in submitting the correct information, IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety is reaching out to law enforcement agencies across the state with instructions on how to begin recording dooring crashes. Police departments that have already have begun tracking dooring collisions, including Chicago, will have their data included in the state's traffic statistics, retroactive to May 2010.

"We are committed to working with our partners in law enforcement to make roads safer for bicyclists," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. "Safety always will be a top priority at IDOT. The recognition of dooring accidents is another step in the right direction."

 

###

25 Apr 2011

USDA Announces Support of Research to Confront Childhood Obesity in National Media Conference Call

By USDA Communications Office

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2011 - TODAY, Roger Beachy, Director of USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), will hold a national media conference call to help announce research, education and extension grants to institutions across the country aimed at reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. The long-term goal of USDA-sponsored obesity research is to reduce the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents. This year's funding is focused on supporting research programs aimed at obesity in children ages two through eight. Projects were funded in Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

 

Monday, April 25, 2011

1 p.m. EDT

 

WHAT:          USDA NIFA Director Roger Beachy will hold a national media conference call to help announce research, education and extension  grants to institutions to help reduce childhood obesity

 

 

DIAL IN: 800-593-9988; 1-312-470-7224 International

Passcode: USDA (Given Verbally)

Troubleshooting: 202-720-8560

 

All callers using the above pass code will be placed in listen only mode. To join the Q&A portion of the meeting, these callers are instructed to press *1 on their touch tone phone.

25 Apr 2011

More Flooding Inevitable from Ohio Valley to Oklahoma

By Kristina Pydynowski
???

State College, PA April 25, 2011 -- As the onslaught of drenching, and in some cases severe thunderstorms continues into Wednesday, new flooding issues will inevitably develop from the Ohio Valley to Oklahoma.

"Inches of rain have already inundated this area since Friday," stated AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Katie Storbeck.

Rainfall totals over the past three days are approaching 8 inches in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Muskogee, Okla. is near the 7-inch mark.

The ground from the Ohio Valley to Oklahoma cannot handle any more rain, but drenching thunderstorms will not stop, lasting into Wednesday.

In some cases, the thunderstorms will also turn severe with damaging winds, hail and even a tornado.

The potential exists for an additional 3 to 6 inches of rain to pour down through Wednesday with locally higher totals.

That amount of rain will only lead to more serious flooding problems.

Already-swollen streams and rivers will rise further out of their banks, inundating more neighboring land, roads and homes. Flooding will also worsen in low-lying, urban and poor-drainage areas.

"Feet of water could wash across area roadways," Storbeck reported.

Motorists should heed all road closures put in place by officials. Even if barricades are not in place, "Never attempt driving through flooded streets, as it only takes a few inches of flowing water to sweep away a vehicle," Storbeck warned.

Even where flooding is not under way, motorists will be faced with reduced visibility and a heightened risk of vehicles hydroplaning.

Fortunately, relief from the onslaught of rain will finally come Thursday and Friday.

The dry weather will give flood waters a chance to recede. The exception will be along larger rivers, where flooding problems will last longer, as runoff from smaller streams will continue to drain downstream.

The rain-free conditions will only be brief, as more thunderstorms are in the forecast for this weekend.

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

25 Apr 2011

American Cancer Society Bettendorf Discovery Shop to host Annual Spring Garden Event

By Jamie Sons

The Bettendorf Discovery Shop invites you to join them Monday, May 2nd for our Garden event. We are ready to welcome spring by filling the shop with all of the beautiful spring things that have been donated over the last year.

The store will be bursting with lovely items for your home and garden. Plants, flowers, pictures, dishes, yard decorations, birdhouses, wicker furniture, the list goes on and on. We will also have lots of beautiful flowered clothing and accessories to brighten your day. There will be a lot of great things to see, so we hope that you can stop by and take part in the fun!
The Discovery Shop is an upscale resale shop that is celebrating 23 years of successful fundraising in Bettendorf. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the Discovery Shop raises money by selling gently used items donated by individual donors and local businesses. Helping to make the shop such a success is the staff of wonderful volunteers that donate their time, if you are interested in joining our volunteer team we are always happy to have extra hands to help. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society for cancer research, education, patient services and advocacy.

Donations are accepted anytime the shop is open and a tax receipt is always available. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 5 pm., Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm. and Saturday from10 am to 4 pm.

We are thankful for all the wonderful donations and excited to have this fun event for our customers.
25 Apr 2011

Tom Birkhofer Taco Dinner Benefit

By Martha Bakeris
Tom Birkhofer Benefit
Tuesday, May 17, 2010
5:00-9:00 pm
Mulligan's Valley Pub 310 W 1st Ave., Coal Valley

The Tom Birkhofer Benefit on Tuesday, May 17, will help this Bettendorf father of three and son-in-law of former St Ambrose and North Scott coach, Larry Lake, who suffered a spinal cord injury in August, 2010 when he fell from a tree while trimming.  Tom spent one month at the University of Iowa hospitals and one month at Genesis West rehab.  He is now home and continues with therapy.  While he is making good progress, he will be unable to return to his profession as an electrician.

The benefit features great raffle prizes such as an I PAD, a 32" flat screen TV, a remote car starter,  2 Iowa Tickets to the Northwestern game, a $100 necklace from Diamonds on the Avenue, a GPS system, and 2 John Deere Classic tickets combined with a hotel stay at HomeRidge Inn and Suites and a $50 dinner at Bennigans.  In addition, there will be several gift baskets for raffle and great tacos for only $5.  Raffle tickets for major prizes are available in advance and you need not be present to win.

All proceeds will benefit the Birkhofer family who is struggling to return to "normal" life after this tragedy.  If you can't attend but wish to donate, please send your donation to:  Tom Birkhofer Benefit fund, c/o First Midwest Bank, 1975 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722.

For information call: (563) 340-6755.
25 Apr 2011

Handmade City Spring Show - Arts, Crafts, Music & Cupcakes!

By Rose Noble

Handmade City will host it's second indie arts+crafts show at the new venue Rozz-Tox in Rock Island this Saturday April 30, from 11am-4pm. Free to attend with over 20 local vendors selling amazing handmade items. Free to attend after party starts at 7:30pm with free cupcakes and live music from Centaur Noir, Chad Gooch and I Eat My Friends. Rozz-Tox will be selling beer and wine. DIY unique art & crafts all day long, unlike any other show in the QC!!!

Who is Handmade City?

We are an indie arts + crafts collective that supports and promotes local handmade artisans. We pride ourselves in being different and creating unique, high quality handmade items. Living in the Midwest we are surrounded by traditional craft shows with the same art and items you can find anywhere. We decided it was time set up our own DIY collective and host our own events.

Handmade City provides an outlet for artists who don't belong in a traditional show. We host art & craft events that are free to attend, affordable to sell at and unique compared to other craft shows in the area. We appreciate handmade, high quality art with an indie twist!?

Handmade City supports this art community online as well, showcasing featured artist interviews, vendor spotlights, artist updates and links to artists' shops. We want our handmade items to be just as available to the public as traditional art & crafts. Different is good, different is art!

When is the next show?

Handmade City's Spring 2011 Craft Show will take place April 30, 2011, from 11am - 4pm at Rozz-Tox- a new venue located downtown Rock Island Illinois. (2108 3rd Avenue) This show is FREE to attend!

There will be over 20 vendors at the Spring show! Things you will find include : knits, ceramics, art prints, original artwork, photography, home decor items, jewelry, hand-spun yarn, candles, pet goods, terrariums, accessories, baby items, handmade handbags, clothing, handcrafted bicycles, self-published books & more!

There will also be a  FREE to attend Handmade City after-party featuring live music from local bands Centaur Noir, Chad Gooch and I Eat My Friends. Party starts at 7:30pm with FREE cupcakes. Rozz- Tox will be selling beer and wine... it is going to be a good time!

Visit us online at handmadecity.org

Full Vendor List:

 Betty Round?: housewares, jewelry, re-purposed clothing, spring accessories, spring (lightweight) knit goods.?
Calluxcity?: Hand-spun yarn and knits?
Dark Highlands: literary and art publication?
Doug Jack & Me?: unique paper goods
Eden Accessories: fun hair accessories (baby, girls, womens)
Eric Thomas Wolever?: Handcrafted ceramics?
Fannie's Closet?: clothing and t-shirts?
Helena Sophia: girls tutus, mini-quilts, make-up bags, stuffies, and handspun yarn?
Kara's Collections: sewn accessories, bags, aprons?
Ladynoble: jewelry, original artwork, art prints, decor items
Leah Leah:  knit hats, flower pins, art prints?
Lil' Squeaks?: Pet Items & coin purses?
Luminology: handcrafted soy candles?
Photography by Tassy?: photo prints/artwork?
Plaid Peony?: toss pillows, headbands, appliqued children's clothes/onesies, burp cloths, cloth wipes, baby blankets?
Seeded Earth Growers: flowers, terrariums & bottle crafts?
Team Tall Bike?: handcrafted bikes and bike accessories
The Adventure Orange: sewn goods, decor, art and other random awesomeness?
Undone?: small soy candles, handmade boxes

25 Apr 2011

Moline Business Prevails over Mighty Mississippi's Flooding

By Rick Martin

Friday, April 22, 2011 (Moline, IL) -- Nearly surrounded by the floodwaters of the mighty Mississippi, employees of one Quad-City company are demonstrating their endurance through this Spring's floods. Doug's Heating and Air Conditioning, located at 4530 River Drive, Moline, has never had to close because of flooding in its entire 65 years of business. Doug's is now surrounded by sandbags filled and placed in mid-March by employees and the company's insurance agents. Doug's has survived three floods since 2005 alone.

Employees have worked tirelessly to elevate the merchandise they have in stock to higher ground to protect it from water that has seeped into the basement. So far, Doug's remains mostly dry inside and open for business. Dedicated employees have had to park blocks away and hike across railroad tracks and plywood bridges to get to work. But customers should see virtually no impact from the floods. "We like to think of this as an opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to serving to our customers," said Matt Hines, owner of Doug's. "We sandbag so we can keep our business open. It's required a lot of extra work, but it is the cost to have our great location."

On Friday, April 22, 2011, Doug's had two installations scheduled. The units were shipped to the customers' homes, instead of the warehouse, which has almost become an island in the midst of floodwaters along a closed River Drive.

For more information on this story, or to schedule an interview, contact Leigh Geramanis @ 309-786-5142 or e-mail leigh@medialinkinc.com.

25 Apr 2011

GET CAUGHT READING!

By Brittany Marietta

The love of reading takes center stage next month with Get Caught Reading Month, part of a nation-wide campaign to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read!  Launched in 1999, the Get Caught Reading Campaign is promoted throughout the year by the Association of American Publishers.  Some of the nation's most celebrated public figures, celebrities, and beloved characters have championed the campaign with their visions of getting caught reading - from Laura Bush to Rosie O'Donnell to Clifford the Big Red Dog!

Research shows that the development of literacy skills through early experiences with books and stories is critically linked to a child's success in learning to read and overall success in school, yet fewer than half of young children in the U.S. are read to daily.  Research shows that children who aren't fluent readers by the end of third grade may never catch up to their peers.  Early reading experiences are recognized as being of such importance that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pediatricians prescribe reading activities along with other instructions given to parents at well-child visits.

Get Caught Reading Month is a terrific opportunity to give thought to the role of books and literacy in your child's life.  Rivermont Collegiate prepares young children to read by laying a strong foundation in oral and written experiences prior to kindergarten.  In preschool and junior kindergarten, lessons in Open Court Reading present rich language experiences through fingerplays, rhymes, songs, and poems.  At Rivermont, all first grade students read chapter books by the end of the year.  As students move into the Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12), they are challenged daily to participate in in-depth discussions of texts and understand the relevancy of literature to both individuals and the global community.

What are you waiting for?  Get a head start on your celebration of Get Caught Reading Month by joining us for an Open House to discover Rivermont Collegiate!  No appointment required - drop in Thursday, April 28th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. to tour campus and explore our curriculum and programs.  Celebrate Get Caught Reading Month by sharing the love of the written word with a child you know - and explore what Rivermont has to offer your young scholar.

Rivermont Collegiate is located at 1821 Sunset Drive, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.  Visit us online at www.rvmt.org!

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Thursday's Open House, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org

For additional information on Get Caught Reading Month, visit www.getcaughtreading.org

25 Apr 2011

ICE RINK AT RIVER'S EDGE IS OPERATIONAL AGAIN

By Rick Martin

The Ice Rink at River's Edge, 700 W River Drive in Davenport, is up and operational again after some maintenance work. The  maintenance work was a 3-year scheduled process, which is essential for a high quality ice experience. With the ice back in operation, the following public skate sessions have been scheduled:

Mon. April 25

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Public Skate
6:00 - 8:00 PM Public Skate

Wed. April 27

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Public Skate
6:00 - 8:00 PM Public Skate

Fri. April 29

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Public Skate
6:00 - 8:00 PM Public Skate

Sat. April 30

12:15- 2:15 PM Public Skate
6:00 - 8:00 PM Public Skate

Patrons are invited to come down and enjoy the ice during these public skate sessions.  This schedule will be posted on the Parks website at www.cityofdavenport.com/parks, or questions can be directed to the River's Edge at 563-326-7812.

Flood waters have not closed the facility. River's Edge will remain open normal business hours during the flood, 8am - 8pm, Monday - Sunday. Patrons may access the building by parking on the street in the vicinity of Western and 2nd Street, and taking the elevated walkway at Western and River Drive into the building. All scheduled activities at the River's Edge will take place throughout the flood.

25 Apr 2011

U.S. DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION AND TREASURY RECOGNIZE IOWA STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE 2010-11 NATIONAL FINANCIAL CAPABILITY CHALLENGE

By U.S. Dept of Education

Total of 2,541 Iowa Students Take "Challenge"

State-by-state Results Available at www.challenge.treas.gov


WASHINGTON - As part of an ongoing effort to mark national Financial Literacy Month, the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of the Treasury today recognized the 2,541 Iowastudents and 71 Iowa educators who participated in the National Financial Capability Challenge for the 2010-11 school year. The Challenge, which includes a voluntary online exam for high school students, helps teach young Americans about saving, budgeting, investing, and other important skills critical to building a secure financial future.

The average score for Iowa students on the exam was 70 percent - compared to 69 percent nationally. A total of 574 Iowa students scored in the top 20 percent nationally and nine Iowa students received perfect scores.State-by-state results and sample questions from the exam are included below and at www.challenge.treas.gov.

"It's critical for our young people to develop smart financial skills," said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "If we're going to prepare our students for 21st century success, we have to teach them about earning and spending, saving and investing. Otherwise, they're going to learn the hard way: by making mistakes. I'm encouraged to see the steps that teachers and states are taking to make basic financial education a priority and congratulate these students on their great work."

"Empowering students with the knowledge they need to make good decisions about saving, budgeting, and investing is critical to helping them build secure financial futures," said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Neal Wolin. "I want to congratulate these students on their achievements and thank them for serving as examples to their peers about the importance of financial education."

Education Secretary Duncan and Treasury Deputy Secretary Wolin honored top-scoring students today at a national awards ceremony today at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. Nationwide, more than 84,000 high school students and 2,500 educators in all 50 states, as well as in U.S. Department of Defense schools for children of military members around the world,participated in the 2010-11 Challenge. Students who scored in the top 20 percent nationally and those who were among the top scorers in their school will receive official award certificates.

The Challenge is one of many important steps the Obama Administration has taken to help empower Americans through improved financial capability. In November, the Administration unveiled a new coordinated National Strategy for Financial Literacy to help guide the ongoing efforts of the federal government and private organizations to empower Americans with the financial skills they need to strengthen their long-term economic security. Additionally, the Administration established the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability to provide advice on how to maximize the effectiveness of existing private and public sector efforts, and to identify new approaches to increase financial capability.

State-by-state results from the 2010-11 Challenge are included below:

 

State

State Average Score

Participating Students

Perfect Scores

Students Who Scored in the Top 20%

Participating Educators in the State

Alabama

66.26%

1,712

5

264

43

Alaska

70.28%

154

2

32

7

Arizona

65.14%

900

1

133

26

Arkansas

68.61%

656

2

117

25

Armed Forces (Europe)

73.59%

110

0

32

11

Armed Forces (Pacific)

74.46%

165

0

51

5

California

66.12%

1,801

13

368

81

Colorado

68.13%

1,476

15

355

44

Connecticut

72.32%

1,675

13

469

62

DC

56.33%

217

0

22

4

Delaware

65.25%

348

0

29

9

Florida

69.51%

4,477

47

1024

85

Georgia

64.60%

1,612

13

268

54

Guam

75.29%

14

0

4

3

Hawaii

73.62%

171

4

58

12

Idaho

80.82%

100

1

44

7

Illinois

71.17%

1,989

26

567

71

Indiana

68.21%

2,186

18

479

63

Iowa

70.02%

2,541

9

574

71

Kansas

70.26%

455

1

121

22

Kentucky

67.75%

607

9

127

23

Louisiana

67.69%

367

1

55

9

Maine

74.14%

234

5

72

15

Maryland

66.83%

2,955

19

533

71

Massachusetts

69.06%

2,642

19

577

71

Michigan

70.51%

1,835

17

514

66

Minnesota

70.88%

1,104

16

290

38

Mississippi

67.00%

123

1

18

9

Missouri

71.81%

2,061

20

568

60

Montana

68.23%

323

1

77

20

Nebraska

72.02%

567

3

142

25

Nevada

64.38%

1,276

6

171

19

New Hampshire

70.28%

655

5

177

24

New Jersey

66.49%

4,876

18

882

106

New Mexico

66.04%

157

1

26

9

New York

69.11%

4,296

20

936

143

North Carolina

66.22%

1,438

7

245

67

North Dakota

70.26%

399

3

94

13

Ohio

67.57%

4,513

23

827

134

Oklahoma

67.03%

1,057

0

163

29

Oregon

75.60%

229

2

77

24

Pennsylvania

68.33%

7,155

40

1563

200

Rhode Island

61.72%

794

3

120

17

South Carolina

67.50%

654

4

128

29

South Dakota

76.28%

145

0

54

12

Tennessee

69.32%

1,602

8

353

38

Texas

66.02%

4,326

21

762

128

Utah

73.35%

631

7

157

22

Vermont

79.88%

145

5

80

7

Virginia

69.07%

7,328

47

1521

180

Washington

71.43%

1,830

16

449

53

West Virginia

61.51%

813

2

120

21

Wisconsin

73.23%

4,399

44

1280

123

Wyoming

69.55%

77

0

23

7


Example questions from the Challenge's online exam include the following:

1.      Carolina has $5,000 saved from working at different jobs.  She puts her money in a savings account that pays 4 percent per year in interest. How much money will be in her account at the end of the first year and at the end of the second year?

A.     End of first year: $5,100; end of second year:  $5,400.

B.      End of first year: $5,200; end of second year:  $5,400.

C.      End of first year: $5,200; end of second year:  $5,408.

D.    I don't know.

(Answer: C)

2.      Marco went to the grocery store to buy a box of cereal.  The type of cereal he liked came in three different brands and three different size boxes.  To select the brand and the box with the lowest unit cost, he should look at the:

A.    largest cereal box on the shelf.

B.     most popular brand of cereal.

C.     price per ounce of cereal in each box.

D.    I don't know.

(Answer: C)

###

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