As a primary source of information for the public, we are sure that you will be interested in the attached press release announcing the first annual Spirit of 1776 Summit.

As detailed in the release, the Spirit of 1776 Summit is a gathering of all Americans, Tea Parties, 9/12 Projects, and other groups or individuals that want to take action in support of a smaller and constitutionally limited government, less spending, and a return to the principles and values of our founding fathers.

Should you wish to speak to the coordinator of this summit, or require additional information, call 641-455-1917 or via email at greggcummings@yahoo.com.  This press release may also be downloaded from our website, at www.spiritof1776summit.com.

Thank you for your time and attention,

Gregg Cummings

Coordinator

641-455-1917

greggcummings@yahoo.com

Federal Investment to Fund 120 Statewide Bicycle, Pedestrian and Landscape Improvement Projects; Support More Than 900 Jobs

CHICAGO - October 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced nearly $90 million in federal transportation enhancement funds for bike paths, streetscape beautification and other improvement projects in communities across Illinois. The funding is a part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), a federally-funded competitive grant program that promotes alternative means of transportation. The latest round of awards includes a total of 120 Illinois projects and is expected to create or retain 900 jobs.

"This federal funding will give communities throughout Illinois the opportunity to beautify their streets, develop bike paths and improve hiking trails," said Governor Quinn. "These community-based projects will create jobs, expand travel choices, enhance safety and improve the quality of life for Illinoisans."

The ITEP is designed to improve transportation safety and the quality of life and in Illinois by promoting alternative transportation, bike and pedestrian travel, and streetscape beautification. The federal funds are awarded competitively, and any local or state government with taxing authority is eligible to apply. Local matching funds are required, and work must begin on the projects within three years.

"We are pleased to announce this federal special project funding for communities across the state," said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "Thanks to this funding, transportation enhancement projects will make Illinois a better place to work, live, do business and raise a family."

The Illinois Department of Transportation received 391 applications requesting ITEP funding totaling just under $370 million.

Last year, Illinois received funding for 68 transportation projects totaling $22 million through the ITEP. The program is funded through SAFETEA-LU, the federal surface transportation funding bill.

A full list of projects is attached. For more information please visit www.dot.state.il.us/opp/itep.html

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Grassley Presses the Administration to Fix Lax Oversight of Tax Dollars at Public Housing Agencies

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is pressing the federal government to fix its lax oversight over the billions of taxpayer dollars given to public housing agencies.  Grassley's review and media reports have exposed millions of dollars being paid to local agencies that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has classified as "high risk," salaries for some housing agency directors that exceed the governor's salary in their state, and sexual predators residing in public housing.

"This tax money is supposed to provide housing that's safe, decent and sanitary," Grassley said.  "So far, the federal government has failed to protect its tenants and the American taxpayer.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development appears to have lost sight of its mission and ultimately the tenants and the communities suffer the consequences.  It's an understatement that too many public housing authorities operate poorly.  It's up to the Administration to require improvements and hold the authorities accountable to taxpayers and residents."

Over the past year, Grassley has conducted oversight of federal stimulus spending, including that given to public housing authorities.  HUD has received approximately $14 billion in total stimulus funding, including approximately $4 billion to the public housing authorities.  HUD has obligated more than $94 million in stimulus funding to housing authorities that HUD classified as "high risk."

This week, Grassley wrote to HUD, expressing concern about high salaries and allowances being paid to some executive directors of public housing authorities and sexual predators residing in public housing.

The text of his letters is available here and here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that more than $11 million in Federal loans are coming to Iowa for residents and business owners affected by the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred June 1- August 31 of this year.  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved these funds, which will help to rebuild residents, businesses and non-profit organizations.

"Our state has seen more than its fair share of severe storms and natural disasters in the past few years, but Iowans have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity ," said Harkin.  "Our rebuilding efforts are ongoing and today's loans will provide an additional boost for those most affected by this summer's storms.  This is an important step to help get us back on our feet and to help rebuild our state's buildings and economy."

Today's SBA disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed primary residence.  Homeowners and renter are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.  Businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets.  SBA can also lend addition funds to help homeowners and business owners with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent and minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.  Interest rates can be as low as 2.75 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for private, non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses.  SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition, with those with a weaker financial circumstance getting the lower rates.

The deadline to register for property damage is November 12, 2010.  Residents and business owners who sustained damaged can register by calling (800) 621-3362or (800) 462-7585 (TTY).  More information can be found at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
(Bettendorf, IA - October 28, 2010)   Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities will hold its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the school located at 2119 E. Kimberly Road in Bettendorf. The school boasts 22,500 square feet of classroom, laboratory, and office space.

"This will be an exciting day for our community, and our students and staff," says Kao Odukale, President of Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities. "Our new campus will further improve the academic environment we offer to our students so they can continue on a path of personal and professional growth that will positively impact their families and community. Additionally, we are delighted to be a member of the Quad Cities community and offer academic programs to a diverse population of students."

Local dignitaries, business, and community leaders from the Quad Cities community are expected to attend the ceremony include : Tim Stecker, Alderman At-Large, City of Bettendorf, Iowa; Gene Meeker, Alderman At-Large, City of Davenport, Iowa; and Tara Barney, CEO, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. They will join Mr. Odukale, faculty, staff, and students in celebrating this significant event for Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities.

For information about the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony or Brown Mackie College, contact Nancy Cerny at (563) 344-1519 or e-mail ncerny@brownmackie.edu or visit http://www.brownmackie.edu/pr.aspx?ID=BMC2240.

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Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities is one of 25 school locations of the Brown Mackie College family of schools (www.brownmackie.edu), which is dedicated to providing educational programs that prepare students for entry-level positions in a competitive, rapidly-changing workplace. Brown Mackie College schools offer bachelor's degree, associate's degree, certificate, and diploma programs in health sciences, business, information technology, legal studies and design technologies.

Grassley Releases Report on Lack of Inspector General Oversight

at the International Trade Commission

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the lack of Inspector General (IG) oversight at the International Trade Commission (ITC).  Although, the Inspector General Act requires that agencies appoint an IG to detect waste, fraud, and abuse, the ITC failed to fill the position for more than four years.  Instead, the GAO report found, ITC relied on "acting" and "temporary" appointments for most of the period between November 2005 and December 2009.  For 17 months during that time, ITC operated with neither an acting nor a temporary IG, according to the GAO report.

"Agencies need to understand that Inspector General oversight is not optional," Grassley said.  "The law requires that they have an IG on the job and that the IG be given the resources and access to information necessary to do the job.  The ITC needs to finish implementing the GAO's recommendations for corrective action as soon as possible to ensure that there is adequate oversight of the agency from now on."

GAO also found that the ITC failed to support the temporary and acting IGs with policies and procedures to ensure access to agency records.  The ITC failed to provide notice and coordination with the temporary IG on a criminal referral to the Justice Department.  And, the ITC kept the IG's budget flat while its own budget increased by 23 percent.

Grassley is ranking member of the Committee on Finance, with jurisdiction over international trade, and a long-time advocate for inspectors general.

The GAO report on the ITC is available here.

October 28, 2010

Contact: Public Information Officer at 563-326-8618

Since July 2010, there have been 103 cases of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) reported in Scott County and the number of cases continues to grow. As a result, the Iowa Department of Public Health has declared Scott County a Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Outbreak Area.

During a Pertussis Outbreak, anyone who has had a cough for more than two weeks, without another known reason (asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc) and has either coughing "spells or fits", or a whoop with their cough, or vomits after coughing is considered to be a case of Pertussis and needs to see their doctor for testing and treatment.

Pertussis is easily spread to others when someone who has it coughs germs into the air and other people breathe them in. School age children and healthy adults who have Pertussis may not look very sick, but can still spread the disease to other people when they cough.

It is very important for people who have Pertussis to stay at home the entire time they are taking their medicine. That means no school, no work, no grocery shopping, no church, etc. Pertussis can cause babies, people with weak immune systems and older people to get very sick or even die.

For more information call the Scott County Health Department at 563-326-8618 or visit www.scottcountyiowa.com/health.

Nashville, TN (October 28, 2010) - Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity proudly announces its partnership with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: BONT) for a pre-holiday boot trade-in event.  The retailer will be collecting customers' gently worn boots for charity while offering a discount on a new pair from its fabulous assortment.

Beginning on November 3rd, customers will be invited to drop by any of The Bon-Ton Stores 277 locations, including Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's, Younkers, and Parisian (Detroit, MI area) to donate their 'gently worn' pair of boots in exchange for $15 off a new boot purchase of $50 or more.  The $15 off coupon is also valid online through any of the nameplates.  To find a participating location visit  http://www.bonton.com/content/find-a-store/brandcontent.html.

"We are very pleased to partner with Soles4Souls to provide free shoes to people in need," said Bud Bergren, President and CEO of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "We can all make this simple yet important difference in the lives of people all over the world."

"We are excited to be partnering with Bon-Ton for this boot event," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "Customers will have the opportunity to give back and thousands of people will be the recipient of the gift of shoes because of their efforts." he said.
For more information on how to get involved and to find a recycling location near you, visit www.giveshoes.org.

About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you.  We distribute usable shoes to people in need around the world (we recycle less than 2% of donated footwear). Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away nearly 12 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 7 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org <http://www.giveshoes.org>  for more information.

Introducing Clothes4Souls™
Soles4Souls is proud to announce the launch of their new division, Clothes4Souls.  We strive to increase dignity and hope for hurting people through the gift of new clothing from manufacturers, designers, and retailers.  Those who graciously donate (rather than destroy) unused inventory will be assured the clothes will be given to people around the world living in desperate need.  Visit www.clothes4souls.org <http://www.clothes4souls.org> for more information.

About The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 277 stores, including 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, stores in the Detroit, Michigan area. The stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings.  The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc is an active and positive participant in the communities that it serves.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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State's $62 Million Investment Package Will Save Nearly
2,000 Jobs, Boost Illinois' Automotive Industry
CHICAGO - October 28, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Chrysler Group LLC is planning to invest $600 million over the next three years to expand its Belvidere Assembly Plant and prepare it for production of future vehicles. The state is providing a $62.1 million business investment package to save 1,950 permanent jobs and generate 700,000 construction hours. Governor Quinn proposed, helped to pass and signed legislation into law in December to expand the EDGE tax credit to benefit the auto industry, which was critical to Chrysler's decision to stay and expand in Illinois.
"Illinois has some of the best and most productive workers in the nation, so it's no wonder Chrysler has chosen to remain in Illinois for the production of future vehicles," said Governor Quinn. "This significant investment will save nearly 2,000 Illinois jobs and is a clear indication that Illinois is continuing our economic recovery."
The state's investment will help Chrysler build a 638,000 square-foot body shop, in addition to installing new machinery, tooling and material handling equipment. Work began this summer, and the project is expected to be completed next year.
The improvements will facilitate the production of the next generation of Chrysler vehicles in 2012, incorporating advanced components and systems technologies. The Belvidere facility currently produces the Dodge Caliber, Jeep® Compass and Jeep Patriot.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is administering the state's business investment package. The package consists of EDGE tax credits, Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of the company's workforce, and Large Business Development Program funds for capital improvements.
Chrysler will also benefit from being located in an Enterprise Zone. The enhanced EDGE tax credit enables auto manufacturing companies, which are among Illinois' largest group of employers, to retain employee income tax withholdings as an alternative to the current EDGE corporate tax credit and reinvest those funds into operations that create more jobs.
"Governor Quinn has stood by Chrysler since day one because he knows how important this company is to Illinois and the people of this region," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "Today, we are seeing the benefits of our investments as we help usher in a new era of manufacturing excellence in Illinois."
Illinois leads the Midwest in job creation with more than 50,000 jobs being added this year, including more than 10,000 manufacturing jobs. Illinois' economic growth in 2010 also nearly doubles the nation.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (10/28/2010)(readMedia)-- The Augustana Choir will showcase pieces from diverse musical traditions at its annual fall concert on Friday, October 29, at 8 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public and will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport (2136 Brady St.).

Choir members from your area include :

Carrie Duke from East Moline, IL. Duke is a sophomore majoring in accounting.

Halley Stearns from Sherrard, IL. Stearns is a sophomore majoring in anthropology.

Hannah Barney from Bettendorf, IA. Barney is a sophomore majoring in business administration advising.

Edwin Fonseca from Moline, IL. Fonseca is a junior majoring in international business and accounting.

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, IL. Ahuja is a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Rebecca Anderson from Moline, IL. Anderson is a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Gregory Donley from Silvis, IL. Donley is a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, IL. Hullon is a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Eryn Maccabee from Moline, IL. Maccabee is a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Katie Rea from Rock Island,, IL. Rea is a first year majoring in liberal studies.

The concert will open with two modern religious works: Damijan Mocnick's Latin hymn "Christus est natus" and Krzysztof Penderecki's a cappella piece "Song of Cherubim." The remainder of the choir's musical selections will be divided into three programmatic sections: Songs of the Night, selections from Mozart's Requiem, and American Music. The selections from Mozart's Requiem have been arranged by Augustana's Dr. Jon Hurty for organ and string chamber accompaniment. Other pieces from these programmatic sections include Eric Whitacre's "Sleep" and Undine Moore's arrangement of the spiritual "Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord."

The Augustana Choir is the college's premiere vocal ensemble. Since its establishment in 1931, the choir has sung at numerous prestigious venues across the nation and the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Palace in Stockholm. The choir also performs regularly in churches and concert halls throughout the Quad Cities.

Hurty, a music professor and department co-chair, directs the Augustana Choir. He received his doctorate in choral conducting and literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In addition to his responsibilities at Augustana, Hurty directs several community and church ensembles in the Quad Cities and serves as a guest conductor throughout the United States.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

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