26 Oct 2010

Princeton Police Chief and Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Hangs Up His Boots After More Than 30 Years

By Mike Chrisman

PRINCETON, IL (10/26/2010)(readMedia)-- He served in Vietnam and several other operations, including tours in Iraq and Europe. That is only part of the highlight reel for a 59-year-old Princeton man, who has dedicated his career to protecting his community and his country. After 30 years as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG), Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Root is retiring from the ILARNG.

"The idea of being able to protect and serve our nation has always been a priority to me," said Root who wanted to be a Soldier since he was a young boy. "There is no greater call then to serve our great country."

Root, a member of the 129th Regional Training Institute in Springfield, will officially retire from the ILARNG Nov. 29. Before beginning his career in the National Guard, Root served three years in the active-duty Army. With more than three decades of service, Root served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Desert Spring, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and helped the citizens of Illinois during several floods.

"My most memorable moment was in Iraq in 2007 when I was able to pin captain bars on my son Jason, who was deployed with the 25th Infantry Division," Root said.

Jason is one of four sons Root has raised with his wife Laura. Three of them joined the military and are currently serving in the active-duty Army. Root has been married to Laura, the senior pastor at New Hope Church of the Nazarene in Princeton, for 11 years and admits the numerous deployments took a toll on his family.

"Deployments are hard on a marriage and children," Root said. "No matter how strong you may think you are, or your wife and kids are, absence is hard on everyone. The stronger your relationship, the easier the deployment."

Root has lived a life dedicated to his country and his community. He has served in civilian law enforcement for 27 years, including 17 years with the Rock Falls Police Department and the last 10 years as Chief of Police for the City of Princeton.

"The knowledge and experience I have gained over the years from the military has impacted the way I do my day-to-day business as police chief," Root said. "Both of my careers compliment each other in many ways. This has not only benefitted me, but also the community in which I work and live."

Over the past 10 years Root's impact has been noticed by many throughout Bureau County and northern Illinois.

John Thompson of Ladd has worked with Root since Thompson was elected Bureau County Sheriff in 2002. Thompson said Root has helped make the area safer and the community is fortunate to have Root as a part of the law enforcement community.

"Tom exemplifies the term professional," Thompson said. "His constant effort to support and participate in our community is an insufficient testimony to what he provides in values, guidance and knowledge. His leadership skills, whether developed in the military or on the street, have made a wonderful impact on law enforcement within this community."

Jack Scott is a long-time Princeton resident who has seen what Root has done for the community since he started as the police chief in 2000. Scott said he has upgraded the police department's infrastructure, expanded the department, gave officers more training and increased the drug enforcement in the community.

"I would describe Tom as a class act," Scott said. "He is smart and knows how to get the job done. The guy is a workaholic who cares about his community and his country. He is a true Soldier."

Root's love for his country and pride in his community can be seen when you drive past Princeton on Interstate 80. Root and Scott were co-chairmen for the "Flags of Freedom," which are four huge American flags on the four corners of the intersection of Interstate 80 and Illinois Route 26.

"These flags are a magnificent sight," Root said. "Each flag is 1800 square feet and represents the patriotism of our community and support to our military."

To put the flags in perspective, each flag is bigger than the floor plan of most homes in Princeton. A committee of private citizens raised approximately $250,000 to display these flags, which have become a Bureau County landmark.

With more than 30 years of service, Root has had a positive influence on many Soldiers. Approximately 10 years after he left the active-duty Army, Root joined Troop E, 106th Cavalry in Rock Falls. Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti of Springfield, the Assistant Adjutant General for the Illinois National Guard, was a captain and commander of the unit at that time.

"I could tell when Tom joined the unit he had potential to be a strong Soldier," Celletti said. "There was a lot of fire and determination in his eyes and you knew he would someday evolve to be one of the strongest leaders the Illinois National Guard has. I am proud to have served alongside such a great Soldier. He has had a positive impact on more lives than he will ever know."

Looking back on his time in uniform, Root's advice for younger Soldiers is simple.

"Be proud to be a Soldier every day," Root said. "Be proud to put on the uniform. Be proud to be part of the greatest Army in the world."

26 Oct 2010

Leading playwright to visit QCA Thursday & Friday!

By M. McNeil
Suzan Zeder?one of America's leading playwrights in Theatre for Young Audiences-is coming to Moline to attend the opening night performance of her play, The Taste of Sunrise, at Moline High School on Thursday, October 28th at 7:30 pm (see attached schedule).

The following day she will conduct workshops with both Moline and Rock Island theatre students who learned sign language in order to perform her plays.   Rock Island High School will be performing the sequel to Moline's play, called "Mother Hicks," the following weekend.

When Suzan Zeder wrote Mother Hicks, she includes a scene with an adult Tuc, who is deaf.  He says,

"You see all the things I cannot do because I am deaf.  But you don't see that which I can do.  I can sing with rivers.  I can see the sharp sting of honey and I can taste the sunrise."

The moment these words flew off her fingertips into the page, she knew Tuc needed his own story.  This is it.

Politically, Tuc's story examines the hardships experienced by deaf people before the use of sign language was widely accepted. Socially, the play explores what it means to be an outcast.  Three of the leading characters all become outcasts in some way?a deaf boy, an African American female living on her own, and a teenage mom who doesn't know where she fits in.  The leading role of Tuc is played by Max Molina, who is part of Moline's Wilson Junior High School's hearing-impaired program.  His friend Maizie, played by Jenna Pautsch, is hearing but has deaf parents, so she is part of both the hearing and deaf worlds.

Audiences will find it remarkable to know that the entire cast learned sign language just for this production.  They spent their entire summer taking hour-long ASL (American Sign Language) classes at MHS twice weekly in preparation for this play, which will be completely bilingual -- both spoken and signed.  As the play unfolds, "shadow" characters will tell the story with words and signs. This is a powerful play, and it will be an unforgettable experience for all who see it.

For more information contact the director, Chris Thomas, at 309-230-8621.

Thank you for your interest.
26 Oct 2010

Rivermont Collegiate Honor Roll

By Brittany Marietta

Rivermont Collegiate is pleased to announce the following students have been recognized on the First Quarter Honor Roll:

Upper School Honor Roll (9th-12th)

1st Quarter 2010-11

Headmaster's List (3.85-4.00)

Souriyo Dishak

Michael Garneau

Pavane Gorrepati

Summer Lawrence

Christine Mbakwe

Matthew Newsome

Meghana Pagadala

Shravya Pothula

Ramya Prabhu

Kelsey Qu

Ashish Tadepalli

Distinction (3.50-3.84)

Vishal Bobba

Harriette Clarke

Rebecca Cupp

Alejandra Martinez

Christopher Mbakwe

Victoria Mbakwe

Amanda McVey

Tristan O'Harrow

Darsani Reddy

Asha Tadepalli

Joann Weeks

ChiIeong Wong

Merit (3.00-3.49)

Manas Chimpidi

Archana Chintalapani

Daniel Foster-Pray

Karanveer Gill

Basilia Koster

Darcy Ryan

James Weeks

Meghana Yerrapothu

Middle School Honor Roll (6th-8th)

1st Quarter 2010-11

High Honors

All grades B+ or higher (or B or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Helena Barber

Madeline Bowman

Sarah Bowman

Adam Dada

Brandon Eckhardt

Shivani Ganesh

Hannah Hansen

Windsor Lundy

Grace Moran

Hayley Moran

Benjamin Nordick

Manasa Pagadala

Emilia Porubcin

Michal Porubcin

Isaac Sears

Suhas Seshadri

Alexander Skillin

Marta Storl-Desmond

Loring Telleen

Jacob Vaughn

Claire Wallace

Honors

All grades B- or higher (C+ or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Christian Elliott

Madison Ellis

Samuel Lederman

Kaitlyn Mayfield

Piers O'Harrow

Bhavana Purighalla

Harrison Qu

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.  Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, non-sectarian PS-12th college-prep school.

- End -

26 Oct 2010

More Than $1 Million to Iowa Department of Public Health

By Grassley Press
WASHINGTON - Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $1,143,168 to the Iowa Department of Public Health. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Iowa Department of Public Health will use the money to fund maternal and child health services.

Each year, thousands of local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government.  The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual's ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity administering the funds.

-30-

26 Oct 2010

Debra Sandry goes to Virginia Symphony Orchestra

By Jared Johnson
Debra Sandry, Director of Development with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, has accepted a position as Director of Development with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Norfolk, VA. Sandry joined the QCSO in November of 2004 and during her six years with the QCSO has raised a combined $4.2 million in annual support.

"The QCSO leadership welcomed me six years ago, giving me the opportunity to work on behalf of the Orchestra. I can't say enough about the overwhelming generosity of the Board of Trustees and all our donors. This move will be bittersweet, as I have truly enjoyed watching this orchestra grow through some very challenging years," said Sandry.

"Deb Sandry has been a true asset for this organization and we wish her the best in all of her endeavors," said Jeff vom Saal, Executive Director for the QCSO.

###
26 Oct 2010

Medical Device Company Payments Questioned by Grassley

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Monday, October 25, 2010 - On Friday, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa asked the Food and Drug Administration how the agency handles reports of medical device companies' payments to doctors who are participating in clinical studies of the companies' products.

Grassley wrote to the FDA commissioner, citing information that doctors participating in clinical trials sponsored by a particular medical device maker also received significant payments from that device maker.

"The FDA should be transparent and describe what it does with information about potential conflicts of interest, including any steps it takes to protect the integrity and reliability of clinical research," Grassley said.

The text of Grassley's letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg is available here.
26 Oct 2010

Construction Ends for Local Housing Corporation

By Erin McConaughey

Vera French Foundation to host Ribbon Cutting & Open House on Thursday, October 28, 2010

Bettendorf, IA - A milestone event will be held this Thursday for a local housing corporation dedicated to giving back to person with mental illness in the Quad Cities community. Vera French Housing Corporation will hold an open house to commemorate the completion of construction on the new Vera
French Court facility. Located at 3465 Holiday Court in Bettendorf, IA the open house will take place on Thursday, October 28 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting at 2:00 p.m. Press are invited to attend.

If any press would prefer take a tour or photographs prior to the open house date, please contact Dean Drexel, Director of Vera French Housing Corporation at 563.445.7977 or vfhousing@netexpress.net.

Vera French Court, is a new 9,460 square foot ranch style building with 13 one bedroom apartments, a community room with computer learning center, cafeteria, public restrooms, office space, tenant storage area and laundry facilities. The housing development will provide additional supported housing
options for persons with persistent mental illness. Tours of the facility will be available to attendees. Established in 1949, originally as the Scott County Mental Health Center, Vera French Housing Corporation was created to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for those with persistent mental illness that is linked with ongoing services provided by the Vera French Mental Health Center Programs and other community service providers. For more information on the Vera French Housing Corporation, please visit their website at www.verafrenchmhc.org.

Russell Construction, located in Davenport, IA, served as the General Contractor on this project. In the past Russell has constructed two 10-unit Low Income Housing Tex Credit (LIHTC) projects, named Vera French Manor and Vera French Terrace. Robin Andrews, located in Huntley, IL served as the Architect.

###

25 Oct 2010

Wind Storm Tips

By Missy Lundberg

State Farm is currently monitoring the strong wind storm that is predicted for tomorrow into Wednesday.  We felt it was important to make sure everyone is protected when the winds hit.  Here are some important tips as you prepare for the storm.

1.      Take down patio umbrellas and store lawn furniture if possible. Lower, roll-up or retract awnings.  Put away other loose items on the property (bicycles, toys, garbage containers).

2.      Park vehicles in the garage.

3.      Close garage and all other exterior doors and windows.

4.      Anchor trampolines to ground.

When wind speeds are high, pieces of debris can also become "airborne missiles" that may damage your property and possibly injure your family.

Please check out some of our other tips and information on the link below.  If you have any questions please let me know!

http://www.statefarm.com/_pdf/
25 Oct 2010

IFA Candidates Present Research Tonight at Tea Party Event

By Michael Elliort

What: Iowans For Accountability Scott County Supervisors Candidates
Presenting Research to Tea Party of the Quad Cities Monthly Meeting

When: Tonight, Monday Oct 25th at 6pm

Where: Wise Guys Pizza, 2408 E 53rd Street, Davenport, IA 52807
Who: John Riley, John Green, Jesse Anderson - IFA Candidates


DAVENPORT, IA Oct 25th - After presenting their findings last week (see below), the Iowans For Accountability candidates were invited to make their presentation to the monthly meeting of Tea Party of the Quad Cities attendees, happening tonight at 6pm.  The IFA effort is the first time in Scott County history that a Non Party Political Organization (NPPO) has been formed and nominated independent candidates for the ballot. All three candidates, vying for the three open Supervisor seats, will be available for interviews at the meeting.

Click here for Candidate Profiles and Position Statements


IFA Exposes Alarming Scott County Financials

Independent Iowans For Accountability Supervisor Candidates Present Research on Ten Year's Tax and Spend History, SECC911's Hidden Costs and Proposals For Transparency and Accountability Moving Forward

IFA Concludes Board of Supervisors Either Don't Know or Don't Care


DAVENPORT, IA - OCTOBER 20, 2010:  On Tuesday, two weeks to the day prior to the election, candidates for Scott County Supervisors, running on the Iowans For Accountability (IFA) ticket, along with members of the IFA Central Committee, hosted a news conference at the Downtown Davenport Public Library. (The video archive of this news conference is online at YouTube here.)


The public, as well as the media, were invited to attend and meet and question the candidates after the presentation.

The 30 plus page IFA presentation projected on the screen Tuesday, is available online at www.ScottCountyIFA.com or downloadable as a pdf by clicking here.

The group outlined how and why IFA formed and was placed on the ballot in August of 2010, a first of its kind event in Scott County's history ? and potentially in Iowa's history.

IFA found that historically the Scott County Board of Supervisors have avoided scrutiny, surrendered authority and grown government.

IFA reported that over the last ten years population has grown 5% but annual taxes collected have ballooned 76% and expenditures have grown 59%, since 2000 to over $70M.

IFA also outlined how the Board of Supervisors justified creating the SECC911 consolidated emergency dispatching project as saving taxpayers $4.6M over 20 years. IFA compared and contrasted what taxpayers were told by the Board in 2007 with what the results have been in 2010. Such results include $28M in long term debt, a special levy not subject to caps on taxes and no ceiling on future indebtedness, and a 20% increase in property taxes.

IFA Chairman Michael Elliott stated that, "We are hopeful that voters will embrace the refreshing contrast to politics as usual with IFA.  These three candidates have the skills and experience to be stewards for the county taxpayers. We want to see a change from rubber stamping proposals and spending. For decades now, this lack of engagement by the two-party status quo board members has put Scott County in the hole. We need leadership focused on lifting us out of it as opposed to digging us deeper into debt."

The candidates and attendees discussed the frustrations with the lack of consequences for such poor management of the county's resources. "If a local business or even a major corporation ran their business like this, heads would roll," said candidate John Riley, from Blue Grass. As an self-employed structural engineer, Riley has worked on dozens of municipal projects over the years and has experience keeping construction costs in balance.

The challenges and questions about the emergency communications equipment, including over 1400 $5,500 radios for a county with less than 500 employees, were brought up by candidate John Green, a heavy equipment operator, mechanic and contractor from Davenport. "I want to know more about where these radios are being deployed, who is using and not using them, and what are the details of the county's contract with Racom," Green said.

IFA central committee member and researcher Diane Holst stated it was her understanding that each radio came with a $28/month "tower fee" and that while the $28M in the 19 year bonds included amounts for service contracts, those were only good for 3-5 years and "those costs will eventually have to become part of ongoing operating expenses."

Co-chair of IFA, Mike Angelos stated, "That adds up to close to half a million dollars per year for those radio contracts."

LeClaire native and chief operating officer for his family's agribusiness, Jesse Anderson, also an IFA Supervisor candidate on the ballot, outlined his vision for a zero based budgeting policy moving forward. "If this SECC911 has such a mandate for spending that has been outsourced to a new taxing authority, and is going to cost us an additional $8M per year, then we need to find ways to cut expenses elsewhere. I'd like to see us get our expenses down to 2005 levels, that was the lowest level we have been at in the last ten years."

Anderson commented on a quarter million dollar SECC grant contingent provision for geothermal technology that was rescinded as the grant process took too long for construction efforts saying, "They took a gamble on our dollar and lost. They didn't get the grant they had hoped for and now we're stuck with the bill. This is why we need zero based budgeting; It's the fiscally responsible thing to do."

The IFA presentation also included ways an IFA led board of supervisors could protect taxpayers and create more transparent and accountable government. These dozen ideas were presented as a slide show and discussed at the news conference. ?
Some of the proposed measures include :
  • Zero based budgeting to reduce expenditures
  • Ensure remedies for any front line responders concerns with new SECC911 equipment
  • Increase awareness and publicity for board meetings, including implementing a Public with Business line item on the agendas
  • Webcast all public meetings and improve search ability of public documents on the website
For the full text and graphics of the presentation visit www.ScottCountyIFA.com or click here and download the presentation PDF.

A "Meet the Candidates" profile sheet is available at the website or by clicking here to download the PDF.

For more information on Iowans For Accountability visit www.ScottCountyIFA.com

25 Oct 2010

Grassley: Latest Report of Legal Aid Spending on Club Dues and Meals, Leased Car Shows Continued Oversight Lapses

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley said the latest report describing private club dues and meals and a leased vehicle for personal use at a legal aid group in Baton Rouge, La., shows the Legal Services Corporation needs to conduct much better oversight of its funding recipients.

"Even as the parent organization says it's improving oversight, we get yet another report of taxpayer spending abuses," Grassley said. "These are dollars that are supposed to help poor people with their legal expenses, not pay for private club memberships or leased cars, used for both business and personal use.  The latest report is more evidence that the Legal Services Corporation needs to overhaul its oversight of legal aid programs."

The new report from the Legal Services Corporation inspector general documents spending abuses by the Capital Area Legal Services Corp. in Baton Rouge, La.  Several legal aid groups around the country have been targeted for diverting tax dollars meant for legal aid to executives' personal spending.  In September, the former finance director of the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1 million from the group.

Grassley and Rep. Darrell Issa have ongoing oversight of the Legal Services Corporation's efforts to improve grantee oversight.  The Legal Services Corporation is the government's main program to help low-income people with civil legal matters.

The audit report on the Capital Area Legal Services Corp. in Baton Rouge, La., is available here.

A news story on the Baton Rouge case from the non-profit Center for Public Integrity is available here.

The latest Grassley-Issa letter to the Legal Services Corporation on oversight improvement is available here.

The Legal Services Corporation's response is available here

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