MOLINE, ILLNIOIS -  For the first time in 10 years holding Brew Ha Ha at LeClaire Park, raindrops fell, but that didn't stop just under 1800 people from sampling beers and cheeses on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at the 11th Annual WQPT Brew Ha Ha.

At the end of the event all of the votes were tallied and the top three brews were named.  All of the winners were decided on by the attendees. "We had more people voting for their favorite brews this year than in years past," said Bea Brasel, Special Projects Coordinator. The First Place trophy went to Bent River Brewing Co. for their brew, Uncommon Stout. Second Place was picked up by first time vendor Irish Dog Bloody Mary Mix for their brew of the same name and Third Place went to Great River Brewery for Roller Dam Red Ale. The top ten brews were:

Bent River Brewing Co.

Uncommon Stout

Irish Dog Bloody Mary Mix

Bloody Mary Mix

Great River Brewery

Roller Dam Red Ale

Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Budweiser

Wild Blue

Bent River Brewing Co.

Mississippi Blonde

Bent River Brewing Co.

Dry Hopped Ale

Bent River Brewing Co.

Raspberry Wheat

Granite City

Oktoberfest

Blue Cat Brew Pub

Tuck's Tenacious Trippel

Blue Cat Brew Pub

Abbey...Something

 

WQPT's Brew Ha Ha was supported by Old Chicago Bettendorf, Rock 104-9 and Cumulus Broadcasting, Rhythm City Casino, and the Riverboat Development Authority, along with the River Cities' Reader, KWQC, Mediacom, Dimitri Wine & Spirits, Inc., Glazer's Distributors of Iowa, Miller Lite, Budweiser, Cabot Cheese Cooperative of Vermont, City of Davenport, Iowa QC Chamber Downtown Partnership, ComedySportz, Hawkeye Ice, Iowa American Water, Millennium Waste, Quad City Golf Cars, and Sunbelt Rentals.

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University - Quad Cities located in Moline, Illinois.

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MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT is pleased to announce that Donna Allman has been named the 2010 WQPT Volunteer of the Year. The award ceremony was held at Ryan's Family Steak House on August 24, 2010 during a special luncheon held for WQPT volunteers. 

Donna, who greets everyone with a hearty "Glad to have you," has been a loyal volunteer at WQPT for the last 16 years. She has helped with monthly mailings, pledge drives and special events. "We are very fortunate to have someone like Donna volunteer for the station and it was a special pleasure to honor her in this way," said Special Projects Coordinator, Bea Brasel.

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NEW BENEFITS OF HEALTH REFORM LAW IN EFFECT SEPT 23
New Benefits Will Protect Health Care Consumers, Increase Access, Improve Quality and Lower Costs for Young Adults, Kids, and People with Pre-Existing Conditions
CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), HHS Regional Director Cristal Thomas, and Executive Director Bob Robinson from the Hemophilia Foundation of Illinois joined Executive Director Jim Duffett of the Campaign for Better Health Care today for a telebriefing to discuss the new set of benefits rolling out on Thursday from the recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care health reform law.  Also on the call was CBHC member Tim Fraas of Elgin, who currently faces a lifetime benefit cap following a heart transplant.
The new health reform law will save lives.  Without it, an estimated 9,400 Illinoisans would have died prematurely due to a lack of health coverage over the next decade.  Not any more.  With the provisions of the new law, 1,163,000 uninsured Illinoisans will gain insurance coverage by 2019.
On September 23, another set of benefits of the new health reform law takes effect.  "The reforms we passed in the groundbreaking health care bill have begun to take effect - curbing insurance company abuses that prevent people from getting the healthcare they need.  On Thursday, we are going to start seeing even more tangible benefits from this bill," said Senator Durbin.  "The provisions taking effect will give parents peace of mind by preventing insurance companies from denying children coverage because of pre-existing conditions.  The provisions will also ensure that patients aren't dropped from their insurance plan when they get sick and will lower health care costs by emphasizing prevention and healthy lifestyles."
"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we have begun to create a more competitive, consumer-friendly healthcare marketplace, to crack down on the worst insurance company practices, and to provide real benefits to the people of Illinois," said Director Thomas. Bob Robinson of HFI added, "Starting Thursday, insurance companies can no longer search through your file when you get sick to find some reason to drop you or exclude you for a pre-existing condition. And there will be no more annual or lifetime limits on the amount an insurance company will pay for your care.  These benefits are a huge step forward for our members and for all Americans."
Tim Fraas, a CBHC member, shared his personal health care story.  "In August 2008, at age 51, my cardiologist informed me that I would need a heart transplant. God blessed me with a donor heart October 27, 2008. I was released to return to my job June 1st 2009, but in July I was let go from work.  The official line was lack of work, but I was told that it was mostly due to my health issues.  Luckily, I have great insurance through my wife's employer.  But even with good insurance we are over $10,000 in debt to the hospital, and we spend over $200 a month on my medications. Without insurance it would be over $1900.  It is a real struggle.  Also, with ongoing checkups and expensive medications, I am nearing my lifetime benefit cap.  Once I reach the cap, I am out of insurance.  I consider myself richly blessed, but it is time to reign in the insurance companies and lower costs, and this law does that."
Eliminating insurance company denials based on pre-existing conditions is just one of the new benefits of the health care law rolling out on September 23.  On that day, new consumer protections go into effect prohibiting insurance companies from taking your coverage away when you get sick and need it most, and eliminating lifetime caps.   The new provisions will also improve quality and lower costs by requiring all new plans to cover certain preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance.
Jim Duffett, Executive Director of the Campaign for Better Health Care, said,"Health care is the key to economic security and opportunity.  The passage of the recent reform legislation means hundreds of thousands of Illinois' hard working families and small businesses can now enjoy the peace of mind and security that comes from knowing that no matter what happens, they and their families will be able to access the health care they need."
NOTE:  An audio recording of the telebriefing will be available starting Thursday, Sept. 23, in the Audio Archive of the Campaign for Better Health Care's website.
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About the Campaign for Better Health Care
We believe that accessible, affordable, quality health care is a basic human right for all people.  The Campaign for Better Health Care is the state's largest coalition representing over 300 diverse organizations, organizing to help create and advocate for an accessible, quality health care system for all.  For more information, visit www.cbhconline.org.

DES MOINES, IA (09/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Calls to the Iowa Domestic Violence Hotline, operated by Children & Families of Iowa, are up 31 percent from last year at this same time, the 122-year old nonprofit organization reports. These statistics are based on the number of hotline calls received from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010 compared to the same time period the previous year.

"This is a significant increase," says Children & Families of Iowa's hotline coordinator Diana Smith, "but not a surprise." The economy and unemployment can add pressure to a bad situation, making it worse and leading to increased violence, according to Smith.

"Domestic Violence is a big problem," she explains. "Statistics show that one in three women will be affected by DV in her lifetime. That's inconceivable to most people."

The statewide, toll-free number, 1.800.942.0333, is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides free, confidential referral and counseling. The hotline is funded primarily by the Iowa Department of Justice Crime Victim Assistance Division (CVAD) and in part by United Way of Central Iowa.

The number of individuals served by Children & Families of Iowa's Domestic Violence shelter is also on the rise. According to Marlene Wozniczka, shelter supervisor, last year the organization served 1,281 at their shelter located in Polk County. This year that total increased to 1,419. "We've been running at capacity (62 beds) and beyond, nightly, with just a few exceptions," she says.

This stands to reason since the hotline is often the first step to reaching safety. When hotline calls increase, shelter occupancy soon follows, according to Wozniczka.

Materials that promote the hotline are available by calling Diana Smith, 515.471.8699, ext. 118 or by sending an email to dianas@cfiowa.org. These materials include hotline mirror clings, safety cards and physician pocket cards.

For more information about Children & Families of Iowa's Domestic Violence Services, visit their website: www.cfiowa.org.

Children & Families of Iowa is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope, building futures and changing lives. Offices in Ankeny, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Osceola and Ottumwa allow the organization to restore hope for victims of domestic violence, create safe homes for children and help people reshape their lives statewide.

Third Reduction in Three Years

DES MOINES, IA (09/22/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan has reduced expenses for plan participants by one third. The annual asset-based fee on the plan's entire lineup of investment options has been reduced from 0.50% to 0.34%. The reduction will become effective on October 15, 2010.

College Savings Iowa makes it simple by offering all of its thirteen investment options at the same affordable price. With no additional account fees, the plan's all-in 0.34% expense puts it among the most competitive 529 plans available to college savers nationwide.

"College Savings Iowa has grown to over $2.2 billion in assets due to its nationwide appeal," Fitzgerald stated. "That growth has given us the ability to continue to lower the expenses, which allows investors to keep more money working toward their college savings goals."

The plan has a history of lowering expenses; since 2007, a series of expense reductions have lowered the all-in costs of each of the plan's investment options from 0.62% to 0.34% today.

"We're pleased to help deliver savings to College Savings Iowa investors," said Vanguard Chairman and CEO Bill McNabb.

College Savings Iowa has continually received high marks from organizations rating 529 plans across the nation, including Savingforcollege.com and Morningstar, which each rate 529 plans across the nation. Additionally, HLN money expert Clark Howard recently named the 529 plan as one of the top three in the country.

College Savings Iowa is designed to provide families a tax-advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. The plan lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college. Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,811 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2010.* Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.** Participants in College Savings Iowa can also take advantage of Upromise®, which enables families to earn cash rewards from their everyday spending.*** For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

DES MOINES, IA (09/22/2010)(readMedia)-- With students returning to school and the farmers tending to the fields, fall is a very busy time in Iowa. State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald is also working to prepare the fall publication of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt.

"I encourage everyone to search for their name in the paper," said Fitzgerald. "This publication includes new properties in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt since the last publication. You may also search for your name by visiting www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com. Checking the paper or visiting us online is well worth the short time it takes."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $122 million in unclaimed property to more than 310,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the State Treasurer's Office, where it is held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits, and safe deposit box contents.

"My job is to return unclaimed property to the rightful owners," Fitzgerald said. "It is very rewarding to be able to reunite people with their lost money."

For more information about the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com. Interested individuals can also correspond by email at foundit@iowa.gov or by contacting the treasurer's office at the following address: Michael Fitzgerald, State Treasurer, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Please include the name(s), maiden name(s), current and previous address(es) of those people you would like searched.

The City of Rock Island announced the results of the annual strategic planning session conducted on September 18 & 19, 2010. The Mayor and City Council reviewed and agreed on a vision statement, goals, and policy and management agendas for the coming year.

"We have completed another successful strategic planning session for the City. Each year we review past achievements and determine what we should focus on for the coming years," stated Mayor Dennis Pauley. City Manager John Phillips noted that he will be sharing the City Council priorities with the City's management staff. "These targets give the staff clear direction as we begin budgeting and planning for next year."

Vision 2025

Rock Island is a growing city with beautiful riverfronts, a vibrant downtown and livable neighborhoods. Rock Island respects diversity and history. Our citizens have quality homes and places for enjoyment and fun. Rock Island is a proud community.

Goals 2015

§ Quality services, financially sound city
§ Grow the economy
§ More new housing opportunities, upgraded and well-maintained older homes
§ More and better retail
§ Great neighborhoods
§ Improve riverfronts and downtown

Action Agenda 2010-11

Top Priority

1. Budget: Make decisions on the property tax rates, service levels and adopt a balanced budget after seeking community input.
2. Economic Development Strategic Plan: Develop action steps related to the strategic plan and review and approve the plan.
3. Campustown: Work with business owners and Augustana College to develop a plan to increase business activity in the neighborhood of 30th Street and 14th Avenue.
4. Safer Community Task Force: Implement the recommendations of the Safer Community Task Force.
5. Casino Area Development: Take actions to support future development in the area near the Jumer's Casino and Hotel and the southwest area.
6. Liquor License Modifications: Consider changes in liquor licenses for license holders with the 3 a.m. extended hours option.

High Priority

1. Negotiations and Compensation Policy: Obtain collective bargaining agreements for all units for agreements expiring 2010 and 2011.
2. Mill Creek: Review options and develop a plan to address the flooding and environmental risks associated with the decision by the Corps of Engineers to cease the clean-out of Mill Creek South Slough.
3. Economic Development Position: Develop a position description and funding source for a new City position that would work to support the retention and
growth of small businesses.
4. Rental Housing Inspections: Maintain staffing and funding and implement an incentive to encourage landlord training.
5. Street Improvements Comprehensive Plan: Develop comprehensive plan to do street improvements in concert with available funding.
6. Market Rate Rental Property: Review market and determine potential for development of a market rate rental complex.

Management Agenda 2010-11

Top Priority

1. Management Succession Planning: Plan for and implement as needed, the replacement of retiring management staff.
2. New Police Headquarters: Begin preliminary planning for the future construction of a modern police facility.
3. First Army Strategy: Implement a strategy to encourage civilians and uniformed personnel moving to the Quad Cities to consider Rock Island as home.
4. Problem Properties: Identify the worst and chronic violators of nuisance ordinances and develop a plan to focus enforcement to obtain compliance.
5. Transient Boat Dock: Apply for funding for a transient boat dock at Schwiebert Riverfront Park.

High Priority

1. Emergency Communications System: Seek funding for an 800 MHz radio system.
2. Casino Area Development: Obtain approvals for interchange modifications at IL 92 and I-280.
3. Highway 92 Corridor: Seek federal and state funding for the IL 92 corridor project.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independent Candidate for Governor Makes Appearance at Wise Guys Pizza, Davenport, Monday Evening at 6 p.m.

SEPT 27, 2010 - DAVENPORT, IA - Jonathan Narcisse, the independent Iowa Party candidate for Governor, will address the monthly Tea Party meetup this evening, and take questions from those in attendance. The public is invited to attend and participate.

The mission of the Tea Party of the Quad Cities is:  "To provide the most effective forum for constitutional awareness and citizen vigilance for its members and their families, friends and neighbors."

The Tea Party oft he Quad Cities meets the last Monday of each month, in Iowa, at the Wise Guys Pizza located at 2408 E 53rd Street, Davenport, IA 52807.

Narcisse will expound on his published ideas and strategies for overhauling Iowa government via tax reform, education reform and establishing efficient, transparent and accountable state departments.

Narcisse will be available for interviews before and after the Tea Party of the Quad Cities meeting.  Contact 515-770-1218 to confirm availability.

Cyndi Diercks, organizer for the Tea Party of the Quad Cities stated in an email announcement invitation to tonight's meeting that, "As you well know the choices we have been given for Governor of the State of Iowa are Chet Culer and Terry Branstad. I know I am not happy with either choice, and I do know that many of my friends aren't either. The good news is we do have another choice, his name is Jonathan Narcisse."

The River Cities' Reader recently reported that Narcisse's "bold plan has the potential to connect with voters who are dissatisfied with government and politicians.  

But whether you agree with Narcisse's assessments or his ideas is beside the point. In a gubernatorial campaign featuring two people who've already held the office, Narcisse is an essential voice because he refuses to nibble around the edges or accept the way things have traditionally been done. He gives voters the opportunity to consider core questions of governance and talk about fundamentals.

Narcisse's primary value in this campaign is demonstrating that starting with common sense exposes the problems of beginning with the status quo."

Narcisse continues his "None of the Above" campaign stating that,  "Iowans are not enthusiatic about a sixth Branstad/Culver administration. Despite the two waging the most negative campaign in Iowa's history an honest examination of their records, practices, policies and especially their contributors, confirms the differences between these two men are primarily stylistic not substantive. Neither has offered a concrete plan to address the critical challenges facing our state. If they have I'd love to read it," stated Narcisse.

"As a member of the Des Moines School Board I fought for our children, parents, teachers and taxpayers and spoke truth to power without compromise. Iowans are hungry for that type of open, honest and accessible leadership that will place their needs and the needs of their children and this state above partisan and special interest politics. I bring that to the table," stated Narcisse.

"Our campaign also brings to the table real solutions. As I travel around the state, whether I meet with citizens, civic and political leaders or media I white board solutions. I show how we address the challenges of this state and how to pay for those solutions. In these times Iowans want to hear pragmatic ideas and common sense solutions."

The four pillars of the Narcisse for Iowa governance agenda are consistent with the values and priorities of Iowans:

* Creating accountable, efficient, and transparent government;
* Restoring a "World Class Plus" educational system;
* Rebuilding a low tax, free-market, prosperous state economy;
* Create a healthy Iowa by leading by example to fight lifestyle and obesity induced disease

Jonathan Narcisse is a former Des Moines School Board member, publisher and editor of multiple publications, radio show host and community advocate. During the early part of the decade he authored a 3,500 page report analyzing the condition of African-Americans in Iowa's 99 counties, and headed statewide health and education initiatives.

In 2009 Narcisse published "An Iowa Worth Fighting For: A Ten Step Vision Plan for 21st Century Governance." Narcisse evaluates the history of state expenditures versus population, reducing state government, corruption and accountability, tax reform, education reform through parental control and academic entrepreneurship, local control and property rights, public safety and drug interdiction and immigration reform.  The full text of this can be found at www.AnIowaWorthFightingFor.com

He has received more than 400 national, state and local honors and awards including recognition from the Bush (Sr.), Clinton and Bush administrations and the Branstad, Vilsack and Culver administrations. He has finished second twice in national chess competitions and is a multiple state champion. He also had a 17-0 record as a semi-pro boxer while living in the Washington, D.C. area.

He has a son, Johnce, and two daughters, 14 year old daughter, Integrity, an 11 year old daughter, Perseverance and three grandchildren.

Narcisse, who lives in Des Moines, will is touring the state for the second time in two years, visiting with grass roots organizations, churches and the media.  Narcisse is circulating petitions to be included in the next two gubernatorial debates.  More info on that effort is available at www.DeabateIowa.com. Details on Jonathan's grassroots campaign can be found at www.NarcisseForIowa.com.  Media can contact Jonathan directly at 515-770-1218, or at info@narcisseforiowa.com.



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FALLS CHURCH, Va. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently teamed up with leaders from several health care groups to stress the importance of pregnant women getting vaccinated against the flu this year. In a letter sent to health care professionals nationwide, the group warns of the increased risk for serious complications from influenza among pregnant women and how getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect themselves and their unborn babies.

To read this release, please visit: http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/news.aspx?fid=661

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City Manager John Phillips announced his plans today to retire from the position of City Manager in October 2011. Phillips has served as Rock Island City Manager since 1987. He worked for the City of Rockford, Illinois prior to coming to Rock Island, and served five years as City Administrator there.

"By the time I retire next year, I will have served as a City Manager or Administrator for almost 30 years, with 38 years in local government service. I think it is time for someone else to step into the position," stated Phillips.

He continued, "I have had a very rewarding career in local government and Rock Island has been a great city in which to work. It has been an honor to work for the citizens of Rock Island with dedicated elected officials and staff."

Phillips said he informed the Mayor and City Council of his intentions at the annual goal setting session so that the Council could have a chance to consider this as they establish their plans for the coming year. He said that the early notice will provide ample time for the Mayor and Council to select a replacement.

Phillips said that he plans to remain in Rock Island but hasn't made any future plans. He would like to stay involved in the community and may consider other employment if the right opportunity presents itself.

"John Phillips is the best city manager in the business," said Mayor Dennis Pauley. "He has done an excellent job of managing the numerous departments and finances of the City. John has set a high standard and has put Rock Island in an enviable position for the future."

"We appreciate the advance notice from John. The process for selecting the next city manager is an important topic we will be considering," continued Pauley.

Background

John Phillips graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, IA with a BA in political science. He received a Master of Arts in public affairs from Northern Illinois University.

During his time in Rock Island some of the City's accomplishments Phillips led include :

  • Restoring and maintaining the City's financial condition.
  • Supporting a strong economic development effort
  • Recruiting and retaining a quality staff team
  • Maintaining high standards for ethical and professional local government.

Some projects in which Phillips played an important role include :

  • Jumer's Casino
  • Whitewater Junction
  • Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center (RIFAC)
  • Centennial Bridge transfer to the State of Illinois
  • Schwiebert Riverfront Park
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Center renovation and expansion

Phillips has served on several boards of directors in the community:

  • Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce
  • Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging
  • United Way of the Quad Cities

He currently serves on the following boards of directors:

  • Quad City Civic Center Authority
  • Development Association of Rock Island

At the state level, Phillips has been active with the Illinois Municipal League and Illinois City / County Management Association:

  • Past President of the Illinois City / County Management Association (ILCMA)
  • Chair of the ILCMA committee on professional conduct
  • Past Chair and current member of the Illinois Municipal League's municipal manager's committee

Over the years Phillips has received several awards:

  • Citizen of the Year for the City of Rock island
  • Outstanding Manager of the Year from the ILCMA Assistants' Group
  • Special Service Award from ILCMA

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