20 Sep 2010

Iowa Farmers to Plant $247,500 to Grow their Local Communities

By Mimi Ricketts,

America's Farmers Grow Communities Program to Give $2,500 Awards in 99 Iowa Counties and Benefit Local United Way Chapters with Each Sign-Up

BOONE, IOWA (Aug. 31, 2010) - Today the Monsanto Fund announced the expansion of the America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM program at the Farm Progress Show, the nation's largest outdoor farm event, in Boone, Iowa. This program gives eligible farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their community. America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM program is being offered in more than 1,200 counties across 38 states. Eligible farmers can sign up today through Dec. 31, 2010 at www.growcommunities.com or by calling 1. 877.267.3332.

"More than 95 percent of the land in the United States is home to a rural community, and farmers work hard to support those communities," said Brett Begemann, Monsanto Fund Chairman. "We created the America's Farmers Grow Communities program to celebrate that hard work. Every rural community has vital needs. It's our goal for every $2,500 award to support rural community needs and cause a ripple effect of benefits along the way."

In Iowa, $247,500 will be invested in rural communities in 99 counties. The program is intended to benefit nonprofit community groups such as ag youth organizations, schools and other civic groups important to America's farmers. "A donation of $2,500 could help a community garden buy thousands of seeds, or help a school buy new computers," Begemann said. "It takes just a few minutes for a farmer to sign up online for a chance to really benefit an organization that's important to them, and more importantly, benefit their friends, family and neighbors as a result of that donation."

Monsanto Fund also will donate $1 to the United Way on behalf of each farmer who signs up for the America's Farmers Grow Communities program. The $1 will be donated to the United Way chapter in the home county of the farmer. This offers yet another way for farmers to invest in the future of their rural community.

Farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com or they can call 1.877.267.3332 to apply by phone. Farmers, age 21 and over, who are actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton, or 40 acres of open field vegetables, or at least 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers and/or cucumbers grown in protected culture, are eligible. The application period runs August 31 through December 31, 2010. The  program is open to all qualifying farmers, and no purchase is necessary in order to enter or win.

One winner will be randomly selected for each of Iowa's 99 participating counties. Monsanto Fund will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations by February 2011.

Eligible counties include Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhaoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clay, Clayton, Clinton, Crawford, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Dubuque, Emmet, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Lyon, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, O'Brien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Sac, Scott, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, Worthy and Wright.

Visit www.growcommunities.com to sign up and to learn more about the America's Farmers Grow Communities program. The project is part of a broad commitment by Monsanto Fund to invest in farm communities, in order to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society. To view the official rules for this program, visit www.growcommunities.com or send a written request Eileen Jensen, 914 Spruce St., St. Louis, MO 63102.

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. Incorporated in 1964, the Fund's primary objective is to improve the lives of people by bridging the gap between their needs and their resources. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org/asp/welcome.asp.

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20 Sep 2010

Illinois National Guard Victim of Another Scam on Craigslist

By National Guard PAO

New Advertisements Claim to Be Deploying from Decatur Unit

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/16/2010)(readMedia)-- For more than a year there have been multiple advertisements posted on Craigslist from a person claiming to be with the Illinois Army National Guard's 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) based in Springfield. Now the scam artists are using a different unit to perpetuate their crime, the 766th Engineer Battalion based in Decatur.

The false advertisements are still making the same claim with the 766th as they did with the 139th MPAD, stating the Soldier will deploy to Iraq with the Decatur-based unit. The recent advertisements that have surfaced with the 766th are trucks for sale, but the advertisements for the 139th MPAD had various names and had items for sale ranging from a laptop computer to a boat. This person impersonating an Illinois Soldier attempts to lure the potential buyer to use Google Checkout, a third-party Web site, to transfer funds. All of these advertisements are a scam.

"Law enforcement agencies have been actively investigating these crimes for months now," said Maj. Brad Leighton, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Director. "If you are suspicious of an advertisement you should take all precautions before sending any funds."

From the e-mail traffic the Illinois National Guard has seen, the person creates various ploys to get the potential buyer to send money. The con artist claims to be a deploying Illinois Army National Guard Soldier has defrauded numerous people out of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars.

If you encounter one of these ads, contact the FBI's Crime Complaint Center on their Web site, https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

For questions please contact the Public Affairs office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil or 217-761-3569.

20 Sep 2010

IOWA'S TOP CONSERVATIONISTS RECOGNIZED BY IOWA FARM BUREAU

By Rick Martin
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Sept. 16, 2010 - Iowa's farmers have become national leaders in soil conservation practices, reducing field erosion by more than 30 percent over the last 20 years. Recently the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) recognized the top soil-saving farmers in the state for 2010. Ottumwa farmers Emery and Julie Rouw received the 2010 Iowa State Soil Conservation Award.
The Rouws were honored for their usage of as many as 11 on-farm conservation practices, including grassed waterways, terraces, trees, farm ponds, grass filter strips, strip till and phosphate fertilizer injection, at the annual meeting of the Conservation Districts of Iowa in West Des Moines. Eight other regional award winners were also honored for their dedication to the environment: Paula and Larry Schuller of Ireton, Frank and Ellen Seimens of Renwick, Chris Finneman of Clarksville, Ordell and Grace Sorenson of Waterville, the Milton E. Mueller Trust of Walnut, Raymond Smith of Laurel, Dorothy Tesdell and John Donelson of Kalona and Mike and Connie Standley of Lennox.
"We're grateful, but we didn't do all this for the recognition," says Emery Rouw, who has been a county soil commissioner since 2000, in addition to farming. "We're doing what we feel is necessary to ensure a future for generations of farmers to come. The value of conservation is something my father drilled into me at a young age." Rouw also credits his son, Nathan, and the employees at his county soil district office, calling the award he and his wife received "a group effort."
"The Rouws serve as a great example of the pro-active on-farm conservation that's going on around the state," says IFBF Environmental Policy Advisor Rick Robinson. "Iowa leads the nation in acres devoted to grass filter and buffer strips, which help reduce erosion and keep sentiment out of our streams. We're also among the national leaders in no-till, conservation tillage, restored wetlands and many other conservation practices, which is why we've been able to reduce erosion on cropland by more than 2.4 tons since the early 1980s."

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20 Sep 2010

Select assortment discount grocer ALDI opens new Moline and Davenport stores Sept. 27

By Katherine Davis

Grocer keeps it simple - shoppers save big

Dwight, Ill. (Sept. 15, 2010) - Beginning Sept. 27, ALDI will offer grocery shoppers a smarter alternative as the select assortment discount grocer opens its newest stores, located at      4211 Avenue of the Cities in Moline and 1702 Brady St. in Davenport.  Known for its premium ALDI select brands, ALDI is able to offer high quality grocery items at unbeatable prices.

"ALDI is committed to providing our customers with the best products including fresh produce, meats and dairy at the lowest prices," said Heather Moore, ALDI Dwight division vice president.  "Our customers have found that inexpensive can taste great.  We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnerships with the cities of Moline and Davenport."

Customers can expect to find more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased items sold under its select brands for prices up to 50 percent less than traditional supermarkets.  A model of efficiency, ALDI eliminates overhead costs by offering smart and efficient practices including a cart deposit system where shoppers insert a quarter to release a cart and get the quarter back upon the cart's return.  Other cost-saving practices include a smaller store footprint, open carton displays and encouraging customers to bring their own shopping bags.

ALDI also saves consumers money by keeping stores open during prime shopping times - typically from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

A grocery retailer that has grown without merger or acquisition, ALDI opened 80 new stores across the United States in 2009 and plans to open 100 stores in 2010.

20 Sep 2010

AirTran Airways Adds Service To Popular Florida Tourist Destination

By Quad City International Airport
Low-Cost Leader Expands Presence in Florida from Moline/Quad Cities

Moline/Quad Cities (September 15, 2010) This morning, AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today announced new flights to Florida tourist hot-spot Ft. Myers from the Quad City International Airport. 

AirTran Airways currently offers flights from more cities to Ft. Myers than any other airline. "Ft. Myers is one of the most requested destinations in our route network," said Kevin Healy, AirTran Airways' senior vice president of marketing and planning. "From the pristine beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands to the world-class golfing and fishing, not to mention baseball spring training, Southwest Florida is one of the most popular sun and fun destinations in America."
The following nonstop flights between Moline/Quad Cities and Ft. Myers will be available beginning March 8, 2011:

Nonstop Service Between Moline/Quad Cities and Ft. Myers
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
Moline/Quad Cities Ft. Myers 1641 11:34 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Tu, Th, Sat, Sun
Ft. Myers Moline/Quad Cities 1640 8:50 a.m. 10:59 a.m. Tu, Th, Sat, Sun
Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation states "We are extremely pleased with today's announcement for new service to Ft. Myers Florida starting on March 8th of next year. It proves to me that AirTran is still committed to this market. I hope our loyal area passengers and those who frequent the Ft. Myers and South Florida area, will use this convenient nonstop service with AirTran." Carter adds, "Coupled with this new destination, AirTran continues the Orlando nonstop flights four times per week-- every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Orlando service continues to be popular for families from throughout the regional area throughout the year."

With the addition of the Ft. Myers service, The Quad City International Airport now offers nonstop service on five airlines to eleven nonstop cities in the United States: Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Myers, Las Vegas, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, and Phoenix-Mesa. Bruce Carter says "I believe this may be first time in the history of the airport that flights to eleven nonstop cities have been offered."

AirTran Airways is a Fortune 1000 company and has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years.  AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. Our low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit www.airtran.com
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20 Sep 2010

Illinois Policy Institute's Turnaround Tour Visits Quad Cities Featuring Candidate's Forum

By Ryan Keith
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Think Tank Releases Findings of Statewide Poll on Top Economic Issues

ROCK ISLAND - The Illinois Policy Institute will visit the Quad Cities on their Turnaround Tour, a campaign focused on practical, common-sense solutions to rein in out-of-control spending, expand government transparency, remove government roadblocks to creating a more friendly business climate and reform the bankrupt state pension system. The Institute will also release findings from a statewide poll that discusses spending, taxes and other issues. The tour will include rallies with local leaders and educational forums with candidates for the state legislature to discuss their solutions to the state's fiscal problems.

Details on Candidate's Forum

WHO: Kristina Rasmussen, Executive Vice President of the Illinois Policy Institute, Moderator

INVITED: Richard Morthland, Candidate 71st House District

CANDIDATES: Dennis Ahern, Candidate 71st House District

WHAT: Turnaround Tour Candidate's Forum

WHEN: Wednesday, September 29th, 7:30 - 9 pm

WHERE: Holiday Inn Rock Island Hotel and Conference Center

Venice Room

226 17th Street, Rock Island, IL

For additional information on this event, visit:

http://www.illinoisturnaround.com/next-tour-stops/upcoming-tour-stops/september-29-quadcities/

About the Illinois Policy Institute

The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan research and education organization dedicated to making our state a beacon for liberty and prosperity for all citizens. As a leading voice for economic liberty and government accountability, we engage policy makers, opinion leaders, and citizens on the state and local level by promoting free market principles and liberty-based public policy initiatives for a better Illinois. To learn more about our organization or review our policy briefs, please visit our website at www.illinoispolicy.org.

 

20 Sep 2010

Thunder Bay Partners with Figge to Host Wine Dinner

By Katrina Padron

Thunder Bay will host a premiere 5 course wine dinner at The Figge on Wednesday September 29, 2010 at 6:30pm.

The wine dinner will be presented by Chefs Andy Wildermuth of Thunder Bay and Dave Micklewright of the Figge. Robert Mondavi wines will pair with each
Galleries open for tour at 5pm with a 6:30 reception and seating for dinner to follow.

Whether you are an experienced wine connoisseur or a novice, this dinner will celebrate remarkable wine, impressive culinary talents and the arts.
The cost per guest is $70 all inclusive. Call Dave or Kim to purchase tickets at  563.326.7804 ext. 1227.



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20 Sep 2010

Bettendorf Woman Bests Secret Ingredient Competition at Iowa State Fair

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (09/14/2010)(readMedia)-- Norita Solt of Bettendorf won first place in the We've Got a Secret (Ingredient) competition August 15, at the 2010 Iowa State Fair.

Competitors were put on the spot to incorporate a "secret ingredient" in an entrée of their choice. Entrees were prepared on site at the competition. Dishes were judged on best use of the ingredient.

Solt won $100 and a cookbook for her creation.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country.

"Non Stop Fun" at the Iowa State Fair ended August 22. The 2011 Iowa State Fair - "Nothing Compares" - is set August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

20 Sep 2010

Treasurer Fitzgerald Helps Teachers Prepare Students for the Basics

By readMedia

Free program provides teachers with pencils to use during Basic Skills testing

DES MOINES, IA (09/14/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is again offering free pencils for Iowa teachers to use during annual skills testing of 2nd and 3rd grade students through the Prepare for the Basics program. Last year the program distributed over 16,000 pencils to schools statewide. "Testing helps teachers monitor the growth of students' basic skills," Fitzgerald said. "This program is a small gesture of appreciation to our teachers for their hard work."

The Prepare for the Basics program also provides students and their families with information about College Savings Iowa, the state-sponsored 529 plan designed to provide an affordable, tax-advantaged way to save for future college expenses. "Families who can start saving early will be in a better position to help pay for college when the time comes," Fitzgerald stated. "Saving ahead of time may reduce the need to borrow for college, which can help families-and their children-get to graduation with less debt." To learn more about College Savings Iowa, go to www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116

Teachers can register to participate in the Prepare for the Basics program online at www.treasurer.state.ia.us. Click first on Education, then on Prepare for the Basics. Program materials will be sent directly to the participating schools. To ensure timely arrival, materials should be requested at least two weeks prior to testing. Supplies are limited, so early registration is advised.

20 Sep 2010

New Non Stop Service to Phoenix-Mesa Announced

By Quad City International Airport
ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NONSTOP, LOW-COST TRAVEL SERVICE BETWEEN MOLINE/QUAD CITIES AND PHOENIX-MESA WITH INTRODUCTORY $79.99* FARES

MOLINE, Ill. –Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced new, nonstop jet service between Moline/Quad Cities, Ill., and Phoenix-Mesa will begin Nov. 18. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service to Moline/Quad Cities residents with fares as low as $79.99* one-way.

"We're pleased to announce yet another affordable and convenient way for our customers to get away," Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President, said. "Nearly a month ago we announced new service to Las Vegas.  Today we announce service to the Phoenix-Mesa area.  We are confident the Quad Cities will appreciate the value of flying nonstop to Arizona and the great deals we offer on hotels and car rentals."

"It has been 18 years since the Quad Cities last had nonstop service to the Phoenix-Mesa area," Bruce Carter, Quad City International Airport Director of Aviation, said.  "I am sure travelers from throughout the region share in the excitement of today's announcement for Phoenix-Mesa service to begin this November. The Phoenix area is extremely popular with the Midwestern area snowbirds, golfers and conference attendees. We are pleased to be partnering with Allegiant and are happy they have been so responsive to our requests for both Las Vegas and Phoenix-Mesa service. We look forward to continued growth with Allegiant over the next several months and years."

The new flights will operate twice weekly between the Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA) with service Thursday and Sunday. Flights will depart Moline/Quad Cities at 1:25 p.m. arriving in Phoenix-Mesa at 3:40 p.m. Flights leaving Phoenix-Mesa will depart at 8:50 a.m. arriving in Moline/Quad Cities at 12:45 p.m. (all flight times are local).  The company will begin nonstop service to Las Vegas Oct. 14.

With breathtaking scenery, endless sun, unmatched resorts and miles of world-class golf courses, Phoenix-Mesa is a gateway to all that Arizona has to offer, including the Grand Canyon, Scottsdale, Tempe and Sedona. Not only is the area considered "The Golf Capital of the World," but also the "Resort Capital of the World," with numerous four- and five-diamond resorts. These premier resort communities feature shopping, dining, spa, activities and luxury accommodations for the perfect getaway to Arizona's unique Southwestern hospitality.

Allegiant is more than an airline, it is a full-service travel company that offers great value to its customers through its hotel and car rental packages.  The company partners with more than 40 of Arizona's most exciting hotel properties, including: Arizona Biltmore, Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa, Sheraton Crescent Hotel, Arizona Golf Resort, Hyatt Place Phoenix-Mesa, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and the Phoenician. Allegiant provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car.

Allegiant's $79.99* one-way introductory fare is limited, must be purchased by Oct. 5, 2010, and is valid for travel through March 8, 2011. Introductory fares are not available on all flights. After the introductory fare period, regular one-way fares on the route start as low as $99.99 one-way.  Reservations can be made on the company's website at www.allegiant.com or by calling the company's travel experts at 702-505-8888.

About the $79.99* one-way fare:

* Seats are limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by Oct. 5, 2010 for travel through March 8, 2011. Offer not available: Nov. 20-30, 2010, Dec. 18-31, 2010 and Jan. 1-3, 2011.  Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.70 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $14.99 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiant.com. A convenience fee of $14.99 per passenger, plus $14.99 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call centers. Purchases made at any Allegiant Air Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call-center fee. For ticket counter hours of operation, please visit www.allegiant.com. When purchased at the time of booking, a checked bag fee of $14.99-$29.99 per bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $35 per checked bag, per person, per segment will apply for the first two bags checked. Additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

About the Company

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT), is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.  Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services.  In 2010, Allegiant was ranked number one for low-cost carriers in Aviation Week's Top Performing Airline study and ranked 25 on FORTUNE magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies list.

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