06 Apr 2010

Harkin Applauds the USDA for Releasing Over $2.7 Million in Grants and $18.9 Million in Loans for Areas Affected by 2008's Storms and Floods

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to award $2,712,118 in disaster relief funds to Iowa, and to provide an $18.9 million loan to construct a 19-bed critical access hospital in Clarinda.  The funding was competitively awarded through the USDA's Rural Development Community Facilities Program, and goes to parts of the state that have been declared national disaster areas by President Obama.  As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations committee, Harkin worked to help appropriate these funds.

"2008 is still fresh in the minds of thousands of Iowans whose communities were damaged by floods and storms," Harkin said. "These funds will help communities recover, increase disaster readiness and improve medical care.  I congratulate those who went through the competitive application process to receive these funds, and hope this gives our rural areas some much needed relief."
06 Apr 2010

Wetland Grant Applications Sought Through May 20

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., April 6, 2010) - Proposals for Wetland Program Development grants to develop effective, comprehensive programs for wetland protection and management will be accepted through May 20, 2010, from states, tribes and local governments.

EPA Region 7 anticipates $1,176,000 in federal funding to be available to fund approximately three to six awards. Awards will likely range from $100,000 to $500,000.

Parties interested in applying for the grants may contact Mandy Whitsitt, EPA Region 7, at whitsitt.mandy@epa.gov, or by calling (913) 551-7311, or toll-free, (800) 223-0425.

Proposals should be mailed to Mandy Whitsitt, Watershed Planning and Implementation Branch, Affairs, EPA Region 7, 901 N. 5th St., Kansas City, KS 66101. They must be received by

5 p.m. (CST) May 20. Proposals received after the due date will not be considered.

# # #

Grant application materials are available at: http://www.epa.gov/region07/economics/pdf/epa_r7wwpd_10_002.pdf

Learn more about the Wetland Program Development Grants: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines/

06 Apr 2010

Ethics/lobbyist report released from Office of Government Ethics

By Sen. Charles Grassley

Monday, April 5, 2010

Senator Chuck Grassley today made the following comment regarding the release of the first report on the President's Executive Order on Ethics.

On January 21, 2009, President Obama issued an Executive Order that prohibited former lobbyists from serving in his Administration, or recuse themselves from work they did as a lobbyist.  However, the Executive Order included a loophole that allowed former lobbyists to obtain a waiver or recusal allowing them to circumvent the revolving door ban.  White House staff said the use of the waiver or recusal would be limited and transparent.  After questions from Grassley, White House staff said that the waivers and recusals for lobbyists would be in a year-end report from the Office of Government Ethics.

A copy of the report can be found on the Office of Government Ethics' website:  http://www.usoge.gov/directors_corner/reports/rpt_exorder13490.pdf .

Here is Grassley's statement.

"This administration's promise that lobbyists would not have a place in the executive branch is losing credibility.  The report from the Office of Government Ethics shed some sunlight on how many lobbyists were appointed, contradicts the prior statements that lobbyists weren't welcome in the administration, and outlines that the administration has welcomed lobbyists through waiver, recusal and even no check at all.  It's this type of double-talk that breeds cynicism and distrust at the grassroots."

06 Apr 2010

Scott County Student Visits Grassley

By Sen. Charles Grassley

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2010 - Senator Chuck Grassley recently met with Jonathan Daters of Eldridge in Washington, D.C.

Daters, a junior at North Scott High School, was in Washington, D.C. attending the National Youth Leadership Conference.  The conference provides opportunities for students to discuss issues with private and public sector leaders, meet members of Congress and visit Washington's historical landmarks.  During their visit, students take part in group discussion and decision-making exercises to further prepare themselves for leadership roles.

Grassley discussed the opportunity that students have to intern in one of his offices.  "Being an intern is a valuable experience that allows students to get an inside look at politics and become more involved in representative government."

"It was great to meet with Jonathan," Grassley said.  "I enjoyed hearing his views and answering his questions about government.  During his time in Washington, he received a first-hand look at the federal government in action.  I'm glad Jonathan was able to see some of my day-to-day activities."

Meeting with young people has been a priority for Grassley throughout his career in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.  He enjoys meeting with nearly 60 groups of students every year.  To schedule a meeting with Grassley, visit http://grassley.senate.gov and click on Scheduling Requests under the Info for Iowans tab.

-30-

06 Apr 2010

Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow Communities Winner Selected

By Liz Suter-Van Leer

Ronald Wilson of Bettendorf has been selected as a winner in Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM Project, which gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite non-profit organizations in each of Iowa's 99 counties. Wilson has designated the North Scott FFA, located in Eldridge to receive the award in Scott County. A special check ceremony will take place during the North Scott FFA Banquet and Awards Ceremony. Media are invited to attend.  Interview and photo opportunities available.

WHEN:             Thursday, April 8

6 p.m. - Banquet

7 p.m. - Awards Ceremony

WHERE:           North Scott High School

200 S. 1st Street

Eldridge, IA 52748

Overview:  The America's Farmers Grow Communities Project was offered throughout Iowa and in parts of Missouri and Arkansas. It is part of a broad commitment by Monsanto Company to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow their local communities. More than 7,500 farmers participated in the program, which is designed to benefit non-profit groups such as ag youth, schools and other civic organizations. For more information, visit www.growcommunities.com.

06 Apr 2010

Build America Bonds report misses key points, Grassley says

By Sen. Charles Grassley
Monday, April 5, 2010

Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Committee on Finance, with jurisdiction over tax policy, made the following comment in response to report from the Treasury Department in support of Build America Bonds.

"The thin 11-page report from President Obama's Treasury Department released on Friday fails to mention that, according to Thomson-Reuters data, California and New York did 16 of the 17 largest Build America Bonds deals.  Taxpayers from the rest of the country are bailing out California and New York under the Build America Bonds program, which offers state aid in the form of fat checks from the Treasury Department just for issuing Build America Bonds.  California and New York get a better deal from the program than states with better credit ratings, because the program simply pays 35 percent of the non-taxpaying entity's interest costs, regardless of how high their interest rate goes.  Of course state and local governments are going to 'save' money under the Build America Bonds program ? they're being sent checks from the American taxpayers that they don't need to pay back.  Also, some analysts are pointing out that municipal debt could be the next debt crisis, so it's fair to ask whether federal policy should encourage increased municipal debt that could contribute to a meltdown.

"This report confirms that large Wall Street investment banks continue to receive higher underwriting fees on Build America Bonds deals than they receive for tax-exempt bond deals.  Also, the report is simply factually incorrect.  It states that a 28 percent subsidy rate for Build America Bonds is revenue-neutral for the federal government.  However, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office's analysis of President Obama's fiscal year 2011 budget stated that a 28 percent subsidy rate for Build America Bonds will cost American taxpayers an additional $8 billion over 10 years.  The large Wall Street investment banks aren't satisfied with a 28 percent subsidy rate and have stated publicly that they want more.  Fortunately for the Wall Street banks, but unfortunately for American taxpayers, the House gave in to the Wall Street banks' demands and recently passed a bill providing for a subsidy rate as high as 33 percent.  Instead of looking out for just California, New York and Wall Street banks, I'm looking out for the American taxpayers who are going to be stuck with the tab."

06 Apr 2010

IDNR celebrates Earth Day in the Parks

By Chad McCloud

4th annual event promotes natural resources stewardships for students.

SPRINGFIELD, April 5, 2010 - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host more than 1,200 students at state parks throughout Illinois in April and May to celebrate Earth Day.  The 4th annual Earth Day in the Parks event series has become an increasingly poplular way to get children involved in the outdoors through a variety of conservation stewardship activities.

"What better way to celebrate Earth Day and our natural resources than giving students the opportunity to help the environment through fun and fulfuilling activities right in their own backyards," said IDNR Director Marc Miller. "Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see the next generation of outdoor stewards engaged in nature."

Sponsored by the IDNR Office of Public Services, Office of Land Management and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF), Earth Day in the Parks offer students the opportunity to get outdoors and work in nature.  Their hands-on experiences help students develop a sense of ownership of the natural resources while enhancing wildlife habitat and natural areas protection.  Students and teachers are encouraged to return to the park to study the effects of their work.

"With more than 40 events throughout the state, there is definitely something for every student of every age.  Our hope is that students will be hooked on the outdoors for life," said Miller.  "Their visit during Earth Day in the Parks could be the first introduction in a lifetime of stewardship for many of these youth."

School groups were selected to participate at park sites through random drawings from an application process held earlier this year.

The Earth Day in the Parks sites in the Quad Cities region are:

 

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

28616 Sauk Trial Road, Kewanee, Illinois

Date: April 27. Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

Project: planting native tree species

School: AlWood High School, Woodhull

 

Prophetstown State Park

Riverside Drive, Prophetstown, Illinois

Date: April 22. Time: 9:00am-11:00am

Project: planting native tree species

School: Prophetstown High School

 

Rock Island Trail State Park

311 East Williams, Wyoming, Illinois

Date: April 21. Time: to be determined.

Project: planting native prairie wildflowers and grasses.

School: Dunlap Grade School, Dunlap

06 Apr 2010

State of Iowa Has AAA Rating With Fitch Ratings

By readMedia Newswire

DES MOINES, IA (04/05/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that Iowa has the highest rating from another top bond rating company. Fitch Ratings has joined Standard and Poor's in giving the State of Iowa's general obligation bond rating the best possible rating, 'AAA.' "This is great news for Iowa," Fitzgerald stated. "Two of the major rating firms say we have the best possible rating. It says a great deal about our economy and financial management."

Iowa's AAA rating results from Fitch's move to a global rating scale. This recalibration makes their ratings for municipal and corporate entities more comparable. "We are among fourteen states that have the Fitch AAA rating," Fitzgerald stated, "So, in these tough economic times, Iowa has stayed the course and experts notice." Credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet its financial commitments. Fitch analyzes a state's economy, financial management and liabilities to establish its credit quality.

###

05 Apr 2010

FIELD & STREAM LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR COUNTRY'S TOP OUTDOORSMAN

By Rick Martin

$75,000 in Cash and Prizes on the Line

FREE Total Outdoors-Kid Challenge April 17-18 at Bass Pro Shops

New York, NY?April 5, 2010?FIELD & STREAM, the world's leading outdoor magazine, and BASS PRO SHOPS, America's favorite outdoors store, today announced the dates for the 2010 FIELD & STREAM TOTAL OUTDOORSMAN CHALLENGE?PRESENTED BY MOBIL 1.  Now in its seventh year, the annual coast-to-coast competition to name the most competent sportsman in the land will kickoff with FREE qualifying events at Bass Pro Shops on April 17-18. This year kids are getting in on the fun, too, with their very own Total Outdoors-Kid Challenge with free activities, prizes and giveaways.

Widely celebrated as the country's premier competition for outdoorsmen, The 2010 Total Outdoorsman Challenge will host FREE local qualifiers at 48 participating Bass Pro Shops on Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please visit www.totaloutdoorsmanchallenge.com for a complete list of participating stores. Thousands of sportsmen and -women across the country are expected to showcase their skills in baitcasting, air rifle and archery competitions. (Competitors must bring their own archery and baitcasting equipment.) Spectators and participants at the events will also be able to sign up to win great prizes, including Rocky Boots, given away at each store, and a trip for two to Big Cedar Lodge.

"If you love hunting, fishing and camping then you've likely been training for this event your entire life," says Anthony Licata, editor of Field & Stream. "Being a Total Outdoorsman means you approach every outdoor experience as an opportunity to grow your skills and have fun doing it, and that's exactly what this whole competition is about. It's a chance to celebrate the outdoors and earn big money and bragging rights all for doing what you love."

TOTAL OUTDOORS-KID CHALLENGE
Kids will be joining in the fun this year with the new "Total Outdoors-Kid Challenge."  A fun and free event taking place at Bass Pro Shops Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18, from noon to 3 p.m. with prizes for all. The young outdoorsmen will be able to participate in fun, friendly challenges like bucket fishing, archery, life-jacket races and the sleeping bag roll-up.  They can also enjoy other free activities like drawstring bag coloring, knot-tying lessons, the Total Outdoors-Kid Activity booklet and prizes at the Prize Wheel?all while supplies last.

TOTAL OUTDOORSMAN CHALLENGE REGIONAL & NATIONAL EVENTS

Field & Stream editors will evaluate the local qualifier results to cull the top 200 participants to contend in one of four regional qualifying events taking place in June 2010.  Participants who place in the top three positions at the regional qualifiers will then advance to the final championship, where they will face off against the top three finishers from the 2009 Total Outdoorsman Challenge as well as one "wildcard" competitor selected from online submissions at www.totaloutdoorsmanchallenge.com. The Total Outdoorsman Challenge will culminate in an intensive, three-day, final championship event at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Missouri, September 9-11, 2010, pitting 16 of the nation's top outdoorsmen in head-to-head competition in seven outdoor skill challenges:  fly-fishing, bass fishing, rifle, shotgun, endurance, archery and ATV handling.

For the third year in a row, Field & Stream will host a regional event during the widely-attended, four-day CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn., June 10-13, 2010, the "crown jewel" of country music events.  Total Outdoorsman Challenge defending champion Tom Boatwright will show off his keen outdoor skills against a field of country music stars in a special celebrity edition of the competition on June 11 leading up to the regional qualifier slated for the following day.

The May issue of Field & Stream (on newsstands now) features "The Total Outdoorsmen Guide Book" with instruction from five of the nation's most successful hunting and fishing guides. Competitors looking for more information can check out Total Outdoorsman Challenge training tip videos at www.totaloutdoorsmanchallenge.com

There is no fee to enter the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge Presented by Mobil 1 and each event is open to the public. Anyone is invited to cheer on sportsmen from all walks of life as they test their abilities across a wide range of outdoor disciplines.

The Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge Presented by Mobil 1, enjoys support from: Bass Pro Shops, Outdoor Channel, Yamaha, Toyota, Eukanuba, Rocky Boots, 505 Games, ThermaCELL, Diamond Archery, Smith & Wesson, Thompson Center Arms, Smith & Wesson Firearm Care Products, CMA Music Festival.

FIELD & STREAM TOTAL OUTDOORSMAN CHALLENGE SCHEDULE:

Local Qualifiers?April 17-18
(Listed in alphabetical order by city)

? Altoona, IA
? Arundel (Baltimore), MD 
? Atlanta, GA
? Auburn, NY
? Auburn Hills (Detroit), MI
? Bolingbrook, IL 
? Bossier City, LA
? Broken Arrow, OK
? Cincinnati, OH
? Clarksville, IN
? Columbia, MO
? Concord (Charlotte), NC
? Council Bluffs, IA
? Dania Beach (Ft. Lauderdale), FL
? Denham Springs, LA
? Denver, CO
? Fort Myers, FL
? Foxborough, MA
? Garland, TX
? Grapevine, TX
? Gurnee, IL
? Hampton, VA
? Hanover County (Richmond), VA
? Harrisburg, PA
? Independence, MO
? Katy, TX
? Las Vegas, NV
? Leeds, AL
? Macon, GA
? Manteca, CA
? Memphis, TN
? Mesa, AZ
? Myrtle Beach, SC
? Nashville, TN
? Oklahoma City, OK
? Olathe, KS 
? Orlando, FL
? Pearl, MS
? Pearland , TX
? Portage, IN
? Prattville, AL
? Rancho Cucamonga, CA
? Rossford, OH
? San Antonio, TX
? Savannah, GA
? Sevierville, TN
? Spanish Fort (Mobile), AL
? Springfield, MO


 Regional Championships:
? Grapevine, TX - June 5
? Nashville, TN - June 12 at the CMA Music Festival
? Independence, MO - June 19
? Leeds, AL - June 26

National Championship:
? Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Lampe, MO - September 9-11


05 Apr 2010

Quad City Senior Star at Elmore Place Opens New Concept in Retirement Living:

By Leslie Dick
March 29, 2010, Davenport, IA - Senior Star at Elmore Place has become one of the Quad Cities' newest retirement communities - officially opening all of its 236 senior housing apartments that will redefine senior living. The three-building retirement campus, located at 4500 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA, features independent, assisted and memory care apartments that focus on spa-style fitness, gourmet-style dining and concierge services promoting quality of life and independence - a philosophy of world class customer service. The community has been under construction through 2009 and is now completed. It is projected to employ 200, as it contributes to economic development along the Elmore corridor with the addition of its residents and visiting families.

"Senior living is completely different than what it used to be," says Elmore Place Executive Director Leslie Dick. "The key is to help families embrace these life changes as positive, opening a new opportunity for socialization and experiences without the feelings of guilt or fear. Those in the Quad Cities contemplating retirement or considering an assisted living or memory care environment for themselves or their parents will find our community ready to enhance lives that can oftentimes be better than before."

The Independent Living complex features 61 apartments, complete with kitchenettes, a luxurious hotel-style dining area, Internet computer stations and fitness facilities such as a therapy pool, Wii lounge and much more. "Seniors can come and go, eat in their apartments or meet friends in our dining room or the pub," explains Dick. Senior Star has hired a chef to cater to all residents in each separate building within the community. "We focus on all aspects of the individual for healthy living including his or her physical, spiritual, mental and social needs. It's our goal that every resident leads what we like to call a 'Stellar Life.'"

The assisted living building has 135 units and is located in the largest building on campus. The residents are supported by a 24-hour care staff, receive assistance in all aspects of daily living, as well as individualized assessments to promote cognitive, emotional and physical independence. The building also features a grand common area for dining and community gatherings.

The memory care community features 40 private apartments and is designed especially for those with memory care needs. "We have incorporated in our memory care building design elements, practices and research-based methodologies from the Alzheimer's Association and the federal Administration on Aging in order to maximize a person's dignity, self-determination and independence," says Christine Gilbert, RN and Elmore Place memory care director. Ms. Gilbert says the new campus includes Destination ProgrammingT and a SnoezelenR room that promotes soothing, sensory experiences.

Senior Star at Elmore Place is managed by Senior Star Services in Tulsa, Okla. Senior Star currently operates or owns nine retirement communities in the Mid- and Southwest. In addition to the Elmore Place property, Senior Star also just opened another community in Romeoville, IL, a western suburb of Chicago.

"We are looking forward to becoming a part of the Quad City community and working with retirees and their children in writing a new chapter in their lives," says Ms. Dick, who relocated from Tulsa after managing a Senior Star property there. "I have found the Quad Cities to be a lot like Oklahoma - friendly and willing to work together to better our hometowns."

"We are a very community-minded organization and are ready to forge partnerships with Quad City senior advocacy organizations to ensure seniors enjoy the quality of life they deserve. Our mission is to help seniors and their families embrace senior living, and we instill this corporate philosophy of compassion in employee training programs from housekeeping to management," says Ms. Dick.
The grand opening event is Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Senior Star at Elmore Place, 4500 Elmore Ave., Davenport, IA. To tour the Senior Star Community any time, contact Rhonda Halterman at (563) 359-0100.

About Senior Star
Senior Star, based in Tulsa, Okla., is a private company founded in 1976 and entered the seniors housing business in 1989. Its portfolio currently includes nine retirement communities in six states. As a recognized leader in the seniors housing industry, the company provides independent, assisted living and memory care options. Additional information is available on the Web site, www.seniorstar.com

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