09 Mar 2010

Iowa American Water Plans Temporary Treatment Change and Water Main Flushing

By Lisa Reisen
Company will switch to "free chlorine" treatment temporarily during its annual water main and hydrant flushing program.

DAVENPORT, IA (March 9, 2010) Iowa American Water will adjust its treatment process for the next five weeks as part of its regular, ongoing hydrant maintenance and flushing program.

From March 10 through April 19, the company will switch its disinfection method to a form of chlorine known as "free chlorine" which does not contain ammonia. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality experts to ensure optimum levels are present. However, due to the temporary change in the type of chlorine, customers mayexperiencea more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their tap water during the next five weeks.   There is no reason for concern. This is due to the switch in chlorine type only.

"The temporary switch in treatment is designed to make the routine flushing of water mains more effective and ensure we maintain our high quality water standards," said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water.

The treatment change is being done in conjunction with the company's water main flushing program which will be ongoing this spring.

Flushing of the LeClaire, Iowa distribution system is scheduled to begin on March 15. The flushing will be conducted from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day. In addition, flushing of the distribution system in Davenport and Bettendorf is continuing as well.

"The flushing program is designed to maintain a high quality of water in the distribution system by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains. Over time, these sediments can build up in water mains causing discolored water and/or restricted flows. As part of this program we will also inspect and operate fire hydrants to assure they are in good working order as well." Moore added.

While no interruptions in water service will occur as a result of the work, Iowa American Water advises that when crews are flushing nearby, customers may experience a drop in water pressure or some discoloration of their water. Iowa American Water recommends that any customers experiencing discolored water let their cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry during that time. Any water discoloration or low pressure problems should last only a short period of time.

If problems persist, notify Iowa American Water's customer service line toll free 24-hours a day at 1-866-641-2108.
The water main and hydrant flushing will be performed by Iowa American Water crews who will be working out of utility trucks labeled with the company logo. All employees will also have photo ID badges.

Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 200,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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09 Mar 2010

MOLINE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES DEADLINE FOR GRANTS APPLICATIONS

By Joy Boruff

A grants submission deadline has been announced by the Moline Community Foundation. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply if they serve the citizens of Moline and the surrounding region, including the Quad Cities.

All materials necessary to receive funds are due in The Moline Foundation offices by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2010 or must be postmarked by or on Thursday, April 15, 2010.

Any non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, including those who have never received Moline Foundation funding in the past, is welcome to apply.

An application should consist of a written request stating the name and address of the organization, its mission, names and addresses of Board members, financial statement, balance sheet, and the specific purpose for which any money received would be used including a project budget.  The name, telephone number, and email of a contact person must also be included.  The requested materials should be mailed according to the above deadline.

The Moline Community Foundation offices are located at the Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Avenue, Moline.

The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a community foundation which provides grants to health, human services, education, workforce development, the arts and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Moline and the surrounding area, including the Quad Cities region in both Iowa and Illinois.  The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts and works with citizens to achieve their dreams to improve the community.

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09 Mar 2010

Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding Assistance to Promote Job Creation and Economic Development in Seven States

By Tom Vilsack

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that utilities in seven states have been selected to receive funds that will create jobs and new business opportunities in rural America.

"Providing community development assistance, education, training and technical support to the residents of rural communities is critical to the Obama Administration's effort to build a strong and sustainable economy," said Vilsack.  "This funding will create good jobs and new business development opportunities."

For example, Tideland Electric Membership Corporation in Washington County, N.C., has been selected to receive a $740,000 loan and $300,000 grant to help construct a manufacturing facility in an industrial park.  The new business will provide medical manufacturing jobs.

In Miner County, S.D., the Heartland Consumers Power District has been selected to receive a $740,000 loan and $300,000 grant to provide funding for the construction of a facility to provide training opportunities for workers in the renewable energy industry.

The funding announced today is provided under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, administered by USDA Rural Development.  The program provides interest free loans and grants to local utilities that re-lend money to local businesses for projects that will create and retain jobs in rural areas. These funds are not provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the loan or grant agreement. The following is a complete list of recipients:

Illinois

  • Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative: $740,000 loan; to provide financing for the Fairfield Memorial Hospital's 25,000 square-foot medical arts building.

Iowa

  • Northwest Telephone Cooperative Association: $500,000 loan; to assist with expansion plans of business in West Bend
  • Grundy County Rural Electric Cooperative: $740,000 loan; to assist in the construction of a 15,000 square-foot data management center
  • Citizens Mutual Telephone Cooperative: $300,000 grant; to fund expansion and equipment upgrade for the Davis County Hospital
  • Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative, Inc.: $300,000 grant; to construct new high school in the Davis County Community School District
  • Consumers Energy: $300,000 grant; to finance the construction of a daycare facility in the community of Gladbrook
  • Independence Light & Power: $300,000 grant; to assist the Buchanan County Health Center
  • Corn Belt Power Cooperative: $300,000 grant; to fund public infrastructure project
  • Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative: $300,000 grant; to assist in the construction of a community building

Nebraska

  • Twin Valleys Public Power District: $300,000 grant; to assist in the construction of the Tri Valley Health System hospital addition
  • Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District: $300,000 grant; renovations to Valley County Courthouse

North Carolina

  • Tideland Electric Membership Corporation: $740,000 loan; $300,000 grant; to construct 20,000 square-foot manufacturing facility

Oklahoma

  • Caddo Electric Cooperative, Inc: $150,000 loan; to construct new office facilities for tornado-damaged accounting firm.

South Dakota

  • Heartland Consumers Power District: $740,000 loan; $300,000 grant; to construct the Maroney Training Complex

Tennessee

  • Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative: $740,000 loan;  to construct addition and renovation to the Hardin Medical Center-Cancer Treatment Center

USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facilities programs. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $130 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
09 Mar 2010

"Free Groceries for a Year!" Sweepstakes Partners with Iowa's Food Banks to Make Donations Easy

By Rick Martin

Des Moines, Iowa (March 8, 2010) - In the first two months of the Iowa Farmers Feed US (www.FarmersFeedUS.org) sweepstakes, Iowa consumers have taken advantage of the chance to win free groceries for a year, while also meeting the hard-working men and women who raise their food. In fact, since the promotion launched on Jan. 11, Iowa consumers have registered more than 97,000 times for a chance to win one of two grand prizes, while meeting an Iowa farmer each time.

And beginning March 8, Iowa Farmers Feed US is offering three ways for consumers to help feed their Iowa neighbors. Through a partnership with Iowa's six food banks, including Food Bank of Iowa, Food Bank of Southern Iowa, HACAP, Food Bank for the Heartland, Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Riverbend Food Bank, Midwest Dairy Association will donate $1 to the organizations for each new "fan" of the Iowa Farmers Feed US Facebook page (www.facebook.com/iafarmersfeedus) or "follower" via Twitter (www.twitter.com/iafarmersfeedus). Further, the donation promotion also extends to the Midwest Dairy Association's website (www.midwestdairy.com), where each click received from their homepage to the Iowa Farmers Feed US link will add another $1 to the donation. The donation drive will run until Wednesday, March 31, or until a combination of 30,000 new fans, followers, and website clicks are reached, adding to a $30,000 donation that was made in February.
In this final month of the sweepstakes, which runs through April 10, Iowa residents can continue to register for a chance to win one of two grand prizes of free groceries for a year*, courtesy of Iowa's farmers. Upon visiting the site, consumers can choose to register with each of five Iowa farmers daily and take a video tour of their farms. Each video explains how they produce safe, nutritious and affordable food for Iowa consumers.

"We're really pleased with the consumer response. Their support shows that they understand the importance of farmers in Iowa," said Jim Brown, a Churdan soybean farmer featured on the Web site. "And as Iowa farmers, we're proud to showcase our farms, sharing how we raise the food that Iowa consumers eat, while also introducing them to our families." Featured farmers include :
  • · Jim Brown, soybean farmer, Churdan
  • · Pam Johnson, corn farmer, Floyd
  • · Stephanie Dykshorn, dairy cattle farmer, Ireton
  • · Matt Schuiteman, hog farmer, Sioux Center
  • · Tim Kaldenberg, beef cattle farmer, Albia

Over the course of the 90-day campaign, consumers throughout the state will also see and hear from these farmers as they are featured in advertising, while also interacting with these and other Iowa farmers on their blogs and Facebook pages. See www.facebook.com/iafarmersfeedus and www.twitter.com/iafarmersfeedus for more information.

Supporting Iowa agriculture groups include Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Midwest Dairy Association, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
*Based on Food Marketing Institute figures, a $5,000 value.

The Center for Food Integrity is a not-for-profit corporation established to build consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system. Our members, who represent every segment of the food system, are committed to providing accurate information and addressing important issues among all food system stakeholders. The Center does not lobby or advocate for individual food companies or brands. For more information, visit www.foodintegrity.org.

09 Mar 2010

Bill Fennelly Announces Run For Re-Election

By Bill Fennelly

March 8, 2010, Davenport, Iowa - Scott County Treasurer Bill Fennelly announced that he is seeking re-election as Treasurer.  This is Fennelly's fifth run as county Treasurer.

Prior to his first election as Treasurer in 1994, Fennelly served on the Scott County Board of Supervisors for 13 years and was an alderman in the City of Davenport.  All told, he has a record of trustworthy, stable leadership in Scott County.  He is committed to serving all citizens of Scott County fairly, promptly and respectfully.  As a former business owner, he also works to ensure that the area economy is supported through investment of county funds locally, prudently and securely.

In an effort to be responsive to the citizens he and his staff serve, Fennelly has made many positive changes to when and how citizens are served.  He and his staff continually strive to improve the efficiencies of the Treasurer's office with timely, complete answers to questions and concerns.  They have also made contact with the office more user-friendly with expanded service hours and on-line payment options.

Bill Fennelly is committed to serving the citizens of Scott County with the utmost integrity.  Not one to sit still, he will make sure the Treasurer's office continues to take advantage of ever-changing technology improvements and efficiencies so that his department provides accurate and complete information to the citizens of Scott County.

For more information, contact Bill Fennelly at 563.391.2029.

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09 Mar 2010

Genesis Earns Communitas Award For Flu-Free Quad Cities Initiative

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- March 8, 2010 -- Communitas Awards has recognized Genesis Health System for Leadership In Community Service.

Genesis received a Communitas Award award for its Flu-Free Quad Cities project that provided seasonal influenza vaccinations to more than 10,000 elementary school children in 2009.

The Communitas Awards are an international effort to recognize exceptional businesses, organizations and individuals that are unselfishly giving of themselves and their resources, and those that are changing how they do business to benefit their communities. Nominees are evaluated on the extent and effectiveness of their efforts.

The Communitas Awards is an outgrowth of the pro bono recognition program of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). Founded in 1995, AMCP fosters and supports the efforts of its members who contribute their unique marketing and communication talents to public service and charitable organizations.

Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities is an initiative of Genesis Health System that started three years ago with the idea to protect thousands of elementary school children against seasonal influenza.

Starting out as a pilot project in 2007 with 300 students in three schools, the program has expanded to reach 10,000 children in 82 schools throughout the Quad Cities area of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Children in elementary schools often go unvaccinated. They are not generally considered to be a high-risk group because they rarely suffer severe complications of flu, but they are very efficient carriers.  They carry seasonal flu into their homes and into the communities where they reside.  They carry the flu to baby siblings who may be at higher risk from complications and to grandparents, who also are at higher risk of complications.

Through the Genesis Health Services Foundation, more than $250,000 was raised to fund the project in 2009.

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09 Mar 2010

Water Education Programs Sponsored by Iowa American Water Continue this Week in Local Schools

By Lisa Reisen
Final performances March 8 - 9 teach local students important water lessons

Davenport, Iowa. (March 8, 2010) - Iowa American Water and The National Theatre for Children, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are bringing the live theatrical show, "Alice in Water Land" to 12 local elementary schools in the Iowa Quad Cities. Final performances are scheduled at four local elementary schools on March 8 - 9. A schedule of performances dates/times and a program summary is included at the end of this release.

The presentations by the National Theatre for Children are part of Iowa American Water's youth education program. Iowa American Water has worked to enhance water education in area classrooms for decades by sponsoring an annual poster contest for over 20 years and sponsoring local Newspapers in Education "Water" and "Earth Day" issues. The Theatre for Children is an extension of that effort to bring water and conservation education to local elementary school students.

The National Theatre for Children, a Minnesota-based national touring company, works with corporations to relay their educational and public messages to students. Using simple sets and audience participation, the troupe will be presenting their program to hundreds of students in Iowa American Water's service areas throughout eastern Iowa. The shows share information on water education, water usage tips, and pollution control with students in a fun, interactive atmosphere.
About Iowa American Water Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 200,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com
09 Mar 2010

Scott County Historic Preservation Society

By Robert Jackson Jr.
The next meeting for the Scott County Historic Preservation Society (SCHPS)  will be held on March 11, 2010 at 7pm at the Beer Cellar Room at the Front Street Brewery located at 208 E. River Dr., Davenport, IA

Dr. Frank Claudy will perform on the Irish flute, playing authentic music of Ireland. Come early for optional dinner from 6-7pm
For more information contact Duane Timm at bigdaddydtimm@yahoo.com or  563-323-4088.
09 Mar 2010

Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities Presents Education Day

By Steve Dobbins

(Moline, IL - March 7, 2010)    Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities will host Education Day on Saturday, March 20, 2010. Grow Your Life. Evolve Your Mind. Become Your Vision.  Learn about targeted education for future careers; convenient "one course a month" day, afternoon, and evening schedules.  Meet the president, faculty, staff, students, and have the opportunity to tour classrooms and labs. Also, stay to watch the Metro Youth Group of Rock Island perform. Join in the fun, food, and enter to win one of the many fantastic prizes that will be given away.

Education Day is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. To register online, visit brownmackie.edu/EducationDay.

EVENT:  Brown Mackie College Education Day
'Grow Your Life. Evolve Your Mind. Become Your Vision.'

DATE:    Saturday, March 20, 2010

TIME:     10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Where:   Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities
1527 47th Ave.
Moline, IL 61265

For additional information about Education Day at Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities, contact Ann Sandoval at (309) 762-2100, (309) 292-7633, or visit http://www.brownmackie.edu/pr.aspx?ID=BMC2182.

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09 Mar 2010

THE PEOPLE WHO BRING YOU FOX 18 AND THE QUAD CITIES' CW ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THIS QUAD CITIES, MGM'S FREE MOVIE CHANNEL!

By Rick Martin

Davenport, IA - March 3rd, 2010 -THIS TV, the free broadcast movie network from MGM Studios and Weigel Broadcasting, is coming to the Quad Cities!  While over-the-air viewers have been able to watch THIS Quad Cities on channel 26.2 since December 10th, 2009, Muscatine Power & Water Cable subscribers were recently introduced to THIS Quad Cities on digital channel 146 while Mediacom Cable viewers were able to start enjoying the station on digital channel 113 starting March 3rd! Some of Hollywood's finest motion pictures from the treasured MGM library of over 4,100 timeless films have been blended with 10,000 hours of television's golden age to create THIS TV.

"THIS TV gives viewers in the Quad Cities area a new and free programming alternative," stated John Bryan, Executive Vice President, Broadcast Strategy, MGM. "Audiences know the MGM brand stands for quality entertainment and THIS TV delivers on that promise and more.  With blockbuster films and nostalgic television series from MGM's vast library, movie and TV buffs of all ages will find it equally entertaining."

THIS TV is a free movie and entertainment channel that airs a wide variety of films featuring first-rate star power, ranging from sweeping motion pictures such as "The Alamo" starring John Wayne, to Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland in "The Great Train Robbery" and "Moonraker" with Roger Moore as James Bond; to more contemporary fare including "At First Sight" with Oscar winner Mira Sorvino and Val Kilmer, and Mickey Rourke in "A Prayer for the Dying."

Television classics include :  "Stargate SG-1," "The Addams Family," "Mr. Ed," "Flipper," "The Outer Limits" and "Cagney & Lacey." Saturday mornings feature a children's block with such shows as the "Busy World of Richard Scary," "Wimzie's House," "The Country Mouse, City Mouse Adventures," and "The Adventures of Paddington Bear."

In addition to a great selection of iconic films and television series from the MGM library, THIS TV features original specials, Hollywood tributes and uniquely themed program nights that make the channel relevant to what's happening in today's entertainment scene. Recent specials include a behind-the-scenes look at Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Basterds" starring Brad Pitt and tributes to such stars as Farah Fawcett and David Carradine.

"Adding THIS TV was an easy choice for us," said John Bain, Director of Programming. "THIS TV has an ability to offer an enormous amount of high quality, star-studded movies that aren't the usual oversaturated fare found on other networks and we felt that a free movie channel will have mass appeal to our viewers."

For schedule highlights, viewers may check their local listings or visit http://www.this.tv/.

About THIS TV

THIS TV, cleared in over 80% of the United States, is a programming service for local television stations delivered over their digital platform. Created jointly by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Weigel Broadcasting, the channel leverages MGM's treasured library, which features over 4,100 films and 10,000 hours of television programming.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles.  Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com.

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