22 Feb 2010

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND SANITATION IN COMMUNITIES IN 19 STATES

By Tom Vilsack

WASHINGTON, February 19, 2010 ? Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the funding of 47 projects designed to protect public health by improving water quality and public sanitation services in 19 states. The projects, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, are expected to provide construction jobs and create infrastructure needed to support community growth.

"These investments in water and wastewater infrastructure will deliver safe drinking water and protect the quality of our environment," Vilsack said. "A safe, reliable water supply is vital to economic growth and development. Through these projects, we are helping to achieve the Obama Administration's economic recovery goals to rebuild and revitalize the nation's infrastructure."

For example, the state of Kansas will build eight projects including one in the city of Muscotah. The community has been selected to receive a loan of $240,000 and a grant of $506,000 to construct a new 65,000-gallon elevated water storage tank and install new water lines. Muscotah water system improvements will reduce waterline breakages, meet the state water pressure requirements, and provide community residents with safe, dependable drinking water supplies.

The Fort Smith Water and Sewer District in Montana has been selected to receive a $1,368,000 loan and $2,322,000 grant to construct a new well and well house, connect two systems to a main line, install new fire hydrants and water meters, and construct a 100,000-gallon water storage tank. These system improvements will boost community water pressure.

The loan and grant funding announced today totals $128.1 million. To date, USDA has announced $2.2 billion in Recovery Act funds for water and environmental projects. The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama one year ago.

The funding announced today is being administered by USDA Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement. Below is a list of award recipients in the Midwest:

Illinois

  • Village of Marissa: $1,380,000 loan; $815,000 grant; water system improvements

  • FMC Water Company: $700,000 loan; water system improvements

Indiana

  • Mexico Community Regional Sewer District: $1,506,000 loan; $4,449,000 grant; wastewater system improvements

  • Town of Osgood: $2,370,000 loan; $778,000 grant; water system improvements

Iowa

  • Southern Iowa Rural Water Association (SIRWA): $538,000 loan; $1,256,000 grant; wastewater system improvements

  • Southern Iowa Rural Water Association (SIRWA): $181,000 loan; $402,000 grant; wastewater system improvements

Kansas

  • City of Burlingame: $890,000 loan; wastewater system improvements

  • City of Muscotah: $240,000 loan; $506,000 grant; water system improvements

  • City of Olpe: $355,000 loan; $570,000 grant; water system improvements

  • Osage County Rural Water District No. 6: $395,000 loan; water system improvements

  • City of Parker: $390,400 loan; wastewater system improvements

  • City of Smolan: $598,000 loan; wastewater system improvements

  • City of Weir: $237,000 loan; storm drain system improvements

  • City of Woodston: $342,000 loan; $484,000 grant; water system improvements

Minnesota

  • City of Maple Lake: $1,314,000 loan; $604,000 grant; wastewater and water system improvements

Missouri

  • Vernon County Public Water Supply District #7: $272,000 loan; $68,050 grant; water system improvements

South Dakota

  • City of Sisseton: $616,000 loan; water system improvements

Wisconsin

  • Village of Clyman: $2,317,000 loan; $1,727,000 grant; construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF)

  • Village of Winneconne: $3,659,000 loan; $916,000 grant; wastewater treatment plant improvements

  • City of Mauston: $782,000 loan; $208,000 grant; water system improvements

  • City of Mauston: $694,000 loan; $204,000 grant; wastewater system improvements

  • Country Estates Sanitary District: $1,456,000 loan; $3,120,000 grant; wastewater system improvements

President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.

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22 Feb 2010

HARKIN ANNOUNCES $200,000 FOR ENERGY ASSURANCE PLANNING INITIATIVES IN DAVENPORT

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON D.C. ? Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that $200,000 is coming to the City of Davenport to help prepare for energy emergencies and disruptions.  These emergency preparedness plans, funded through the Department of Energy (DOE) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide the city with resources to quickly recover and restore power following any energy supply disruptions.  Harkin worked to secure these funds through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, which wrote the Recovery Act.

"It is important that our cities are able to recover from the aftermath of any kind of emergency," said Harkin. "This award will help make it possible for the City of Davenport to restore itself to working order and get back to business in the case of an energy emergency."

According to the DOE, these Local Energy Assurance Planning (LEAP) funds are being awarded across the country to allow local governments to hire and train staff and expand their capabilities to respond to a variety of energy emergencies, such as blackouts, hurricanes, floods, ice storms, or possible terrorist attacks.  Each community will identify and assess energy supply disruption scenarios; train personnel on energy infrastructure and supply systems; and increase their knowledge of local energy interdependencies to reduce their response, restoration and recovery time.  Additionally, the LEAP funding will facilitate information sharing and coordination between states, local jurisdictions, and industry, reducing duplication and decreasing the time required to recover and restore the energy infrastructure.

22 Feb 2010

Governor Quinn Declares "Edna Stewart Day" to Honor Chicagoan for More than Four Decades of Serving Soul Food and Second Chances

By Rick Martin

Governor Quinn Celebrates Black History Month

CHICAGO - February 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today celebrated Black History Month and declared "Edna Stewart Day" in honor of the Chicago restaurateur known throughout the state for offering soul food and a second chance for those in need.

"Black History Month gives us a time to reflect upon those who have made significant positive contributions to the African-American community in Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "I want to commend Edna Stewart for her remarkable impact on Illinois, devoting over four decades to serving delicious soul food and second chances on the West Side of Chicago."

Since 1966, Edna Stewart has been doling out some of the most popular soul food in Illinois at Edna's Restaurant in Chicago. Stewart is a native Chicagoan who learned to cook from her mother, a Tennessee-born sharecropper. The menu at Edna's Restaurant reflects her upbringing with simple but hearty soul food.

After more than four decades in business, Edna's Restaurant has become a Chicago institution and a landmark of the Civil Rights era. Edna's Restaurant became a haven of food and support to Civil Rights leaders working nearby, serving Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

In addition to baking her famous biscuits, Stewart has also provided job opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals who have had difficulty finding jobs after being released. Over the years she has given a second chance to more than 100 formerly incarcerated individuals.

Last year during Black History Month, Governor Quinn honored Julieanna Richardson, founder and executive director of The HistoryMakers. For more than a decade, Richardson has been committed to preserving American history by highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of unsung African-Americans through thousands of taped and archived interviews. The non-profit HistoryMakers demonstrates the important role everyday people played in African-American-led movements and preserves the material for generations to come.

22 Feb 2010

Book Signing Event

By Connie Wilson
Connie (Corcoran) Wilson will be signing her new collection of short stories entitled Hellfire and Damnation (Sam's Dot Press) at Barnes & Noble bookstore at Northpark Mall in Davenport from 1 to 3 p.m. (or later) on Saturday, March 13th. Visit www.HellfireandDamnationtheBook.com to see a trailer.
22 Feb 2010

American Society of Safety Engineers' Search is on for 100 Women Who Have Made a Difference in Safety

By Diane Hurris

DES PLAINES, IL (February 18, 2010) - The American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) Women in Safety Engineering (WISE) common interest group will honor 100 women who have, or are currently, making a difference through their work and dedication to protecting people, property and the environment, as part of ASSE's 100th anniversary celebrations in 2011. This week WISE issued a call for nominations.

WISE honored four women in its monthly newsletter to members in October 2009 and will continue to do so until October 2011 when the group will consolidate the profiles and nominations of 100 dedicated women into a single publication, 100 Women - Making a Difference in Safety. Those nominated do not have to be ASSE members.

WISE was established by ASSE and its members to foster the advancement of women in the safety, health and environmental (SH&E) profession.  The officers of WISE are Chair Kelly Bernish; Vice Chair Jennifer Zipeto; Secretary Terrie Norris, who also serves as ASSE Senior Vice President; and, Treasurer Maureen Johnson.

The ASSE group plans to honor women who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the lives of others through their work, dedication and innovation in SH&E work.

"Some paved the way long before ASSE was founded in 1911, like Rebecca Luken who made a difference in manufacturing safety protection devices in the 1800's," ASSE WISE Chair Bernish said. "Other possible nominees, such as ASSE Professional Development Vice President Patricia Ennis and Terry Wigfall, are ASSE members making a difference today. Our honorees will be diverse. They won't all be public figures, well known, or famous; they will be everyday heroes making a difference in the lives of others."

To nominate a woman for the WISE '100 Women Project' complete the nomination form on the ASSE WISE web site at  http://www.asse.org/practicespecialties/wise/100womenform.php.

For those who would like to participate in this project or  find out more information, please contact:  Bernish at Kelly.A.Bernish@disney.com, Jennifer Zipeto at jzipeto@gmail.com, Terrie Norris at tsnorris@earthlink.net, Deb McDaniel at mcdanied@kochind.com, and/or Maureen Johnson at maureenj@us.ibm.com.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the largest and oldest professional safety society and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education. For more information please go to www.asse.org.

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22 Feb 2010

Release:German language classes, themed-bus trips, and workshops now offered at the German American Heritage Center

By Kathryn Davis

DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 18, 2010) Registrations are now being accepted for several new offerings at the German American Heritage Center & Museum in Davenport, Iowa. Staring this March, the museum will offer a 12-week German language classes, both for beginners and advanced learners. The cost is only $75 for members and $95 for nonmembers; and $20 for the language manual. The course begins March 23 and runs through June 15, meeting Tuesdays. German Level I meets from 5 - 6:30 p.m. and German Level II meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m.


The museum is also offering an in depth 4-week Scherenschnitte:German Art of Paper Cutting Workshop in May. The workshop meets every Saturday from 2 - 4 p.m. starting May 1 and ending May 22. This class is perfect for any experience level. The cost is $40 for museum members or $55 for nonmembers. The workshop supply cost is $10. Germans settling in Pennsylvania created paper cuttings which were used for marriage and birth certificates, Christmas ornaments, home decoration, or simply for the joy of creating art. Many other groups have cutting styles unique to their regions: Jewish, Polish, Dutch, Chinese, Mexican and Japanese paper cutting. The workshop will be conducted by Cynthia Deitch who has been paper cutting for several years.

Also, the museum is hosting a bus trip and tour to historic Kalona, Iowa on Monday, May 3 1800's when you visit the Historical Village with its 13 authentically restored buildings. As you leave behind the stress of today's world, expect to be refreshed and invigorated with many insights into the deeply abiding family values, work and unpretentious lifestyles. Throughout the day the group will travel the scenic back-roads and experience Amish way of life. Participants will explore Kalona Historic Village and Quilt & Textile Museum and enjoy a visit to the bakery, shops and general store. During the trip, participants will also have an opportunity to watch a live horse auction as well. Also view some magnificent, hand-stitched Amish quilts and watch demonstrations such as noodle making and cheese making, and traditional crafts including woodworking. Lunch will be in a farm house and served family style. Lunch will include roast beef, noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread, relish, pies and ice tea or coffee. To reserve your spot for the trip, call 563-322-8844 before April 26.


Additional bus trips are planned throughout the year including a trip to German Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 24, a trip to Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin on October 16, and a trip to the Christmas Market in Chicago, Illinois in December.


Several additional programs and events are also scheduled for the spring and are free to museum members or free with paid admission. The programs and events can be viewed at www.gahc.org. The German American Heritage Center & Museum is located at 712 West 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa.

The Mission of the German American Heritage Center & Museum is to preserve and enrich for present and future generations knowledge of the German immigrant experience and its impact on the American Culture. The museum also focuses on cultural programs and immigrant contributions and partnerships with other heritage groups. They seek to reach out to other cultural groups and demonstrate the contributions immigrants from many countries and from varied backgrounds have made to the ethnic palette which is the United States. 

-END-

22 Feb 2010

$640,862 to Iowa from the U.S. Department of Transportation

By Sen. Charles Grassley

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded a $640,862 formula grant to Iowa through the State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program.

"This money will help improve safety on Iowa highways," Grassley said.

The State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program supports state highway safety programs designed to reduce traffic crashes and resulting deaths, injuries, and property damage.

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22 Feb 2010

USDA ANNOUNCES GRANTS FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES TO STRENGHTHEN RURAL COMMUNITIES

By Sen. Charles Grassley
GeorgiaWyoming

WASHINGTON, February 18, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of community based organizations in 18 states to receive funding to promote economic growth. USDA Rural Development Rural Housing Administrator Tammy Trevino made the announcement on Vilsack's behalf while attending an event with Senator Blanche Lincoln at the Arkansas Studies Institute in Little Rock. The organizations will receive more than $6.5 million in total grants to support rural economic development efforts.

"These funds support USDA's partnership with rural America to bring increased economic opportunity to rural citizens and communities," Vilsack said. "They will serve as investments that will help organizations build the capacity and expertise of local nonprofit groups."

For example, in Little Rock, Ark., Winrock International was selected to receive a $251,706 grant to help local groups establish economic development projects, and deliver services including energy audits, teach sustainable business practices and management.

In Bozeman, Mont., Rural Community Innovations, d/b/a National Enterprise, was selected to receive a $251,706 grant to develop a program that provides technical assistance to two non-profit tribal entities and three federally recognized tribes.  Rural Community Innovations will help organizations develop community facilities and housing for low-income and elderly residents along with at-risk and homeless youth in rural communities.

Land-of-Sky Regional Council, in Asheville, N.C., was selected to receive a $50,700 grant to provide technical assistance to help local organizations deliver housing assistance services. Training and technical assistance efforts involve financial planning and management; strategic planning; personnel selection; and sustainability.

The funding announced today is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Community Development Initiative Program which helps community based development organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes and other groups promote economic growth in low-income, rural communities. Recipients are required to obtain matching funds, increasing the value of the grants. The grants are awarded to public or nonprofit intermediary organizations. The funds are then provided to recipients, which must be located in eligible rural areas. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the grant agreement. The grant awards announced today are not provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The list of the RCDI grant recipients includes the following:

Iowa
  • Iowa League of RC &Ds: $251,706

Minnesota

  • Corporation for Supportive Housing: $200,000
  • Greater Minnesota Housing Fund: $251,706
  • Minnesota Home Ownership Center: $251,706
  • Initiative Foundation: $251,706

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 $127 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

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21 Feb 2010

Braley Introduces Payroll Tax Cut to Spur Small Business Job Creation

By Caitlin Legacki

Back to Work Act will benefit small businesses that hire workers who have been unemployed for more than 60 days

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) introduced legislation today that will spur small business job creation by creating a payroll tax cut for small business owners who hire previously unemployed workers. The Back to Work Act will exempt small businesses from paying the employer's share of the social security tax for the rest of 2010 if they hire workers who have been unemployed for more than 60 days prior to employment. The Back to Work Act is similar to bipartisan legislation proposed by Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

"It goes without saying that America's small businesses are the backbone of our economy," Braley said. "As we continue to develop policies to strengthen our economy and put America's middle class families back to work, small business development will be one of the keys to our success.  This payroll tax cut is win-win, giving small business owners the help they need to create good-paying jobs for unemployed workers."

The Back to Work Act provides small business owners with greater incentives to hire workers for long-term positions, providing additional tax incentives for businesses that retain employees for 52 consecutive weeks. The payroll tax cut provides greater incentive for employers to move quickly to hire new workers because the credit expires at the end of the year.  The sooner employees are hired, the more time small business owners have to benefit from the credit.

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18 Feb 2010

Iowa Basketball Film, Winning Favor

By Anita Borngaars

February 17, 2010 (Des Moines, Iowa) Iowa basketball film, Winning Favor, is set to premiere in Holland Plaza's new Digital Theater on February 19, 2010 in Orange CIty, Iowa, and will run through March 4. The film will then play at Sioux City's Promenade Theater March 12 through March 19.

Winning Favor is a family film based on the true story of neighborhood friends growing up playing basketball at rival high schools in Orange City, Iowa. In 2005, the two high schools, the MOC-FV Dutch and the Unity Christian Knights, simultaneously produced two state boys' basketball championship teams in class 3A and 2A. The film also features basketball teams throughout Northwest Iowa, including Bishop Heelan, Boyden Hull and Sioux Center.
Winning Favor stars Matt Ashford from NBC's Days of Our Lives and was directed by Jamey Durham, director of the award winning film, The Prairie Pirates. The film's premiere coincides with Holland Plaza Theater's installation of a state of the art digital projection system.

The film was produced by Orange City, Iowa residents Anita Bomgaars and Donna Durham. The story was based on Bomgaars' memoirs of the 2005 winning season.

"I had never witnessed a group of young men who had such a positive impact on so many lives. This is a story that tugged at my heart, compelling me to share it with others," Bomgaars said .

The film's trailer can be viewed at www.winningfavor.com, and show times can be seen at www.mainstreettheatres.com.
For more information or to schedule interviews with the film's director and producers contact Anita Bomgaars at 712-441-2889 or Donna Durham at 712-737-7332.
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