28 Jan 2010

Eastern Iowa CC sets record for spring enrollment

By Alan Campbell

With 19 percent growth from just one year ago, Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD) has set a new enrollment record for its spring session of 8,336 students.

EICCD includes Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges. The current enrollment easily eclipses the previous record of 7,145 set in 2005 and is more than 1,300 students higher than the 7,005 attending in the spring, 2009. The spring numbers follow a similar record set by the three colleges this past fall.

"There is a great sense of excitement at our colleges as we welcome so many new students," said EICCD Chancellor Dr. Pat Keir. "Other than possibly in the early years immediately after the colleges were founded, we have never seen such a dramatic growth in a single year.  It is a very satisfying feeling to know that students put such great trust in us and our educational offerings."

All three colleges registered enrollment gains for the spring semester with Clinton Community College reporting 1,855 students, Muscatine Community College, 1,534, and Scott Community College, 4,945.

The Clinton Community College (CCC) number is notable because it is the highest the college has ever registered in any semester, fall or spring. The total tops CCC's previous record of 1,596 set this past fall.

"We have many people to thank for making this happen; first and foremost are the more than 8,000 students who have chosen to continue their education with us," Dr. Keir said. "In addition to that are all the faculty and staff who have worked so hard to accommodate our students. Even with this sudden growth, their work is making it possible for us to provide the same quality education to students as we always have."

College officials mention current economic factors as one of the reasons for the record enrollment. Many of the new students are individuals who have been recently laid off and are entering one of the colleges' more than 50 career programs for re-training in a new job field. Approximately 2000 of the colleges' students are 30 years of age or older.

The colleges are also seeing an increase in the number of traditional age students just graduating from high school. Those students and their parents are turning to the community colleges as an affordable option for the first two years of a four-year degree program or for their career training.

EICCD maintains formal transfer agreements with area private colleges and the state universities, making it easy for students to transfer their credits once they graduate from the community colleges.

Tuition at the three colleges is $112 per credit hour, roughly $3,500 per year for a full-time student taking 16 credit hours per semester.

"While we did raise tuition this past academic year to react to cuts in our state funding, we made every effort to keep it as minimal as possible," Dr. Keir said. "We are committed to keeping our tuition among the lowest in the state so that a college or technical education is available to everyone."

Government grants are available for those in need of financial assistance. In addition, all three colleges have foundations that provide scholarship opportunities for students. Some of those scholarships are based on need but many others are based on academic ability, the student's program of study and a number of other factors. Everyone is encouraged to apply for scholarships, even if they think they won't qualify. The deadline for filing for the fall 2010 session is April 1.

Other growth areas for EICCD have been its online programs and high school delivery.

Through a cooperative effort with other Iowa community colleges, students can earn their Associate in Arts degree entirely via the internet. In addition, the colleges offer career training in such areas as Health Information Technology and Health, Safety and Environmental Technology. More than 1,000 students are enrolled in the college's online classes.

The district also works closely with many high schools in its service area to offer college-level classes to current high school students.

Many of those classes are held in the high schools, making it convenient for students to attend as part of their regular class schedule.

To make room for the increased student enrollment, Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges will soon be opening new science additions at each college. Clinton Community College opened its new Maquoketa Center last summer and Scott Community College will be opening a new Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Center in July.  All of these additions were made possible thanks to a bond referendum passed by voters in 2007.

For more information about EICCD or any of its colleges go online to www.eicc.edu or call 1-888-336-3907.

28 Jan 2010

USDA Grant to Create Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center in Arkansas

By Jennifer Martin
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding $900,000 to the Wallace Center at Winrock International, Little Rock, Ark., to run the Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development (HUFED) Center. This center will work to increase access to healthy, affordable foods, including locally produced agricultural products to underserved communities.

"This ambitious effort will create a national center to help establish local and regional food systems and get healthy food into low-income communities, which are important components of USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Congress created the HUFED Center in the 2008 Farm Bill. The center is designed to respond to the need to redevelop a food enterprise structure in the United States to make more healthy, affordable food available in low-income areas; to improve access for small and mid-sized agricultural producers; and to promote positive economic activities generated from attracting healthy food enterprises into underserved communities. The HUFED Center will provide training and technical assistance for food enterprises and award sub-grants to eligible entities for healthy food enterprise development.

The Wallace Center supports entrepreneurs and communities as they build a new, 21st century food system that is healthier for people, the environment and the economy. HUFED will build on Wallace's expertise in economic development through local food enterprises and will work with the National Good Food Network, a partnership of nonprofits, for-profits, researchers, government, funders and practitioners dedicated to "scaling-up" the aggregation and distribution of local food.

"The Wallace Center is a natural choice to house the Healthy Urban Food Development Enterprise Center. With years of experience in building local economies, creating new jobs, and health promotion, I have no doubt that the Wallace Center will be a tremendous asset in supporting greater access to health food, both in Arkansas and around the country," Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln said.

More information on the HUFED Center can be found online at http://www.wallacecenter.org/our-work/current-initiatives/healthy-urban-food-enterprise-development-center/healthy-urban-food-enterprise-development-center .

USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative emphasizes the need for a fundamental and critical reconnection between producers and consumers. The effort builds on the 2008 Farm Bill, which provides for increases and flexibility for USDA programs in an effort to promote local foods. Aimed at strengthening the connection between farmers and consumers, the initiative also aims to support local and regional food systems for Americans, increase economic opportunities for local farmers, and expand access to healthy food.

The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food website, at www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer , features social media tools to help focus the public conversation about farming and food, while engaging American agriculture and linking producers to customers.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov .

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28 Jan 2010

CULVER'S STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL REFLECTS NEED FOR REFORM

By Rick Martin

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Jan. 28, 2010 - Governor Culver's 2011 budget proposal underscores the need for genuine budget reform, according to Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).  The proposal, announced yesterday, is a reflection of a broken budget process; one that over-commits in strong economies and struggles to uphold the state's highest priorities in an economic downturn.

The proposal, combined with last year's 10 percent across-the-board budget cuts, will result in increased taxes for property owners.  Property taxes have increased 60 percent in the last ten years, proving that our state's problems precede the current administration and legislative body.  Other priorities, such as higher education, public safety, and soil conservation, will continue to suffer until meaningful reform is implemented.

"Today's budget process shifts state responsibilities to property taxpayers and fails to provide a long-term stable and predictable budget," said IFBF President Craig Lang.  "Until we address the shortcomings of a volatile budget process, decision makers will face tough decisions and property taxpayers will continue to shoulder the burden."

To improve the state's budgeting process, Farm Bureau members are asking Culver and other decision makers to establish an affordable state budget that will: 1) fund Iowa priorities and lessen the potential shifts in property taxes; 2) ensure that the state's emergency funds are at a level sufficient to protect priorities when revenues are declining; 3) create fiscal responsibility by not using one-time resources to fund on-going expenditures; and 4) protect property taxpayers when across-the-board cuts are enacted.

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28 Jan 2010

NEW REPORT THURSDAY: MAIN STREET BUSINESS OWNERS WEIGH IN ON WALL STREET REFORM

By Sue Dinsdale

Survey project finds Main Street small business owners at odds with big banks and DC business lobby on financial reform, consumer protection agency

IOWA - On Thursday, on the heels of a State of the Union address certain to feature the Obama Administration's new proposals for Wall Street reforms, the Iowa Main Street Alliance will hold a press conference call to release a new report on small business experiences with the financial crisis and views on financial reform. The call will begin at 1:30 pm, conferencing details below. The report is based on a survey of more than 1,200 small business owners from 14 states, including Iowa.

Small businesses, key to job creation strategies and economic recovery, could prove a pivotal voice in an unfolding debate where the DC-based business lobby has sided with the country's biggest banks in opposing financial reforms even as small businesses continue to pay the price in lost business and frozen credit for the reckless Wall Street activities caused the financial crisis.

The House of Representatives has passed a financial reform bill, HR 4173, the "Wall Street and Consumer Protection Act of 2009." The Senate Banking Committee is readying a bill for markup in the coming weeks.

28 Jan 2010

25th Annual Red and White Founders Day Banquet and Ball

By Maryulett Johnson
The Moline-Davenport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is hosting its 25th Annual Red and White Founders Day Banquet and Ball on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at The Lodge (formerly Jumer's Castle Lodge) in Bettendorf, Iowa.Our annual ball is our major fundraiser used to help provide scholarships to deserving college bound students of the Quad City community. Entertainment will be provided by The Westbrook Singers and dynamic speaker Tionn Fambro.  Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. For ticket information please contact Mary Chestang at 563-514-7960 or maryulett@hotmail.com.
28 Jan 2010

KIRKWOOD ANNOUNCES DEAN'S LIST HONORS

By Kirkwood CC
(January 27, 2010) - Kirkwood Community College has released its Dean's List for the Fall 2009 Semester. These students have achieved a 3.3 grade point average or higher after completing 12 or more credit hours with the college.
Kirkwood students from the area earning this distinction include :

Bettendorf, IA
52722, Brendan R. Bishop, Culinary Arts - AAS; 52722, Quinn C. Claussen, Masonry Construction - Diploma; 52722, Eric M. Derby, Liberal Arts - AA; 52722, Melissa E. Gill, Culinary Arts - AAS; 52722, Mariah L. Helgerson, Paralegal - AA; 52722, Thomas D. Horton, Liberal Arts - AA; 52722, Jeffrey C. Nicely-Green, Fire Science Management - ASCO;

Davenport, IA
52807, Betsey M. Baker, Business Administration - ASCO; 52804, Chase Cartee, Communications Media / PR - AA; 52807, Eric J. Clapp, Liberal Arts - AA; 52802, Michael A. Conger, Pre-Engineering - AS; 52804, Sarah N. Craddick, Liberal Arts - AA; 52804, Ramsay A. Dibbern, Veterinary Technician - AAS; 52803, Christopher M. Hansen, Liberal Arts - AA; 52807, Katie L. Hermiston, Nursing - AAS; 52807, Lesley R. Huseman, Liberal Arts - AA; 52807, Alexander J. Kish, Liberal Arts - AA; 52807, John M. O'Donnell, Liberal Arts - AA; 52806, Timothy P. O'Leary, Industrial Maintenance and HVAC Technology - AAS; 52803, Jennifer M. Salib, Paralegal - AA; 52804, Alexander J. Shipman, Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center Management - AAS; 52804, Troy M. Stalder, Pre-Business Transfer - AA; 52802, Mariah R. Whitehouse, Dental Hygiene - AAS; 52803, James M. Wiebler, Automotive Technology - AAS; 52804, Matthew R. Wilford, Management - AAS;

Moline, IL
61265, Nicholas D. Loehr, Liberal Arts - Transfer - Non-degree; 61265, Barbara J. Nichols, Pre-Business Transfer - AA;
28 Jan 2010

DURBIN, QUINN WELCOME HIGH-SPEED RAIL INVESTMENT IN ILLINOIS

By Andrew Mason
CHICAGO, IL, January 28, 2010 - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement with regard to the announcement that Illinois has been awarded more than $1.2 billion in federal funds for high-speed rail:

In the face of fierce competition from states across the nation, Illinois' high-speed rail proposal received a strong vote of confidence from the White House today. Illinois was one of only three states to be awarded more than one billion dollars in funding from the federal government's total nationwide investment of $8 billion. This is a massive investment into the future of transportation. It is seventeen times more funding than the federal government has invested into passenger rail over the last ten years combined.

"We're thrilled with the strong support we received for the first phase of funding and look forward to both getting the projects moving and getting Illinoisans back to work. In the coming months and years, Illinois see a significant increase in economic activity with the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs in the region from this investment. And we know that rail passengers will be excited to have over an hour cut from the travel time between Chicago and St. Louis. Today's announcement assures that Chicago, already a major rail hub of the nation, will soon become the major high-speed rail hub of the Midwest and nation."

"We would not be here today, on the cusp of making high speed rail a reality in Illinois, if it weren't for the strong leadership of President Obama, Transportation Secretary LaHood and the support of the entire Midwest region. This historic investment in high speed passenger rail will begin to fulfill the President's vision of rebuilding America and revitalizing the Midwest, while relieving congestion and improving energy conservation.'

Nationwide, there was great demand for high-speed rail with approximately $50 billion worth of applications for an available $8 billion in funding. In addition to improvements on the current Chicago to St. Louis corridor to increase train speeds to 110 miles per hour, the funding awarded today will allow completion of an Environmental Impact Statement for building a second track along the route as well as construction designed to eliminate significant delays for trains coming into and out of Chicago.
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28 Jan 2010

Drive Home a new car from the Iowa Machine Shed

By Stacy Christoffersen

The Iowa Machine Shed is giving away a new 2010 Ford Focus

The Machine Shed is upping the ante in the restaurant business and rewarding their loyal customers with a chance to win a new car.  "We want to thank all of our loyal guests and try something new - we're giving away a new 2010 Ford Focus - how cool is that!" states Mike Whalen, owner of the Machine Shed.  "I was talking with our staff and said 'we should give away a car to our guests' and we worked with our business partners to make it happen".  Machine Shed partners include Lindquist Ford, Clinton Auto Group and the local media.  Guests can come into the Machine Shed or Lindquist Ford/Clinton Auto Group and simply sign up to win, no purchase is necessary.  100 finalists will be drawn by March 20th, 2010.  On Saturday, March 27th at 2PM each of the 100 finalists will receive one key and only one key open the car door.  Someone will be declared a winner!  Whalen continues, "Driving home in a new car - now that's worth a visit to the Machine Shed!"

For more information and rules, please visit www.machineshed.com/davenport. The Machine Shed is located at I-80 and Northwest Blvd in Davenport, IA 52806.

# # #

28 Jan 2010

More Than $1.5 Million to Iowa Fire Departments from FEMA

By Sen. Charles Grassley

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded competitive grants totaling $1,544,834 to Iowa Fire Departments through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants' Operations and Safety and Vehicle Acquisition Programs.

"Day in and day out, firefighters put their lives on the line for the good of the community," Grassley said. "It's important that firefighters have the necessary equipment and training to help keep the community safe."

FEMA will distribute the money as shown below ordered alphabetically by town.

Through the Operations and Safety Program:

· Ames Fire Department in Ames will receive $46,591.

· Anamosa Volunteer Fire Department in Anamosa will receive $28,975.

· Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department in Bellevue will receive $93,338.

· Chester Fire Department in Chester will receive $32,640.

· Coggon Fire Department in Coggon will receive $30,482.

· Coin Fire and Rescue in Coin will receive $79,800.

· Douds Community Fire Department in Douds will receive $17,775.

· Elliott Volunteer Fire Department in Elliott will receive $8,550.

· Farmersburg Volunteer Fire Company in Farmersburg will receive $15,675.

· Frederika Volunteer Fire Department in Frederika will receive $45,033.

· Garrison Fire Department in Garrison will receive $5,320.

· Geneva Fire Department in Geneva will receive $23,361.

· Grand Mound Volunteer Fire Company in Grand Mound will receive $36,262.

· Marcus Fire Department in Marcus will receive $32,437.

· Meriden Volunteer Fire Department in Meriden will receive $6,012.

· Amana Benefited Fire District in Middle Amana will receive $127,103.

· Morning Sun Fire Department in Morning Sun will receive $75,150.

· Newton Fire Department in Newton will receive $54,390.

· Panama/Washington Township will receive $33,250.

· Pulaski Volunteer Fire Department in Pulaski will receive $38,885.

· Victor Fire Department in Victor will receive $47,358.

· Washta Fire Service in Washta will receive $33,155.

· Welton Volunteer Fire Company in Welton will receive $40,480.

Through the Vehicle Acquisition Program:

· Batavia Volunteer Fire Department in Batavia will receive $154,850.

· Douds Community Fire Department in Douds will receive $58,095.

· Indiana Township Fire Department in Knoxville will receive $142,500.

· McCallsburg-Warren Township Fire/EMS Agency in McCallsburg will receive $123,367.

· Winfield Benefited Fire District in Winfield will receive $114,000.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants Operations and Safety Program supplements training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants Vehicle Acquisition Program helps purchase vehicles including, but not limited to, pumpers, aerials, quints, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles, ambulances, foam units and fireboats.

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28 Jan 2010

Passport Services

By Rita Vargas

To meet the public request for U. S. passports, Scott County will provide extended hours (ONLY Passport Services) once a week for the month of February. In addition to regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Scott County Recorder, Rita Vargas, will offer extended passport acceptance hours to accommodate applicants whose work and school schedules conflict with the general office hours.  These hours will be Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., only on these dates: February 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2010.

"I am very pleased with the significant increase in the number of request for passports we are seeing in the Recorder's Office. We have received numerous inquiries regarding after hour service for passport services and wanted to accommodate those request with no overtime cost to the county.  We have been encouraging anyone planning to travel outside the U.S.to apply for their passport early and my guess is people are taking that advice" says Vargas.    Applications will be provided on site.  Each minor child applying for a passport must appear in person.

Requirements for Passport Application can be found at www.qcpassport.com or www.scottcountyiowa.com at the Recorder's link.

Please bring the following items with you when applying for your passport:

  1. Evidence of Citizenship: One of the following 3 documents must be submitted with your Application and will be returned with your new passport.
    1. Birth Certificate: A certified copy of Birth Certificate issued by the county or state. A notarized copy or a hospital birth certificate is not acceptable.
    2. Naturalization Certificate: A person who claims US citizenship by naturalization must submit the original Certificate of Naturalization with the application.
    3. Expired Passport: This is acceptable. However, if the child was under 16 when the passport was issued, you must submit a certified copy of the birth certificate along with the expired passport.
  2. Two (2) Identical Passport Photos: (2"x 2" color) Front view of applicant, taken within the last six months.   The Recorder's does offer photo services for $8 per person fee.
  3. Personal Identification: A valid driver's license (not driver's permit).  Expired ID is not accepted. Anyone under 18 must have a parent along with the parent's ID for parental consent and signature. Both parents' signatures are required for children under 16.
  4. Payment: Each passport should be paid by two (2) checks or money orders as indicated below (debit or credit cards are not accepted):
    • $25 payable to "Scott County Recorder" and • $75 payable to "U.S. Department of State" - Valid 10 Years 
    (if under 16 years of age - $60 - Valid 5 years)

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