21 Jan 2010

Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest at Thunder Bay

By Rick Martin

A Benefit Supporting the American Red Cross on Tuesday, February 16th from 5-8pm

Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest will be in full swing on Fat Tuesday, February 20th. This ticketed event raises much-needed funds for the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities.

Local chefs from Thunder Bay, The Machine Shed, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, Biaggi's, Black Watch Room, Blue Cat Bew Pub, Heritage Woods Senior Living Communities & Lighthouse, Mo' Betta BBQ, Park Vista Retirement Living, Riply Street Bar & Grille, The Button Factory, and Zbest Café, will be creating sample portions of Cajun style appetizers, entrée's and desserts. They will also be competing in a People's Choice Award, which will be voted on by those in attendance. All proceeds from this event go directly to the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities.

The event is open to the public and will be held Tuesday, February 16th from 5pm -8pm at Thunder Bay Grille, Davenport. Tickets are $20 or 2 for $35 in advance and are available for purchase at Thunder Bay Grille (located I-80 and Brady St, Davenport), or the American Red Cross prior to the event. Due to limited space, tickets are only available by advanced purchase. Don't miss out on your chance to taste some of the best Cajun creations around!

For more information contact Thunder Bay at 563-386-2722.

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21 Jan 2010

HARKIN ANNOUNCES NEARLY $6 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT DOLLARS FOR IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

By Kate Cyru

Funding will Grow Iowa's 'Green' Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that $5,997,000 will be coming to Iowa Workforce Development to train people for jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.  This Department of Labor State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grant will help dislocated workers, unemployed individuals and incumbent workers learn the technical and occupational skills necessary to obtain industry recognized credentials.

"Iowa has one of the best workforces in the nation and it is important that we continue to do all we can to keep and improve our state's competitive advantages.  The green energy sector is creating good jobs in Iowa and today's funding will teach people the skills necessary to be a part of this growing industry," said Harkin.  "In addition to creating jobs, the renewable energy sector is bringing down energy costs, reducing our dangerous reliance on foreign fuels and helping prevent global climate change."

"The State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants will help workers gain access to good jobs, while supporting the sort of statewide energy efficiency strategies that play a crucial role in building the green economy of the 21st century," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

According to the Department of Labor, the Iowa Energy Sector Partnership will use this funding to implement a state? driven green workforce development plan with prioritized training needs, as identified by the State Green Jobs task force.  The project will develop a statewide sector plan for the emerging energy economy that will focus on sustainable jobs in the energy sector and train workers with portable skills.  Training will be provided for both new and incumbent workers.

Today's funding comes through the Department of Labor and was authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Nationwide, 34 similar grants were announced today, with Iowa receiving close to the maximum any state could receive under this award. Harkin secured these funds through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, which wrote the Recovery Act.

21 Jan 2010

HOUSE FILE 2030 HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR TRUE BUDGET REFORM TO PROTECT PROPERTY TAX PAYERS

By Zach Bader
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Jan. 20, 2010 - Lawmakers sent legislation to the Governor yesterday requiring school districts to use their cash reserves before levying to raise taxes on property owners. While House File 2030 may delay property tax increases in some districts, it will not address the shortfall in state aid caused by Iowa's across-the-board budget cuts, which will result in higher property taxes according to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).
"Until Iowa enacts real budget reform, our government will continue to balance the state budget on the backs of property tax payers," says Lang. "Reform is necessary for a long-term stable and predictable budget."
To improve the state's budgeting process, Farm Bureau members are asking 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 tax payers when across-the-board cuts are enacted.
While all property owners will see increased taxes as a result of the state's across-the-board cuts, some will feel the pain immediately. Preliminary data from fiscal year 2009 shows that 133 school districts in the state will not be able to cover the void left by Iowa's 10 percent across-the-board budget cut late last year. Those 133 districts face $115 million in possible property tax increases, according to an analysis by the IFBF.
In a related move, the state legislature decided to postpone setting allowable growth for 2012 until next year. "The legislature's decision to wait until next year to set allowable growth for 2012 makes sense, given the uncertainty surrounding the budget process and today's economy," says Lang.
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21 Jan 2010

New Process Simplifies State Financial Aid Process for Students

By Heather Doe
The Iowa College Student Aid Commission announced today the launch of the new online Iowa Financial Aid Application, making the Iowa-administered financial aid process easier for students.  The application, which can be accessed through the statewide community web portal, www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov, allows students to complete one application for multiple state-administered programs.

Now is the time for students planning to attend college in the fall to file for financial aid.  It is important that they know about the deadlines and new process for filing for state financial aid in order to ensure they receive the most funding possible.

The attached word document contains more information on the Iowa Financial Aid Application.

If you have any questions, please contact me by telephone at 515-725-3417 or by email at heather.doe@iowa.gov.
21 Jan 2010

Striking it Big for Area Youth - JA Bowl-A-Thon Press Release - Bowlers Needed.

By Tawnya Hambly
Junior Achievement of the Heartland to host Bowl-A-Thon on February 20, 2010

Moline, IL -- Give a child a jump start on their future by bowling in the Trinity JA Bowl-A-Thon at Bowlmor, Highland Park, Milan Lanes, Miller Time and Town & Country bowling alleys on Saturday, February 20.  Have a great time while raising funds to support financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs provided by Junior Achievement to area schools.

You don't need to be a good bowler; just an enthusiastic one to participate.  Get together a group of friends, co-workers or family members to form a team.  Then join us for a fun-filled, exciting day of bowling and prize giveaways.  The money you raise will help support local students participating in JA programs.

You can help one child, one classroom at a time by participating in the Trinity JA Bowl-A-Thon.  Call the Junior Achievement of the Heartland office at (309) 736-1630 or visit www.jaheartland.org for more details on how to sign up!  Each team that raises $500 or more will be eligible to strike it big and win a trip to New York City.  Each member of the winning team will receive two nights lodging in a private room along with round-trip airfare from Chicago.

This year more than 49,600 students throughout JA of the Heartland's 24 counties will receive JA programs.  Thank you to the following sponsors for their participation in this upcoming event; Trinity Regional Heath System, B100, Great River Medical Center, HNI Corporation, Silver Oaks Corporation, Star 93.5, Wells Fargo Bank, and Winegard and Fun City.  JA appreciates their support in making this event a success.  

About JA Worldwide® (Junior Achievement)

JA Worldwide is the world's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA Worldwide provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12. JA Worldwide offers educational programs that focus on three key content areas: entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Today, 134 individual area operations reach approximately four million students in the United States, with an additional 3.5 million students served by operations in 114 other countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.

Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 49,600 students in 24 counties throughout eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin.  For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit www.jaheartland.org.

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21 Jan 2010

Excelsior College Announces Recent Graduates

By readMedia Newswire

Excelsior College, Albany, New York, has announced that Christopher B. Roecker of Davenport and Lloyd H. Trowers, also of Davenport, have graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees.

21 Jan 2010

Braley Cosponsors Bill Allowing Iowans to Claim 2009 Charitable Deduction for Haiti Relief

By Caitlin Legacki

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) cosponsored legislation today to allow individuals who make charitable contributions to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim deductions in 2009. Braley joins Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI), Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) in support of this effort.

"The outpouring of support and generosity toward our neighbors in Haiti has been overwhelming and inspiring," Braley said. "In times of tragedy, Americans have always risen to help others in their greatest hour of need. This legislation not only provides a benefit to Iowans who have already donated their hard-earned money, but also an added incentive for those considering their ability to make a contribution."

Read the full text of the legislation here.

In 2005, Congress passed similar legislation for those who made contributions to the Indian Ocean tsunami relief efforts.

 

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21 Jan 2010

The veterans of the Sterling, IL area American Legion announce Caravan

By Mark Sides

BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 12, 2010 --- From a history of decades of dedication and service to country to an annual community outreach
effort during a week-long state tour, military veterans have long been served - and continue to be supported - by activities of the American Legion and community members.

The annual membership caravan offers a forum to share and update military service personnel about the issues that directly impact them, and to attract new members to the ranks to strengthen the backbone of the Legion's active base. This year's 2010 Annual American Legion Department of Illinois Membership Caravan takes to the state's highways and byways on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, and is scheduled for stops at 24 Legion Posts. Leading the way will be Army veteran, National Vice Commander James C. Morris, Illinois State Commander William Flanagan, Illinois Auxiliary President Julia Moore, along with State and local leaders.

The route on their week-long statewide tour will begin at Heyworth Legion Post on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 6:00 p.m. Along the way, other Legion Posts on the program are:  - Morton - Fairview - Monmouth - Galva - Sterling - Lena - Sycamore - Huntley - Deerfield - Evanston - Elvin J. Carey-Chicago - Calumet City - Buckley  - Gibson City - Sullivan - Mt. Vernon - Carmi - Orient - Chester - Granit City - Pittsfield - Chatham - Lincoln  A complete and comprehensive schedule is available at ILLegion.org ('http://www.illegion.org').

Since its founding in 1919 and subsequent Congressional Charter, The American Legion organization has operated unlike any other, exerting a compelling
influence on national leaders on issues of global significance. Legion operations enhance the lives of military families struggling through wartime and economic sacrifices. Members serve the community by building homes for disabled veterans, raising money for scholarships, coaching baseball teams, adopting military units, fighting to protect and enhance veterans benefits, promoting wholesome youth activities and much more.

National Commander Clarence Hill affirmed his belief in the strength of the American Legion by saying, "It is indeed an honor to represent an organization of this caliber as National Commander for 2009-2010."  Hill stated, "The slogan we're moving with is simple to remember: T.H.E. (The Hardest Easy) Job Challenge. "The 'easy' part is explaining who we are and what we do, under the Legions' four pillars of service - Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth, and veterans will join our ranks." "The 'hardest' part is getting that message delivered, welcoming new members aboard and mentoring them to become leaders.

I invite everyone to join us in our annual family membership caravan at a post near you," added Hill. To learn more about how to get involved and support the activities of the American Legion, visit JoinTheLegion.org ('http://www.jointhelegion.org') or ILLegion.org('http://www.illegion.org').

21 Jan 2010

LOCAL STUDENTS TO COMPETE IN BATTLE OF THE BRAINS

By Tammi Burrell

Is YOUR child ready to flex their mental muscle?! It's not too late to register for the 3rd annual RAI (Rivermont Academic Invitational). Students in grades 5th-8th from over 20 schools in the Quad Cities area are invited to participate in this team academic competition. Students spend the day in groups of 4, competing in "out of the box" activities that take core curriculum ideas and expands them to hands-on extended learning. This event has been called a "Tournament of the Minds" with up to 300 students competing for first place. RAI 2010 will be held on April 14th for students in 5th and 6th grade and April 15th for students in 7th and 8th grade. Contact your child's teacher or Leigh Ann Schroeder to register today. Don't delay as seats are filling up fast!

For additional information on the Rivermont Academic Invitational contact Leigh Ann Schroeder at Schroeder@rvmt.org or 563.359.1366 ext. 343

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only independent, non-sectarian, PS-12 college preparatory school, ranked #1 on Iowa's AP Index.

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19 Jan 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Guidelines for Illinois' ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebate Program

By Rick Martin
CHICAGO - January 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the guidelines for the Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program. Illinois will receive nearly $12.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to implement the program.

"We're doing everything we can to help Illinois residents make it through these tough economic times," said Governor Quinn. "The appliance rebate program is a good way to help consumers be more economical and environmentally responsible while also boosting Illinois' 'green job' creation."

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will provide consumers with a point-of-sale rebate on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, room air conditioners, and water heaters, as well as highly efficient heating and air conditioning systems.

Rebates on water heaters and heating and cooling equipment will be available beginning January 31. A 25 percent point-of-sale rebate will be available to purchasers of ENERGY STAR water heaters from participating retailers. HVAC customers will receive an instant rebate from participating contractors that are listed on the ComEd, AmerenIU, or Participating Energy Efficiency Contractor (PEEC) Network.

The second phase of the program, which will run from April 16 - 25, provides a flat 15 percent rebate to consumers who purchase energy efficient appliances at participating retail stores. Consumers who turn in their old appliances for recycling will also be eligible for an additional mail-in rebate of $50-$100.

"The average home spends about $2,200 a year on energy bills," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley. "By making small changes and incorporating more energy efficient practices in our daily routine, we can reduce the cost of our energy bills and reduce our impact on the environment. The appliance rebate program provides a three-fold benefit by also providing a much-needed boost to the economy."

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will be managed by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) on behalf of DCEO. The state is also partnering with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) to enroll retailers in the program. Retailers interested in participating in the program can visit IRMA's website at www.HelpGreenIllinois.org.

For complete program guidelines and information, visit www.illinoisenergy.org or call 877-782-7005.

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