Illinois had the sixth-most carbon-dioxide emissions from coal power plants in 2007, according to a new study. Iowa ranked 23rd. The Baldwin Energy Complex coal-fired power plant in Baldwin is the dirtiest power plant in Illinois based on carbon-dioxide emissions, and it's the 30th-dirtiest plant in the country, according to a new analysis titled "America's Biggest Polluters: Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Power Plants in 2007." For a copy of the report, click here.
The Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre is offering a program on Saturday, December 12, about the Japanese American internment during World War II. The program, sponsored by the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, features a firsthand account of the experience by Janet Masamoto; a bento box lunch from Osaka; admission to the exhibit "Images of the Floating World" on Japanese woodblock prints; and a book on Japanese internment camps. The cost is $10 per person. Register by contacting the museum at (563)324-1099 extension 242 or museum@putnam.org. For more information, visit Putnam,org.
Nicholas A. Klinefeldt last week was sworn in as the 41st United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, which includes Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine counties. He was nominated by President Barack Obama on September 25 and confirmed by the United States Senate on November 21.
Iowa's Emergency Management Division has been awarded $348,679 to improve response to transportation incidents involving hazardous materials. Specifically, these funds from the Department of Transportation will help train first responders to react to incidents involving hazardous materials and to meet the safety challenges posed by new chemicals and alternative-energy products such as ethanol.
The State Library of Iowa has announced that the Scott County Library System has met the conditions for state accreditation. Of Iowa's 543 public libraries, 338 are accredited. The Scott County Library System has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library administration, including governance and funding; staffing; library collection; services; public relations; and access and facilities. The accreditation is valid through June 30, 2012.
Hundreds of elementary-school students in the region received seasonal-influenza immunizations from the proceeds of the Genesis Pro-Am Challenge golf event. The event on August 31 at Davenport Country Club and TPC Deere Run raised $76,800. A total of 214 players and 53 area PGA professionals participated in the event. The proceeds benefited the Flu-Free Quad Cities project. This fall Genesis is providing free, voluntary flu protection to more than 80 elementary schools in the Quad Cities and in Clinton County. More than $210,000 has been raised for the Flu-Free Quad Cities project. To learn how to support the program, call the Genesis Foundation office at (563)421-6865.
Iowa 4-H has a new look online. The site Extension.IAState.edu/4h/ includes an interactive map to help kids and teens connect with 4-H, project links, games, event calendars, an interactive networking site for members, and more. The new 4-H site also includes an expanded search feature and information for parents, teachers, and volunteers.
The hours of operation for the Rock Island Arsenal Museum have changed. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. For information, call (309)782-5021.
