19 Aug 2011

Absentee Ballots Now Available; Vote By Mail or In-Person in Auditor's Office.

By Administrator

DAVENPORT - Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz announced today that absentee ballots are now available for the September 13, 2011 School Elections.  Absentee ballots can be voted in the Auditor's Office, or voters may request ballots be mailed to them. A fill-able Official Absentee Ballot Request form is available at the Auditor's webpage http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor/.  Voters can also call the Auditor's Office at 326-8631 and request that a form be mailed to them.  Once the form is completely filled out voters need to sign the form and return it to the Auditor's Office, 600 West 4th Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801.  Ballots are mailed within 24 hours of receipt of the request.

There will be four positions up for election for the Bettendorf School Board, the Davenport School Board and the North Scott School Board.  The Pleasant Valley School Board will have positions for director districts three, four, five and six on the ballot.  The Bennett School District will have two positions up for election and the Calamus-Wheatland School District and the Durant School District will have three each.

Three school districts, Bettendorf, North Scott and Pleasant Valley will have ballot measures to update the revenue purpose statement for each district.  Also, North Scott will have a ballot measure submitted by citizen petition to loan textbooks free of charge or rental fee to school district students beginning July 1, 2012.

The Eastern Iowa Community College District will have positions for director districts three, four, five and nine on the ballot in Scott County.

For more information contact the Scott County Auditor's Office at 563-326-8631.
19 Aug 2011

Children Speak, Treasurer Fitzgerald Listens

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that 93% of the children that participated in College Savings Iowa's annual State Fair survey see getting a college education as a necessary step to achieving their career aspirations. "Iowa children are already planning for their futures," stated Fitzgerald. "This survey demonstrates how important it is for families to start planning and saving early to help make college a reality for their children."

"Every year we ask children visiting the fair what they want to be when they grow up and if they will need to go to college to achieve their career goals. Needless to say, we are always amazed by the responses they offer," Fitzgerald stated. Fifteen percent are planning on becoming teachers, with another 13% hoping to become veterinarians. Health care-related fields came in third this year with 11% of the responses, and professional athlete ranked fourth with 9%. "One little girl plans to go to college to become a princess, but not before having a great time a time at the State Fair."

In addition to the questions about career and college goals, the survey also asks children to identify their favorite thing to see or do at the State Fair. "Rides were definitely the favorite with kids this year," Fitzgerald said. Fair food was second on the list, with the Butter Cow and farm animals tying for third place. "Kids are especially fond of the big slide."

"Families that save and invest for their child's college education will be better prepared to meet the challenge of paying for it when the time arrives, and College Savings Iowa is here to help," added Fitzgerald. Anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. This year Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,865 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income. * To learn more about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

18 Aug 2011

Financial Coaching Course Begins September 21st

By Joy Venhorst

Sharpen Your Financial Coaching Skills begins September 21st in Bettendorf. This course from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is designed for volunteers, clergy and others working in nonprofit groups and organizations who assist their clients or members with financial management concerns.

The five-week course combines two face-to-face sessions with three weeks of online learning.  Participants will learn how to recognize the causes, complexity and associated stress of financial problems. They'll gain tools and strategies they can use to assist clients with various financial problems. In addition, they'll apply coaching skills to typical financial situations facing their clients.  Just as important, this course will help in recognizing client situations that are and are not appropriate for a non-professional to address.

Sharpen Your Financial Coaching Skills will be taught by Phyllis Zalenski, Family Finance Program Specialist and Patricia Swanson, Family Finance State Specialist and CFP® certificant.

The registration deadline is September 14, 2011. The course fee is $60 and includes a book and other resources. To register, contact Phyllis Zalenski at 319-462-2791 or zalenski@iastate.edu for a registration brochure. Brochures are also available at the Scott County ISU Extension and Outreach office, 875 Tanglefoot Lane in Bettendorf.

The kick-off session on September 21st at the Scott County Extension and Outreach Office will provide an introduction to financial coaching.  Participants also receive links to resources for financial coaches and information on connecting to the online course.

The three-week online portion of the course begins September 26 and participants may log in at their convenience. Each week a new topic will be introduced: communicating about money, tracking spending, and understanding credit.  The course also includes the opportunity to complete learning exercises and interact with the instructor and other participants via a weekly chat room and course email.

The course will conclude with a face-to-face session on October 26th featuring community resources and discussion of typical financial coaching scenarios.

For more information, contact Phyllis Zalenski at 319-462-2791 or the Scott County Extension and Outreach Office at 563-359-7577.

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18 Aug 2011

ISU Scott County Extension Calendar

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office

August 23                             
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm

September 2                       
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

September 27                     
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm

October 5                             
Aquatic, Forest and Roadside Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 9/28/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

October 7                             
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

October 25                           
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm

October 27                           
Mosquito & Public Health Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 10/20/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

November 4                        
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

November 9                        
Ornamental & Turf Applicators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/2/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 1:30pm-4pm

November 16                      
Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management CIC, $35 if registered by 11/9/11, after that
$45, at the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

November 29                      
Fumigation CIC, $35 if registered by 11/22/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension Office,
9am-11:30am

December 2                        
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

December 7                        
Pest Control Operators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/30/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension
Office, 9am-11:30am

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

17 Aug 2011

Matthew Atha of Bettendorf Makes the Grade at Azusa Pacific

By readMedia

AZUSA, CA (08/16/2011)(readMedia)-- Bettendorf, IA resident and Azusa Pacific University student Matthew Shawn Atha made the academic Deans' List at APU. Atha is honored for a spring 2011 academic standing of 3.5 or better grade-point average. Atha is A Political Science Major, who is joined by more than 1,575 students receiving the same honor.

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical, Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education. With 53 undergraduate majors, 37 master's degrees, 21 credentials, 7 doctoral programs, and 5 certificates, the university offers its more than 9,200 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Matthew-Atha-of-Bettendorf-Makes-the-Grade-at-Azusa-Pacific/2947108.

15 Aug 2011

Buena Vista University Student Austin Baker Selected as UPS Scholar

By readMedia

STORM LAKE, IA (08/15/2011)(readMedia)-- Buena Vista University junior, Austin Baker from Blue Grass, has been selected as a UPS Scholar and recipient of a scholarship through the Iowa College Foundation, an organization which raises funds for its 23 member independent colleges in Iowa.

The Iowa College Foundation, a Foundation of Independent Higher Education (FIHE) affiliated state association, distributed $62,100 in UPA Scholarship funds to its 23 member colleges in Iowa fro the 2011-2012 academic year.  FIHE awared more tne $1.5 million in scholarships from its UPS Educational Endowment Fund to private institutions of higher learning across the nation.  These scholarships are awarded annually to students selected as UPS Scholars.

The UPS Educational Foundation Endowment Fund, which is held and administered by FIHE, was initiated through endowment gifts from the UPS Foundation totaling $4 million and is now valued at $35 million.  Since its inception, this fund has awarded over $46 million in scholarship support to over 15,000 students nationwide.

In announcing this year's scholarships, Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation, said, "A college degree opens the doors to countless opportunities.  UPS takes great pride in our long-standing partnership with FIHE and in our support of thousands of students over the years who have been able to pursue an education from our nation's private colleges."

Baker is majoring in psychology and criminology and criminal justice at BVU.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/Buena-Vista-University-Student-Austin-Baker-Selected-as-UPS-Scholar/2945253

 

15 Aug 2011

In Iowa's Interest: Celebrating 50 Years of the U.S. Senate Youth Program

By Administrator
The U.S. Senate Youth Program is offering two high school students (juniors or seniors) from each state a trip to Washington D.C. to participate in a week-long, intensive program that includes educational programs, talks with congressional leaders and visits to sights around our nation's Capital. This year's program will be held March 3-10, 2012. In 1962, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution creating the United States Senate Youth Program, and the program is celebrating its 50th year of operation.

Today I invite Iowa's young, bright high school leaders in their junior or senior year to apply for the United States Senate Youth Program.

The Hearst Foundation, which funds the program, brings the highest-level officials from each branch of government to speak with the students. Participants learn about the United States government and each department's duties while having the ability to speak one on one with our nation's leaders. Each year, I look forward to meeting with Iowa's scholarship winners and hearing about their goals and aspirations for the future.

Along with the visit to D.C.; each student is awarded a $5,000 one-time scholarship to the College or University of their choice to pursue history or political science.

Participants are chosen based on their leadership skills and merit. If chosen, students will enjoy an expense-free week with transportation, food, and activities. Interested students should contact their high school principals. Deadline for Iowa applications is October 3, 2011.

Scholarship rules and application forms can be found on the program's website at www.ussenateyouth.org. And of course, if any Iowan has questions on this program, they may visit my web site at http://harkin.senate.gov/ or call any of my Iowa offices.

A PDF version of the column is available by clicking here.
11 Aug 2011

Elizabeth Jane Gibson of Pleasant Valley named to Dean's List at Washington University in St. Louis

By readMedia

ST. LOUIS, MO (08/10/2011)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth Jane Gibson of Pleasant Valley, IA (52767), was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2011 semester at Washington University in St. Louis. Gibson is a graduate of Pleasant Valley Cmty High School in Pleasant Valley, IA, and is enrolled in the university's College of Arts & Sciences.

To qualify for the Dean's List in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Washington University is counted among the world's leaders in teaching and research, and it draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 110 nations. The total student body is nearly 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

The approximately 3,400 faculty teach in seven schools: Arts & Sciences, Brown School, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Law and School of Medicine. Twenty-three Nobel laureates have been associated with Washington University, with nine doing the major portion of their pioneering research there.

The university offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Elizabeth-Jane-Gibson-of-Pleasant-Valley-named-to-Dean-s-List-at-Washington-University-in-St-Louis/2933520.

11 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Taps Alexi Giannoulias to Lead Illinois' Community Colleges

By Administrator

Former Treasurer to Advance Higher Education in Illinois

CHICAGO - August 10, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today appointed Alexi Giannoulias to serve as chairman of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) as it works to increase graduation rates at the state's community colleges and advance Illinois' competitive edge in the global economy. Giannoulias will lead the non-paid, voluntary 11-member board, which governs the state's 48 community colleges - the third-largest system in the country.

"For Illinois to continue to grow jobs and advance our economic competitiveness, we must prepare our students for the jobs available in a 21st century economy," Governor Quinn said. "As a former State Treasurer with a longtime passion for education reform, Alexi is the right leader to shepherd our community college system towards higher graduation rates and better job placement in Illinois."

Under Governor Quinn's leadership, Giannoulias will focus on increasing graduation rates to achieve the state's "60 by 25" goal, which calls for 60 percent of Illinois' adult population to hold a college degree or career certificate by 2025, up from about 40 percent today. Giannoulias will also develop success standards in terms of degrees awarded and job placement; seek to better prepare high school students who enroll in community colleges for college-level work; increase access to community colleges for low-income and rural residents; and boost the number of credits that can transfer from community college to public universities.

"Community colleges play a vital role in creating the workforce of the 21st century by providing economical, flexible and effective training degrees," Giannoulias said. "Since putting Americans back to work is the single greatest challenge facing our country, a well-trained, well-educated workforce is absolutely crucial to America's future. To ensure that every young adult has the tools for gainful employment, our community college system must help students graduate with a meaningful degree that will enable them to find a job."

Giannoulias' appointment was met with praise from U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the Governor's point person on education, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon.

"I want to commend Governor Quinn for choosing Alexi Giannoulias for this critically important job," Duncan said. "Alexi is a passionate believer in public education and I'm confident that his leadership will help the community colleges of Illinois do a better job of preparing young people to compete in the global economy."

"I look forward to working with Chairman Giannoulias to help more students complete college and find good-paying jobs in Illinois," Lt. Governor Simon said.

Giannoulias served as Illinois Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. He focused on job creation by promoting programs that help small business owners have access to capital, and by working with citizens to promote investments in communities. Giannoulias graduated cum laude from Boston University with a degree in economics and earned a law degree from Tulane University's School of Law. Beginning this September, he will teach a political science course at Northwestern University in Evanston as an adjunct professor.

###

11 Aug 2011

2011 4-H Scholarships Awarded to Iowa 4-H'er

By Administrator

Scott County 4-H'er Travis Dierickx, Long Grove, has received a $500 Paul 4-H Scholarship sponsored by the family of Henry and Mary Martin Paul. Dierickx is the son of Pat and Lora Dierickx.

An 8-year 4-H member, Dierickx has been involved in the horticulture, market beef, breeding beef, swine and cattle feeder project areas. He has served as club president, vice president and treasurer. He plans to attend Iowa State University to major in mechanical engineering.

"Being in 4-H has given me the opportunity to meet many people, make friends throughout the United States and travel to places I've never been before," said Dierickx.

In Iowa, the 4-H program is part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach headquartered on the ISU campus in Ames. For more information about 4-H, how to get involved or how to apply for a 4-H scholarship, contact any ISU Extension county office.

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