16 Dec 2010

Grassley Nominates Young Iowans to U.S. Service Academies

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that he has nominated outstanding young Iowans to serve in the United States service academies.

"Nominating students to the service academies gives me the opportunity to see some of the highest caliber young men and women our state has to offer. Every year I'm impressed with these young Iowans who are interested in serving their county," Grassley said. "I'm confident that these nominees will represent our state well, and I'm happy to nominate them."

Grassley nominates several young Iowans each year for a select few spots. Each academy then selects students based on the number of vacancies for the 2011-2012 school year. Often, because of the high quality of nominations from Iowa, several students are selected to attend each academy.

Grassley said each of the Iowa students who applied for academy nominations were exceptional and he encouraged eligible students to consider submitting applications in the future. "The academies are some of the best options in our country for a higher education," said Grassley.

Grassley will issue announcements when appointments to the academies are offered.

Here are Grassley's nominations.

U.S. Air Force Academy
Dylan Bechen, Woodbury Central High School, Moville

Daniel Deakins, West Harrison Community School, Mondamin

Daniel Eichman, Dulwich College (Beijing), Dubuque

Brett Heithusen, Williamsburg High School, Williamsburg

Isaac Kinrade, Maquoketa High School, Maquoketa

Felix Knutson, Hubbard

Peighton MacLeod, University High School, Cedar Falls

Jesse Phillips, North Mahaska High School, New Sharon

Alec Stenzel, Valley High School, Cumming

Mackenzie VanDenBerg, West High School, Waterloo

U.S. Military Academy
Shawn Burrows, Bondurant-Farrar High School, Bondurant

Charles Godwin, Exira High School, Exira

Levi Horsley, Carroll High School, Carroll

Travis Mallo, Mason City High School, Mason City

Jedidiah McCoy, Climbing Hill

Thomas McGuire, Gilbert High School, Ames

Kalie Plasier, Randolph Macon Academy (Front Royal, VA), Sioux Center

Sean Raes, Ballard High School, Slater

Caleb Titus, Danville High School, West Burlington

Wyatt VandeVoort, MOC-Floyd Valley High School, Orange City

U.S. Naval Academy
Erik Bergstrom, Johnston High School, Johnston

Andrew Chudzik, City High School, Iowa City

Morgan Clutter, Indianola High School, Indianola

James Cox, Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids

Mary Dougherty, Bishop Heelan High School, Sioux City

Sarah Eikenberry, Roosevelt High School, Des Moines

Andrew Foster, West High School, Waterloo

Joseph Gallet, Iowa State University, Washington High School (Cedar Rapids), Atkins

Tyler Husar, Muscatine High School, Muscatine

Knute Klinker, South O'Brien High School, Primghar

Scott Pate, Clarke Community High School, Osceola

Alex Peschang, Waverly-Shell Rock High School, Waverly

Andrew Peterman, Bettendorf High School, Bettendorf

Andrew Pick, Dowling High School, Clive

Kristin Reichert, Indianola High School, Indianola

John Russell, St. Albert High School, Council Bluffs

Conner Sprague, Wayne Community High School, Derby

Jakob Stoner, Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls

Colton Van't Hof, Sioux Center Community, Sioux Center

Daniel Yehieli, Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Tobias Gassman, Ames High School, Ames

Miranda Walz, Central High School - Elkader, Elkader

-30-

14 Dec 2010

Rock Island Announces Online Survey to Seek Public Input on Budget

By Jennifer Fowler

The City of Rock Island is seeking the views of Rock Island residents on the proposed 2011-2012 General Fund budget. City departments have prepared options to help close a $1.1 million gap in the budget for next year. In addition to the series of public meetings being held, citizens can now register their opinions on the options online at www.rigov.org.

The online survey asks citizens to agree, disagree, or no opinion on each of the 37 options. At the end of the survey, citizens can provide any additional comments or suggestions.

Options being considered range from keeping City vehicles longer before they are replaced to eliminating a police officer with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG). The options also include an increase in the property tax rate and parking fees and fines.

City Manager John Phillips noted, "Not all of the options will be needed to eliminate the difference between the projected revenue and expenses for next year, but it is clear that difficult choices will need to be made by the Mayor and City Council."

City staff has been working on budget planning since September and closed the budget gap from $2.4 million to the $1.1 million level. Three positions have been eliminated and budget cuts have been made in training, supplies, and services. Phillips noted that most local governments are facing challenging times due to decreasing revenues and increasing costs.

Responses from citizens will be shared and reviewed by the Mayor and City Council over the next 60 days. The budget is scheduled for adoption in March 2011 and the City's fiscal year begins on April 1, 2011.

###

14 Dec 2010

Renaissance Rock Island Announces 2010 Hard Hat Award Recipients

By Carl McClaskey

Renaissance Rock Island hosted the 22ndAnnual Hard Hat celebration today at the new Comedy Sportz. The event is designed to recognize investment in the community and thank those who have helped strengthen Rock Island. The organizations of Renaissance Rock Island - Development Association of Rock Island (DARI), Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), and The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District (The District) - are pleased to present the following awards.

Golden Brooms - Golden Brooms are awarded for outstanding maintenance.

§ Big Catz House of Chrome

Located on the corner of First Avenue and 16th Streets in Rock Island, Big Catz House of Chrome receives more than their share of traffic. Tending not only to their existing property, the owners work to improve and maintain the landscape of surrounding parking lots, sidewalks and green space.

§ Illinois Casualty Insurance

Having just celebrated their 60th Anniversary, Illinois Casualty Insurance, located at 225 - 20th Street, consistently maintains their property to spotless perfection.

Golden Paintbrush - New in 2010, the Golden Paintbrush is awarded for outstanding painting improvements.

§ El Patron Bar & Grill

Step into this establishment, which opened in March of this year, and you feel as though you have entered another country. No surface has been left untouched, with hand painted original murals throughout.

§ Phil Scott

A lot of paint and imagination went into painting the wall of an adjoining property to create an undersea view for patrons of Cabana's outdoor patio. This larger than life aquatic mural can be seen by passers-by as well, enhancing the landscape along Fourth Avenue.

§ Regalia Manufacturing

Located at 2018 Fourth Avenue, and family owned since 1897, Regalia Manufacturing recently repainted the entire façade of their historic building.

§ Fanth Curry Home Improvement Company

Located at 4515 - 6th Avenue, Fanth Curry sits at the gateway to Rock Island. Extensive exterior painting has improved the look of this business, and offers a much improved first impression.

Golden Hammers - Golden Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment.

§ RILCO - Rock Island Lubricants

The Golden Hammer was awarded to RILCO for brush removal, cleanup and concrete work. Located at 1320 - 1st Street RILCO also underwent a major expansion project.

§ Realm Wellness Spa

A new business that opened in March 2010, located at 150 - 16½ Street, Realm Wellness Spa offers a wide array of spa services, a natural juice bar and other wellness services. Since their opening, Realm Wellness Spa has expanded both in space and services.

§ Lundgren Chiropractic

Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.

§ Mainstream Commercial Group Ltd. - for Watchtower Plaza

Located on 11th Street, Watchtower Plaza repaired the existing parking lot and applied new asphalt, a major project with noticeable impact. In addition, management has been diligently working to fill spaces.

§ Dial Properties - for Rock Valley Plaza

Located at 4800 Blackhawk Road, Rock Valley Plaza has a new front façade, a major upgrade

§ Lundgren Chiropractic

Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.

§ City Limits Saloon and Grill

This property has undergone major exterior work, including decks and a new addition. Located at 4514 - 9th Street, City Limits recently completed this work and is now open for business.

§ Bill's Moving & Storage

Bill's Moving & Storage added foam insulation, coping and EFIS, greatly improving the facility and property value located at 104 - 10th Street.

Green Hammers - New for 2010, Green Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment utilizing a "green" initiative.

§ Steve's Old Time Tap

A long time Rock Island establishment recently installed new, energy efficient windows and dramatically improved the appearance of the façade with new awnings. Located at 223 - 17th Street.

§ Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern

A new façade , new awnings and new "green" windows and door are just some of the recent improvements to this business, which has been working on several improvements over the past few years.

§ Klauer Heating & Air Conditioning

Three commercial buildings have been installed with new windows and doors. Many of the upgrades to these buildings are energy efficient.

Mayor & City Council Trophy

The Mayor & City Council's Trophy is awarded for the most strategic new investment.

Finalists:

Rock Island Center for Math and Science

Located at the former Villa de Chantal property, this 64,000 square foot building holds 550 students from pre-K through 6th grade. The facility includes a science lab, state of the art technology, a community room, music room , media center and production room, and separate gymnasium and cafeteria.

The school is situated in the heart of Rock Island, on almost 10 acres of wooded nature trails. It is a place where creative, innovative ideas are encouraged to challenge students and make learning exciting, where teachers can be flexible in meeting students' needs. It is a place where parents and teachers are partners in helping their students to learn and grow.

Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant

With an investment of $2.2 million dollars, The City of Rock Island rehabilitated an aging powerhouse that now offers significant environmental benefits for all. City utility customers and taxpayers will benefit directly in the future due to lower costs for the electricity needed to operate city facilities. The Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant operates as an enterprise fund, like the city's water and sewer utilities. 95% of its revenue is earned by selling electricity to the largest City-owned users, such as the water and sewage treatment plants. The remainder is earned by selling excess electricity to Mid-American Energy.

Winner:

Schwiebert Riverfront Park

Officially opened in July of this year, this 1/5 of a mile long park is the former site of the Jumer's Casino Rock Island riverboat gaming operation and National Guard Armory building. The new demountable flood protection wall provides continued protection when necessary, while maintaining an unencumbered view of the Mississippi River. The main stage area and great lawn mimics the former Armory Building footprint. In keeping with the RiverVision Plan, Schwiebert Riverfront Park has reconfigured urban public open space into a park-like setting that includes a state of the art playground, interactive water feature and performance stage that are sure to improve the quality of living in Rock Island.

CC Wilson Trophy for the Most Dedicated - Kevin Koski

Kevin Koski has served on the Renaissance Rock Island Exec Board for the past 17 years. With a goal of making Rock Island a better place to work, live and play, Kevin's own family is a testament to the success of his efforts. His children returned to Rock Island and have made it their home.

He has a proven track record that includes being a vital force in the clean-up of discarded tires for many years. His dedication and contribution to the betterment of the community has earned Kevin this year's award for being the most dedicated DARI member.

Mo Payton for the Volunteer of the Year - Jan Masamoto

Jan Masamoto has served on countless boards and committees, including DARI and GROWTH as well as her current role as Chairman of The District Board of Directors. Jan is intelligent, tireless, entrepreneurial, passionate and well respected throughout the Quad Cities. In addition to running her own company, JTM Concepts, Jan does more than her part to support many charitable organizations throughout the community.

The Renaissance Rock Island Vision Award - John Phillips

John Phillips has the vision necessary to move forward. In his role as City Manager, John Phillips has devoted more than 20 years with a vision and a single purpose -the betterment of the city of Rock Island. Through leadership, hard work, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment, John has steadfastly worked to make this community the best it can be.

09 Dec 2010

City of Rock Island Hosts Four Public Budget Meetings

By Jennifer Fowler

The City of Rock Island will be seeking the views of Rock Island residents on the proposed 2011-2012 General Fund budget. City departments have prepared options to help close a
$1.1 million gap in the budget for next year.

Options being considered range from keeping City vehicles longer before they are replaced to eliminating a police officer with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG). The options also include an increase in the property tax rate and parking fees and fines. These and other suggestions are included in a report that will be presented at each of four public meetings (attached). The meeting schedule is noted below:

Thursday, December 9 at 9 a.m. at the Establishment Theater/Comedy Sportz, 220 19th St.
Thursday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at the Establishment Theater/Comedy Sportz, 220 19th St.
Tuesday, December 14 at 3 p.m. in the Community Room, Downtown Library, 401 19th St.
Tuesday, December 14 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room, Downtown Library, 401 19th St.

City Manager John Phillips said that those attending the meetings will have the chance to indicate their preference for the actions that should be taken to balance the City's General Fund budget. "Not all of these actions will be needed to eliminate the difference between the projected revenue and expenses for next year, but it is clear that difficult choices will need to be made by the Mayor and City Council."

06 Dec 2010

Governor Quinn Names New Executive Director of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

By Randy Stalsberg

Eileen Mackevich Previously Headed National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

SPRINGFIELD - December 3, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named Eileen R. Mackevich as the new executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM). Mackevich is the former executive director of the national Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

"Eileen Mackevich's proven track record and work coordinating the nation's observance of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday make her the best person to oversee one of the most popular presidential museums in the nation," said Governor Quinn. "I thank Director Jan Grimes for her service as museum's interim acting director, as well as her continued work as director of the state's Historic Preservation Agency."

Mackevich previously served as executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, was co-founder and president of the Chicago Humanities Festival and spent 18 years as a broadcast journalist and talk show host on Chicago Public Radio. She has been awarded honorary doctorates by Dominican University and Lincoln College, and is invested as a Member of the British Empire.

"It is an honor to be appointed to direct this institution that honors a man who is an inspiration and guiding light for our nation and the world," said Mackevich. "Lincoln draws out the best from all classes and political persuasions, and he binds us together as a people and as a nation. I look forward to working with the Library and Museum's talented and hardworking staff to attract many more people to Springfield to experience the real Abraham Lincoln."

Mackevich earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, holds a master's degree in British history from Northeastern Illinois University, and has completed additional graduate course work in British history at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

After conducting an in-depth interview process of several nationally-renowned historians and museum professionals, Mackevich was the unanimous recommendation of the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency's (IHPA). IHPA Director Jan Grimes has been serving as interim acting director of the ALPLM since 2008.

"The members of the board were deeply impressed with Eileen Mackevich's strong vision to ensure the continued success of an already wonderful institution," said Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Chair Sunny Fischer. "Rarely have we read such glowing references from a wide variety of people in the field. She has a national and global network that will clearly help to increase awareness about Lincoln and the Museum."

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum has welcomed 2.5 million visitors since opening in April 2005. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, adjacent to the Museum, is the state's chief genealogical and historical research facility. Its collections of more than 15 million items are available to researchers of all ages. Visit www.presidentlincoln.org for more information about the Museum and Library as well as exhibits and special events at both facilities.

###

06 Dec 2010

Harkin/Woolsey: House Action on School Nutrition Bill Important Step Toward Historic School Nutrition Reform

By Sen. Tom Harkin

December 2, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA-06) lauded today's passage of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act by the House of Representatives by a vote of 264-157. In particular, they singled out praise for a provision that would require the Secretary of Agriculture to set nutrition standards for all foods sold on the grounds of schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, consistent with their jointly introduced legislation, the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act. Harkin and Woolsey have introduced this legislation every Congress since 2006. Harkin has sought similar protections since the mid 1990s.

"For too long, we have allowed the unchecked sale of junk food in our schools to undermine not just the health of our kids, but also the desires of parents, and our taxpayer investment in school meals," said Harkin. "House passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act moves us one step closer to requiring common-sense nutrition standards for the foods and beverages sold in schools. With this provision, the bill will help make the healthy choice, the easy choice. We also know that it's the choice that parents around the country prefer. Survey after survey shows that parents support school nutrition standards at school that reinforce the healthy choices that parents try to make for their kids at home."

"It's been 30 years since the regulations limiting junk food sales in schools were updated, despite significant advances in nutrition science and a troubling growth in childhood obesity," said Woolsey. "Updating the nutrition standards for foods sold in vending machines, a la carte lines, and school snack bars is a common sense way to confront childhood obesity head on."

Under the terms of the provision, section 208, the Secretary of Agriculture is required to propose science-based school nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools, including vending machines, snack bars, and school stores, not later than one year after enactment of the bill. Following a notice and comment period, the standards must go into effect not earlier than one year after the regulations are finalized. Under the terms of the legislation, the Secretary of Agriculture is also required to review and, if necessary, update the school nutrition standards after the publication of a new edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

This fiscally responsible and bipartisan Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act reauthorizes the nation's major Federal child nutrition programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program. The bill provides $4.5 billion in additional funding over the next 10 years - nearly ten times the amount of money provided for the previous child nutrition reauthorization, and the largest new investment in child nutrition programs since their inception.

The bill is partially paid for by eliminating $2.2 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) temporary benefit increase under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. President Obama, however, has committed to work with Congress to replace this offset before these SNAP cuts take place in November 2013.

02 Dec 2010

Bon-Ton Stores Community Day Event Raises over $6.5 Million for Local Non-Profits

By Christine Hojnacki

BON-TON STORES COMMUNITY DAY EVENT RAISES OVER $6.5 MILLION FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS

The Bon-Ton Stores Semi-Annual Community Day Event Generates Donations

Milwaukee, Wisc. (November 30, 2010) - The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is pleased to announce today that the Company raised over $6.5 million for local non-profit organizations and agencies through its semi-annual Community Day event held on Saturday, November 13, 2010.

To kick-off the holiday giving season, The Bon-Ton Stores, under its eight nameplates: Bon-Ton, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Bergner's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's, Younkers and Parisian (Detroit-area), held its signature Community Day event on November 13. Through this charitable-giving event, organizations raised donations for important projects and causes in their communities.

The event provides an opportunity for local 501(c)(3) organizations and schools to raise donations needed to support their mission. By selling $5 discount savings booklets and retaining 100% of the donation, local non-profit groups raise money for their charity. In return for their donation of $5 to the organization, customers receive a $10 coupon and multiple discounts to be used on Community Day. Over the past twelve years, The Bon-Ton Stores have helped thousands of local non-profit groups raise over $80 million through the successful Community Day event.

"The Community Day event allows us to make a meaningful impact on thousands of organizations in the markets in which we operate," said Bud Bergren, President and CEO, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "We thank our customers and associates who contributed. We know that fundraising is a crucial activity for local non-profit groups, regardless of their size, and we are honored to support them through this program."

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 277 stores, including 11 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, under the Parisian nameplate, stores in the Detroit, Michigan area. The stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc is an active and positive participant in the communities that it serves.

###

30 Nov 2010

Governor Quinn Calls on Illinois Residents to Support Our Troops This Holiday Season

By Andrew Mason

Launches Annual Holiday Card Drive for Wounded Troops, Urges Support for Homeless Veterans at Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

CHICAGO - November 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today joined local schoolchildren to light the state of Illinois' annual holiday tree and launch the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive. Governor Quinn encouraged schoolchildren from across the state to take part in the annual drive by making holiday cards for servicemembers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany. Governor Quinn will personally deliver the cards during a visit to troops at LRMC later this year.

"We want every servicemember who is spending the holidays at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to know that we are all thinking of them and are grateful for their courage and sacrifice," said Governor Quinn. "I encourage everyone in Illinois to join me in supporting our servicemembers and Veterans this holiday season."

This year will mark the sixth time that Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families at LRMC. The center is the largest American hospital outside of the United States. For more information on how to participate in the Illinois Heroes holiday card drive, please visit OperationHomefront.org.

Governor Quinn was also joined at the tree lighting ceremony by Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Director Dan Grant and representatives from a number of Veterans' organizations to encourage residents throughout the state to support homeless Veterans during the holidays. The IDVA operates the Prince Home for Homeless and Disabled Veterans, a facility that has become a national model for supportive housing and therapeutic services for homeless Veterans.

"Everyone always asks what they can do to help Veterans, especially at this time of the year," said Director Grant. "Supporting the organizations that are providing essential services for homeless Veterans and helping them to rebuild their lives is one of the best ways you can do it."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately one-third of the nation's adult homeless population is made up of Veterans, with many suffering mental illness and alcohol and/or substance abuse problems. In Illinois, nearly 10 percent of the homeless population is made up of Veterans.

Governor Quinn was also joined at the tree lighting ceremony by the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Inspirational Choir and Chase Bernardi, a formerly homeless Iraq War Veteran.

###

29 Nov 2010

Heartland Plating Co. of Bettendorf Ordered to Address Hazardous Waste Issues at Metal Electroplating Facility

By Chris Whitley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., November 24, 2010) - EPA Region 7 has ordered Heartland Plating Co., of Bettendorf, Iowa, and its owners to immediately address a series of issues related to the improper storage and management of hazardous wastes at the metal electroplating facility.

Last month, EPA representatives inspected Heartland Plating's operations at 3900 Elm Street in Bettendorf, and documented throughout the facility spilled and abandoned materials for which the company's representatives could not provide complete and accurate hazardous waste determinations.

Based on container labels and information provided by Heartland employees, EPA inspectors were able to determine that the company was storing or treating a number of wastes, including chromium, zinc, cyanide, cobalt, potassium permanganate, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide.

A unilateral administrative order issued today in Kansas City, Kan., requires Heartland Plating and its owners, Marion Patigler and the Estate of Gerhard Patigler, to take several immediate actions to address violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

The order directs the respondents to refrain from removing or relocating materials currently located at the facility until EPA determines the waste is being handled safely; immediately certify compliance with hazardous waste regulations or halt the generation and management of wastes until such certification can be made; identify all solid and hazardous wastes currently being treated, stored or disposed at the facility; and restrict access to areas of the property where solid and hazardous wastes have been stored or disposed, and to areas where hazardous material has been released.

Additionally, the respondents are ordered to formulate a plan for proper management or disposal of all solid and hazardous wastes at the facility in compliance with RCRA regulations, and to conduct an investigation to determine if wastes have migrated off the site. They must also undertake an immediate cleanup of any hazardous releases on the property, as well as a cleanup of the building and any surrounding areas that may be contaminated.

# # #

Learn more about EPA's civil enforcement of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act:

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/rcra/index.html

22 Nov 2010

The Cities, a local public affairs program, debuts on WQPT

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT premieres a brand new public affairs program on November 25th at 6:30 pm. "The Cities" will be a weekly look at issues, events and newsmakers in and around the Quad Cities. The program will be hosted by Jim Mertens. Guests for the first show includes newly elected Illinois State Representative Bobby Shilling and his wife, and 'Mr. Thanksgiving', Bob Vogelbaugh.

"This show has been the pipeline for some time, but first we had to get through the license transfer and move our offices before we could get it on the air," said WQPT General Manager, Rick Best. "Now that everything is in place, we are very excited to begin production on "The Cities." The program is being supported in part by a grant from the Victor and Doris Day Foundation.

"The Cities" joins other new local programs on WQPT including "WIU Presents," an hour long performance program provided by Western Illinois University; the second season of "Get Movin'," a children's exercise and healthy living program hosted by Jennifer Neal and "Out and About" a weekly look at events coming up in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.

Host Jim Mertens is known in the Quad Cities as the morning anchor for WQAD. "I think this type of longer format public affairs programming is missing in the Quad Cities. We hope the audience will help us form the show so we can showcase the important issues... and great community programs... that we either don't realize exist or simply take for granted," said Mertens. "Not to be Pollyanna about it, but each week we hope to discover not only what is happening in the Quad Cities, but what could happen to make it a better place."

"The Cities" will be taped at Fusion Communications in Davenport, Iowa and will air on WQPT Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Starting in mid December WQPT will also repeat the program on Sundays at 5:30 pm.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University, located in Moline, Illinois.

# # #

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

River Cities Reader #1015 -... by River Cities Reader

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?)

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Search form