26 Mar 2009

Rock Island County youth news conference TODAY, March 26th, 2009

By M. McNeil

(Moline, IL) Some of the county's newest voters are holding a news conference asking voters to approve the one percent sales tax referendum on the April 7^th ballot. These students have been in area schools for years and they know first hand the buildings need major updates.

The news conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 26^th at 3:30 pm in the King Plaza strip mall in Moline. The event will take place in front of Kinetic Fitness at 3620 Avenue of the Cities.

Student leaders from Moline, United Township and Augustana will be available for questions after the news conference.

25 Mar 2009

2009 White House Egg Display at Musser Public Library

By Irene Warschauer

The Musser Public Library in Muscatine will host the Iowa Egg Council's 2009 White House Easter Egg display throughout the month of April. The exhibition can be viewed until April 30th and then it will move on to another city.

The 19 beautifully decorated eggs in this display are the creations of various Iowa artists. The eggs were entered in the 2009 White House Easter Egg Decorating Contest, held during the 2008 Iowa State Fair. This contest invites Iowa artists to decorate an egg to depict a special feature, theme, icon, or location in/of Iowa. The winning egg is then sent to Washington, D.C. to be on display at the White House during the Easter season.

At this year's contest, Marjorie Nedjl of Ely won first place, winning a cash prize plus traveling expenses to see her decorated egg displayed at the White House. Second place went to Carolyn Klein of Norwalk, and Marion Smith of Eagle Grove won third place.

Each year the Iowa Egg Council sponsors the White House Easter Egg Decorating Contest during the Iowa State Fair. Entry forms can be requested each year by calling 1-877-IOWAEGG, Ext. 11 or be accessing the website at www.iowaegg.org.

Contact Info: Irene Warschauer, Office Manager, Musser Public Library, Ph: 563-263-3065, iwarschauer@muscatinelibrary.us

23 Mar 2009

Iowa State Representative Jim Lykam Receives Humane Legislator Award

By Martin Montorfano

(March 23, 2009) -- Each year, The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, recognizes state legislators across the country who have initiated path-breaking animal protection legislation and demonstrably advanced reform in the policy-making arena. The organization is pleased to announce that Iowa state Rep. Jim Lykam is a Humane State Legislator Award winner for 2008.

Rep. Lykam is being honored for introducing and passing anti-dogfighting legislation. That bill, HF 2381, increased the penalties for being a spectator at a dogfight.

Continuing his leadership on animal protection policies into this legislative session, Rep. Lykam is also currently the sponsor of HF 486, which would allow the state to conduct inspections of USDA-licensed puppy mills in Iowa.

"Ending animal fighting in Iowa will only happen with penalties that serve as a deterrent," said Rep. Lykam. "It is my hope that we have taken a step towards this goal by enacting tougher penalties."

"Iowa Representative Jim Lykam has been a champion of animal protection since he came into office," said Carol Griglione, Iowa state director for The HSUS. "He has advanced the protection of animals in Iowa in a very meaningful way, and we are pleased to honor him with this award and acknowledge his dedicated public service."

Media Contact: Martin Montorfano, 301-258-3152, mmontorfano@humanesociety.org

-30-

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty. On the web at humanesociety.org .

19 Mar 2009

Summer Youth Employment Program

By Michael Woods, PhD

As a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment act of 2009, Partners in Job Training and Placement will receive funds to administer a Summer Youth Employment Program. Youth participating in the program will be placed in a variety of public and private sector worksites beginning in June. Jobs will include maintenance, clerical, grounds keeping, and other positions. Youth will receive minimum wage. Work related expenses such as physicals will be provided. Your Rock Island County Extension unit has requested to secure funding for up to five youth under this program for the summer. If you know of youth looking for a job and qualifies for the Partners in Job Training and Placement program please ask them to contact Mr. David Flowers at: 309-736-9621, ext. 101, Mondays through Thursdays, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Individuals appointments will be scheduled.

This program is income based. NOT ALL YOUTH WILL QUALIFY. Youth must be between the ages of 16 and 24 to participate.

13 Mar 2009

"Extreme Makeover Home Edition" Family to Visit St. Ambrose

By Jane Kettering

DAVENPORT, Iowa–It took three years for St. Ambrose University Occupational Therapy alumna Angie DeLost to convince ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to choose her client's family for a home makeover. On Friday, March 20, at 11 a.m., St. Ambrose will hold a "Lunch and Learn" featuring DeLost, along with eight-year-old client Jake Grys, who suffers from the genetic disorder Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Rogalski Center, located at the corner of Ripley and Lombard Streets, one block west of Harrison Street. Reservations are recommended and those who attend are invited to bring a sack lunch.

Following a viewing of the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Grys family episode, DeLost will discuss her work with show producers and her involvement in the home's modifications. Grys, along with his mother, Jean, will share their experiences with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, often referred to as "brittle bone disease," as well as answer questions about the home makeover process.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Rhonda Lane at 563/333-6277 or LaneRhondaL@sau.edu.

###

10 Mar 2009

LTC Michael Clarke to Be Public Works Director

By Administrator

(from City of Davenport Media Release)

March 6, 2009

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Clarke has accepted an offer of employment to be
Davenport Public Works Director at a starting salary of $117,000, City Administrator
Malin announced. Mr. Clarke is expected to start work in July, following retirement
from twenty eight years of service to the nation in the Army.

LTC Clarke is currently serving as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District. He has served in Iraq and
Afghanistan, serving as Chief of Construction for Afghanistan and the surrounding
region. LTC Clarke has a degree in Civil Engineering from Old Dominion, a Masters
Degree in Engineering Management from California State University and has
completed the program at the Army Command and General Staff College.   LTC
Clarke has experience as a Director of Public Works in Taegu, South Korea and Fort
Stewart, Savannah, Georgia. He has significant, hands-on experience in preparing
for and responding to emergencies, including a wide variety of natural disasters.

In February, a thirteen member interview panel interviewed five semi-finalists
including LTC Clarke from a field of 32 applicants in a highly competitive national
search.

LTC Clarke spoke highly of the Davenport Public Works Department, noting
"Davenport is a nationally accredited department through the American Public Works
Association and is a recognized regional leader at the forefront of best practices." He
added, "I have been all around the world I'm happy that I'll have the ability to stay
in the Quad Cities after I retire from the Army. I'm looking forward to moving to
Davenport and starting a new chapter in my career in public service".

City Administrator Malin thanked the members of the interview panel and all the
members of the Public Works Department, for exceptional work through the past few
months. He specifically thanked Dennis Ryan for his outstanding continuing service
as Interim Public Works Director.

Questions may be directed to City Administrator Malin at (563) 326-6139 or LTC
Clarke at (309) 794-5253.

04 Mar 2009

City of Davenport Launches "Campus to Campus Plan"

By Todd McGreevy

Following up on the soon-to-be completed Older Commercial Corridor
Revitalization Plan, the City of Davenport is launching an effort to continue
the revitalization of the corridor between St. Ambrose University and Palmer
College of Chiropractic.

Representatives from various businesses and institutions within the area
have been invited to begin the process by first defining the project area and
sharing initial thoughts about how stronger connections can be created.
Invited participants include the anchoring institutions of St. Ambrose
University and Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport Schools, businesses
and organizations of the Hilltop area.

The meeting will be held:

Thursday, March 5, 2009
4:00-5:30 p.m.
JB Young Junior High School Cafeteria,
1702 Main Street

Wider public participation will be sought once the project's parameters are
further defined through the input gathered at this initial meeting.

If you have questions, please contact Matt Flynn; Senior Manager-Planning
Division; Community Planning and Economic Development Department;
(563) 326-7743.

Jennifer A. Nahra
Communications Director
326-6151

26 Feb 2009

Harkin Announces Nearly $19M for Housing Assistance Across Iowa

By Senator Harkin

Funding from Economic Recovery Package Already Coming to the State.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that the Iowa Finance Authority has been awarded $18,978,542 from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Projects through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds were contained in the Economic Stimulus Package that was recently signed into law and were allocated by annual HUD formulas. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee that funds housing initiatives.

"I cannot think of a more important need than housing - particularly for low-income Iowans. And for the money to be coming to our state one week after the President signed this bill last proves this recovery package is indeed timely and targeted," said Harkin. "These funds will allow low and moderate income households obtain affordable housing which will spur additional economic opportunities."

These funds will be distributed competitively and according to its allocation plan.

###

12 Jan 2009

American Cancer Society Welcomes Iowa Legislators Back.

By Richard Martin

Following the Annual Legislative Breakfast, the American Cancer Society will launch the 2009 Legislative Session by welcoming legislators back and detailing top policy priorities, including the latest on last year's landmark Iowa Smokefree Air Act.

09 Jan 2009

Moline Foundation announces deadline for Grant Applications.

By The Moline Foundation

A grants submission deadline has been announced by the Moline Community Foundation. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply if they serve the citizens of Moline and the surrounding region, including the Quad Cities.

All materials necessary to receive funds are due in The Moline Foundation offices by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2009 or must be postmarked by or on Friday, January 30, 2009.

Any non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, including those who have never received Moline Foundation funding in the past, is welcome to apply.

For more information and recent grants history, please refer to The Moline Foundation's web site at www. molinefoundation.org.

An application should consist of a written request stating the name and address of the organization, its mission, names and addresses of Board members, financial statement, balance sheet, and the specific purpose for which any money received would be used including a project budget. The name, telephone number, and email of a contact person must also be included. The requested materials should be mailed according to the above deadline. Other important information about grant submission is available at The Moline Foundation's web site.

The Moline Community Foundation offices are located at the Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Avenue, Moline.

The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a community foundation which provides grants to health, human services, education, community development, the arts and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Moline and the surrounding area, including the Quad Cities region in both Iowa and Illinois. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts and has a current endowment of approximately $13 million

###

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