22 Jul 2013

Branstad, Reynolds unveil online driver's license and ID renewal

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino III, today unveiled the new online driver's license renewal system.

Nearly 284,000 Iowa drivers will be eligible to renew their driver's licenses or identification cards 24-hours a day, seven days a week from any computer or mobile device with a web browser starting today.

"This system was created to give Iowans the flexibility to renew their driver's license or I.D. when and where it is convenient for them," said Branstad. "There is no better way for government to serve its citizens than to find efficiencies while at the same time offering quicker service and better access."

In the interest of public safety and identity security, there are stipulations on who can renew a driver's license or ID online.  With some exceptions, you will be able to renew your license online if:

  • You have a valid Iowa driver's license or ID (non CDL).
  • You are at least 18, but younger than 70 years old.
  • Your license or ID has not been expired for more than a year.
  • It is less than 180 days to the renewal date on your current license or ID.
  • You are a U.S. citizen.
  • You do not have any medical or vision conditions that would impact your ability to drive.
  • You do not need to change the address or name printed on your card.

"The online renewal system supports our administration's goal of a creating more efficient and effective government," said Lt. Gov. Reynolds. "As a former county treasurer, it's exciting to see the use of new technologies and how the new online application supplements the current system."

"We are committed to making customer's interactions with the Iowa DOT smarter, simpler and customer driven," said Director Trombino. "Online renewal is one more service within our myMVD system that helps Iowans take care of needs related to their driver's license and driving record when and where it is convenient for them. Renewing online also helps reduce congestion at driver's license stations and county treasurer's offices, shortening the time spent at renewal locations for those who must renew in person."

Renewal cards will contain the same photo that is on a customer's current driver's license or ID. Customers will only be allowed to renew their driver's license or ID through the online system every other renewal period. Renewal periods and costs are the same regardless of how cards are renewed.

As with in-person renewal, new cards will be sent in the mail within 30 days of renewal. Customers who renew their driver's license or ID online should continue to carry their current card until they receive their new driver's license or ID in the mail. A proof of transaction can be printed and carried with their current card to prove that they have gone through the renewal process.

In addition to online driver's license and ID renewal, visitors to myMVD can:

  • Sign up to receive renewal notices electronically.
  • Change a mailing address.
  • Get a copy of a driving record.
  • Find out what is needed to reinstate a license that has been revoked or suspended.
  • Pay civil penalties.

The official Iowa DOT online renewal website can only be accessed at https://mymvd.iowadot.gov.

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22 Jul 2013

Gary Loss Becomes Davenport Rotary's 102nd President

By Randy Stalsberg
On Monday, July 15, 2013, The Rotary Club of Davenport installed its 102nd President with President Gary Loss taking the oath of office from outgoing President Cheryl Goodwin (see attached photo). Fresh from the Rotary International Convention held in Lisbon, Portugal, President Loss summarized his convention experiences as well as presented his goals for the upcoming 2013?2014 fiscal year. Gary also took the opportunity to introduce the board of directors, officers and committee chairs who will be working alongside him during his Presidency.
Other officers inducted at the meeting were: Paul Johnson, President-elect; Betsy Pratt, Vice-President; Steve Gray, Secretary; Bob Sharp, Treasurer; Brian Wright, Sergeant-at-Arms; Cheryl Goodwin, Past President.
Also elected to the board were Gene Meeker, Rick Best, Mark Zimmerman, Eloise Graham, Bob Morrison and Rob Scott.
Throughout the year, President Loss will continue to build on the momentum of his predecessors, primarily striving to increase the vitality of Davenport Rotary through membership engagement, increased meeting attendance, additional networking opportunities, and increased visibility of Rotary.
Led by Rotary International President, Ron Burton from Norman, OK, "Engage Rotary Change Lives" is the guiding theme for the 2013?3014 Rotary International year. President Loss is challenging each member to engage and help change lives.
Rotary offers wonderful opportunities to serve our fellow human beings in our vocations, community, country and world. The club currently has 17 active committees, including scholarships, local community service, and world community service.
For more information, go to www.davenportrotary.org.
22 Jul 2013

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Group coming to St Mark Lutheran Church in September

By Rev. Doris Nolan

St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2363 W. 3rd St., Davenport will begin its new MOPS group in September with the first group meeting on Tuesday, September 10th from 9 to 11 am.

MOPS sessions will be on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from September through May. Child care is provided.

A drive-through registration for the St Mark MOPS group will take place on Wednesday, August 7th from 4 to 6 PM in the east parking lot of the church. Moms will not even have to get out of their cars, or take their children out of their car seats in order to register, but will be able to accomplish it from the comfort of their cars. To participate in the MOPS program you must be registered.

Registration forms will also be available in the church office, (563) 322 - 5318.

"We are delighted to be able to offer this important ministry for mothers and their children. Children are a gift from God and, at St Mark, we feel it is very important to provide spiritual support and encouragement to mothers with small children," commented Pastor Doris Nolan, Associate Pastor at the church.

For more information about MOPS at St Mark, contact Keri Bass (563) 650-6240 or Angi Kauffman (563)579-7285

St. Mark Cares...Welcome, Worship, Witness.

-end-

22 Jul 2013

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Make Waterways Safer for Illinois Families

By Brooke Anderson

House Laws Crack Down on Boaters Who Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued a stern warning to anyone who pilots a boat while under the influence of alcohol: if you're drunk while operating a boat, you may lose your right to operate a car. Standing at Chicago's new 31st Street marina and joined by the family of  Tony Borcia - the 10-year old Libertyville boy killed last July by a drunk boater - Governor Quinn signed two bills to crack down on boating under the influence and strengthen other provisions of Illinois' boating safety laws. Today's action is part of the governor's agenda to keep Illinois families safe.

"One year ago, Tony Borcia and his family were enjoying a day out on the lake, tubing behind a pontoon boat. Suddenly a large speedboat piloted by a man impaired by alcohol and drugs bore down on Tony, resulting in this fatal tragedy. We enact this law in Tony's memory," Governor Quinn said. "Tony Borcia could have been anyone's son, brother, grandson or nephew. People enjoying our magnificent waterways shouldn't have to worry about reckless, drunken boaters when they're out tubing, swimming or paddling."

"We need to change the culture that accepts and even encourages a driver of a boat to drink while driving. It is time to take our lakes and rivers back," said Margaret Borcia, Tony's mother, who launched the "Y-noT Project" to encourage responsible boating. She invited people to visit the project's website at www.ynotproject.com.

Governor Quinn today signed Senate Bill 1479 - sponsored by State Senator Julie A. Morrison (D-Deerfield) and State Representative Scott Drury (D-Highwood) - which ensures that anyone operating a motorboat involved in an accident involving serious injury or death must consent to the chemical testing of their blood, breath or urine to determine blood alcohol or drug content. Operators who refuse testing, test positive for drugs or exceed the legal blood alcohol content limit, face suspension of their Illinois driver's license. This law takes effect on Jan. 1.

"Drinking and boating is every bit as dangerous as drinking and driving," Senator Morrison said, Tony Borcia's aunt and the chief sponsor of the legislation. "I hope this law will make everyone operating a boat think twice before consuming alcohol."

"Drunk and intoxicated boaters have stolen our lakes from local families, at times resulting in senseless and preventable tragedies," Representative Drury said. "These new laws will keep our communities safer by sending a strong message that the culture of irresponsible boating behavior will no longer be tolerated in Illinois."

In 2012, there were 101 boating-related accidents on Illinois waters, resulting in 17 deaths and 77 injuries. Alcohol use was a contributing factor in 13 of the accidents and five of the fatalities.

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 1310 - sponsored by State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and State Representative Michael J. Zalewski (D-Riverside) - which strengthens the state's Boat Registration and Safety Act regarding a boat's carrying capacity, redefines "authorized emergency watercraft" and hikes penalties on boat rental operators who fail to equip their crafts.

The new law, which takes effect immediately, clarifies that a person being towed by a watercraft, such as a skier, tuber or parasailer, is considered part of the total number of passengers for purposes of a boat's carrying capacity. The clarification will curb overcrowding by closing a loophole for boat operators claiming that a passenger being towed is not part of the watercraft's overall capacity.

The new law also adds flashing blue lights to the list of colored lights necessary for a watercraft to be designated an authorized emergency watercraft. This will enable Illinois Conservation Police, whose boats use flashing blue lights, to better enforce the law. Finally, the legislation boosts penalties on boat rental operators who fail to properly equip a rental craft with life jackets, a fire extinguisher or lighting.

"With summer in full swing and Illinois residents spending recreational time on the water, ensuring safe waterways is critical," Representative Zalewski said. "I look forward to working with law enforcement officials to keep our children, families and friends safe while they enjoy Illinois' lakes and rivers."

"These new laws will help Illinois Conservation Police officers and other law enforcement units remind boaters and boat operators to be safe while spending time on the water this summer and year-round," Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said. "Staying safe starts with always wearing a life jacket, and never operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol."

###
22 Jul 2013

WASTE COMMISSION EXTENDS WEEKDAY HOURS AT LANDFILL

By Brandy Welvaert

DAVENPORT, IA–Beginning Monday, July 22, Waste Commission of Scott County will extend its weekday hours at the Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Avenue, Davenport. Landfill hours will be as follows:

  • 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mondays
  • 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays
  • 8 a.m. - noon Saturdays

Extended hours will end Friday, Aug. 30.

The landfill is located west of Davenport on County Road Y-48, three miles south of Highway 61.

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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22 Jul 2013

Lt. Governor Reynolds named Treasurer of National Lieutenant Governors Association

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today was unanimously named to the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) Executive Committee at the NLGA Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City, OK. Effective immediately, Lt. Gov. Reynolds will serve as Treasurer of the NLGA.

"I am honored to have received the confidence and bi-partisan support from my fellow Lt. Governors," said Lt. Gov. Reynolds. "I look forward to representing not only Iowa, but all states in the NLGA as we promote efficiency and effectiveness within state government while fostering interstate cooperation."

The term runs through July of next year.  Reynolds becomes one of the three top members of NLGA and will lead the group's financial transition to a new fiscal year. She takes over the role of treasurer from Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman of Connecticut.

Reynolds previously served on the NLGA's Finance Committee, International Committee and co-chaired the State Strategies in Energy Committee.

 

###
19 Jul 2013

State Fair Offers Classes with Patrick Lose

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/19/2013)(readMedia)-- From charity sewing projects to hands on quilting classes with Patrick Lose, the Iowa State Fair's Fabric and Threads Department has several ways for Fairgoers to participate. "Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair set August 8-18.

Master quilter and Iowa native Patrick Lose will be one of several talented instructors for the Fabric and Threads Department's Make It and Take It classes. Lose's classes will offer Fairgoers a hands-on opportunity to create some of his most popular quilt designs. One class will be offered pre-fair on Wednesday, August 7, at 11 a.m. and will last four hours. During the Fair, his classes will be offered at 9:30 a.m. August 8-11 and 13-16 and will last two hours. There are no registration fees; however, participants will be required to purchase their own supply kits for $25.

Fairgoers can choose from a variety of other crafts in the Make It and Take it classes offered such as tatting, hand appliqué and weaving, to name a few. Each session has a $10 materials fee and lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

The State Fair Sew-In will be open each Fair day from Noon until 5 p.m. This Fair-long project offers Fairgoers a chance to try their hand at simple sewing and quilting while providing warm blankets to local groups including children at the Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Bidwell Riverside Center, Youth Emergency Shelter and Beloit Children's Services as well as Angel Tree Camps. Every participant will receive a commemorative pin for donating their time. No experience or pre-registration necessary. Volunteer sewing assistants and a site supervisor will be on-hand to supply materials and help with machines.

The Fabric and Threads Department is located on the second floor of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building.

For a complete list of the Make It and Take It projects and times, view the daily program online at www.iowastatefair.org/daily-events/daily-schedule/.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

18 Jul 2013

Country First? U.S. Rep. Tom Latham Seriously Just Voted To Protect Terrorists' Access to Guns

By Rick Martin

Latham's Fealty to the Big Gun Manufactures Hits Disturbing New Low

Washington D.C. - It was a sad display in the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday as 27 Republicans including U.S. Rep. Tom Latham (IA-03) voted to reject the mother of all common sense ideas: that we should treat terrorists just like we treat violent criminals, domestic abusers, and the dangerously mentally ill by banning those on the terrorist watch list from legally purchasing a gun in the United States.

Shamefully, at the behest of gun manufacturer lobbyists, Latham joined fellow Republicans in a largely party-line vote to defeat an amendment offered by U.S. Reps. Nita Lowey (D-NY) and David Price (D-NC) that would close a glaring hole in the nation's gun safety laws known as the "terror gap" by giving authority to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to block suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms and explosives.

As Congresswoman Lowey's office notes: a recent Government accountability Office report found that between February 2004 and February 2010, suspected terrorists tried to purchase guns and explosives 1,453 times. Ninety-one percent of those attempts were successful. *CLICK HERE FOR MORE BACKGROUND ON THE 'TERROR GAP' FROM MAIG

Jeremy Funk, Comm. Dir., Americans United for Change: "The terrorists must be breathing a sigh of relief that they can go right on buying a gun at any Wal-Mart without worry of failing a background check. Congressman Latham's disgraceful action was also a big win for the gun manufacturers that don't care who guns are sold to in America -- no matter how dangerous they are -- as long as a sale is made. Latham apparently can't stand the thought of the gun manufacturers losing any business whatsoever even if it's the worst kind of customer: suspected terrorists.  Latham's fealty to the gun lobby has really gone off the deep end.  Just wait until Latham's constituents hear where he stood: choosing gun profits over national security and public safety."

###

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY:
http://www.cq.com/doc/committees-2013071700309856

Fiscal 2014 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations/Transfer of Firearms

Lowey, D-N.Y. - Amendment that would allow the attorney general to deny transfer of firearms to people suspected of being involved in terrorism. The attorney general would need to have reasonable belief that the person might use the firearm in connection with terrorism.

Rejected 19-29: R 0-27; D 19-2; I 0-0; July 17, 2013.

Vote Key

YEAS (19)

Democrats (19)

Cuellar (Texas)

DeLauro (Conn.)

Farr (Calif.)

Fattah (Pa.)

Honda (Calif.)

Kaptur (Ohio)

Lee, B. (Calif.)

Lowey (N.Y.)

McCollum (Minn.)

Moran, James (Va.)

Pastor (Ariz.)

Pingree (Maine)

Price, D. (N.C.)

Quigley (Ill.)

Roybal-Allard (Calif.)

Ryan, T. (Ohio)

Schiff (Calif.)

Serrano (N.Y.)

Visclosky (Ind.)

 

 

NAYS (29)

Republicans (27)

Aderholt (Ala.)

Alexander, R. (La.)

Bonner (Ala.)

Calvert (Calif.)

Carter (Texas)

Cole (Okla.)

Crenshaw (Fla.)

Culberson (Texas)

Dent (Pa.)

Diaz-Balart (Fla.)

Fleischmann (Tenn.)

Fortenberry (Neb.)

Frelinghuysen (N.J.)

Granger (Texas)

Graves, T. (Ga.)

Harris (Md.)

Joyce (Ohio)

Kingston (Ga.)

Latham (Iowa)

Nunnelee (Miss.)

Rogers, H. (Ky.)

Rooney (Fla.)

Simpson (Idaho)

Valadao (Calif.)

Wolf (Va.)

Womack (Ark.)

Yoder (Kan.)

18 Jul 2013

Former Davenport Man Sentenced on Federal Cocaine and Marijuana Conspiracy

By Val Quast
DAVENPORT, IA - On July 17, 2013, Alan Bernard Baugh, age 32, formerly from Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 75 months imprisonment, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine and 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Baugh was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund. The district court also ordered Baugh to forfeit to the government $12,826 seized during a search warrant.
Baugh agreed in the plea proceeding that from June 2006 to February 2, 2012, he entered into an agreement with two or more individuals to distribute cocaine and marijuana. As part of the investigation, on February 5, 2012, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Baugh's Davenport residence and seized 7.1 kilograms of marijuana, 269 grams of cocaine, and $12,826.00 in cash.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
# # #
18 Jul 2013

Be A Fan To Seniors Program

By Sarah Arp

With our community being under a heat advisory now until Saturday, the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) is emphasizing the danger this may cause older adults in our community. Older adults are more susceptible to heat than younger people because they are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat and they are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

In an effort to help older adults in the Quad Cities Area to stay cool this summer, CASI is holding its Annual Be A Fan To Seniors - Summer Heat Relief Program. From now until the end of the hot summer days, community members are being ask to bring in new (preferably box style) fans to be distributed to older adults who are in need this summer. CASI will also be taking monetary donations to go out and purchase fans as well. Donations can be dropped off at CASI, 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Due to the increased demand from older adults in the community, CASI will only distribute one fan per household with an adult 55 years of age or older. The following information will be requested at time of pick-up:

  • A valid ID to provide proof of age and residency

CASI's Senior Advocacy Department encourages friends, family and neighbors to check on older adults more frequently during extreme days of heat. Signs of heat related problems may be: cramping in legs or abdomen, heavy sweating, nausea, headaches, dizziness, or confusion, seek medical attention if any of these signs occur. If person is vomiting, refusing water or loses consciousness call 9-1-1 immediately.

  • END -

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