23 Jan 2015

1170 AM - KBOB TO BROADCAST ALL BANDITS GAMES IN 2015

By Rick Martin
DAVENPORT, Iowa (January 21, 2015) - The sounds of Quad Cities River Bandits baseball will be back on the radio airwaves in a big way in 2015, with every regular season and playoff game broadcasted live on 1170 AM K-BOB Real Country, a Townsquare Media Quad Cities station. K-BOB delivers the largest listenership of any station to ever broadcast River Bandits games on radio.
The broadcasts will begin Thursday, April 9, when the River Bandits, the six-time Midwest League Champions and Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, open their 140-game season by visiting the Peoria Chiefs at Dozer Park in Peoria, Ill. Each broadcast will be anchored by River Bandits Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations Marco LaNave, entering his fourth season as the "Voice of the Bandits." LaNave also began broadcasting high school sports for Townsquare Media Quad Cities stations last September.
Townsquare Media owns and operates a diversified group of leading radio, digital, marketing services, and live event properties across the United States including 97X, B100, The HAWK, ESPN and 1170 AM in the Quad Cities.
"We are delighted to work with our great partners at Townsquare Media Quad Cities to broadcast all of the exciting action of River Bandits baseball on one of the Quad Cities' most popular country stations," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Radio remains an effective and beloved medium, and at a time when other teams are discontinuing radio, we are really happy to be ramping it up. The Quad Cities loves country music, and they love their Bandits, so our new partnership with K-BOB Real Country and Townsquare is a perfect match!"
Since purchasing the former Cumulus cluster of radio stations in the Quad Cities, Townsquare has made a significant commitment to sports programming. In May, Townsquare picked up the ESPN affiliation and launched the Quad Cities' only FM sports radio station. ESPN 93.5 is the home of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and local high school football and basketball.
"The combination of ESPN 93.5 and 1170 AM will broadcast more local and regional live sports exclusively to the Quad Cities area," according to Market President Bruce Law. "The addition of the River Bandits only strengthens the dominant sports line-up offered for the local fans."
In addition to the radio broadcasts, fans can listen to each game on RiverBandits.com and 1170kbob.com. They can also watch live streaming video of every River Bandits home game on MiLB.TV for a second straight season in 2015. MiLB.TV subscription includes access to all minor league online broadcasts, so fans can watch alumni as they move toward the major leagues.
"As an organization, our goal is to grow the connection of our fans to our players, and Townsquare continues to be a critical partner in doing so with enjoyable, high-quality broadcasts," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "This new broadcast partnership with Townsquare will bring the media experience of River Bandits baseball to its highest level ever."
"I have been blessed to be part of many memorable moments and historic achievements in the Quad Cities; having the River Bandits broadcast all of their games, not merely on the radio, but on the most-listened-to station in River Bandits history, is among the most exciting for me," LaNave said. "Broadcasting sports with Townsquare has been a highlight of my broadcasting career, and I am thrilled that will continue with River Bandits games this spring."
The River Bandits will have a running start to their opening weekend in 2015 with the third annual Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11. The home opener is at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, against the Clinton LumberKings at Modern Woodmen Park.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
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20 Jan 2015

Service Disruption for Some TV6 Viewers Using DIRECTV

By Eric VanWinkle

KWQC-TV6 has become aware that some DIRECTV subscribers have been unable to receive Channel 6 since last week.

The TV6 engineering staff has looked into the issue and it appears to be a software glitch on DIRECTV's end.  The issue only affects some models of DIRECTV set-top receivers.  We understand that DIRECTV is aware of the problem.

Some KWQC-TV6 viewers have reported restoration of Channel 6 after pressing the red reset button on their receiver.  Others reported success after resetting and unplugging their receiver.

Contrary to some previous reports, there is no contract dispute between KWQC-TV6 or NBC and DIRECTV.

KWQC-TV6 is freely available to the community and can be received with an over-the-air antenna.

Updates regarding the situation will be posted at www.kwqc.com.

http://kwqc.com/2015/01/13/service-disruption-for-tv6-viewers-using-directv/
12 Jan 2015

Rock Island Libraries Closed Monday, Jan. 19

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: All locations of the Rock Island Public Library will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 so that staff can attend an in-service training day.

The one-day closing affects the Main Library location at 401 19th Street, the 30/31 Branch at 3059 30th Street, and the Southwest Branch at 9010 Ridgewood Road.

For January only, the library's 30/31 Book Club will meet at the Hauberg Civic Center, 1300 24th Street, on Monday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 pm. Members will discuss "Emma" by Jane Austen. Library book club discussions are open to anyone who has read the selected book.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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07 Jan 2015

'Confession' shows poetess views on life, love

By Rick Martin

Author Zohour Almandil creates collection of multifaceted poetry

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Author Zohour Almandil has always believed that when it comes to human relationships, sincere and heartfelt feelings is the fastest route to another person's heart. This was the reason she has written down her own feelings. "Confession" (published by Xlibris UK) shares her own emotions with the world.

"Confession" is a bold and concrete attempt that has broken the silence of long-repressed emotions, a silence that has long been hanging over an aspiring poetess in a masculine-dominated society. It is a book that valiantly refuses to hold back or conceal genuine emotions. This book shows the author's own perceptions on society and life in general. It is also a way to vent her feelings of frustration and covers a myriad of themes such as contemplation, passion and indulgence in on-and-off vain attempts of forgetfulness.

This book takes an in-depth look into the soul of a true poetess who refuses to follow the constraints of society and freely speaks her mind.

"Confession"

By Zohour Almandil

Hardcover | 6x9 in | 118 pages | ISBN 9781499089646

Softcover | 6x9 in | 118 pages | ISBN 9781499089622

E-Book | 118 pages | ISBN 9781499089639

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Zohour Almandil lived her childhood in Riyadh and then went with her family to many Arab countries where she learned a lot about other cultures. This has nurtured her instinct as an artist , poet and writer.

or call 0800 056 3182 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisUK on Twitter for the latest news.

29 Dec 2014

Rock Island Library Adds New Online Magazines to Flipster

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: If you're looking for something to do with that new computer or tablet, the Rock Island Public Library has added 16 new magazine titles to its digital Flipster magazine collection.

New magazines now available for online reading from the library's subscription include Atlantic, Cooking Light, Ebony, Esquire, Kiplinger's Retirement Report, Ladybug, Muse, Organic Gardening, Real Simple, Seventeen, Shopsmart, This Old House, Time, Town & Country, Yum Food and Fun for Kids, and Zoobooks. The new titles include choices for ages from children to adults.

The growth of online magazine offerings reflects the new service's popularity with cardholders. With 412 uses in November, about four times as many magazines have circulated through Flipster since the service replaced a previous digital product on November 1. Ease of use seems to be part of the draw. To use the service, patrons simply log onto Flipster with their Rock Island Library card number and select the magazine they want. There's no need to create an account.

Flipster, a product of EBSCO Information Services, allows Rock Island Library patrons to read digital versions of popular magazines on a computer or mobile device with no waiting for a print copy. Rock Island Library cardholders can access digital Flipster magazines 24 hours a day with a live Internet connection, or download a free app that allows them to read the magazine later on their tablet. The download app is available for both iPad and Android tablet users from the iTunes and Google Play stores.

To check out the service, go to the Download This menu on the Rock Island Library website, www.rockislandlibrary.org. More information is also available at the library's Facebook and Twitter sites, or by calling the library at 309-732-READ (7323.)

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19 Dec 2014

WQPT/FOURTH WALL FILMS PREMIERE NEW DOCUMENTRY 'LETTERS HOME TO HERO STREET'

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT, QUAD CITIES PBS and Fourth Wall Films have teamed up to produce a new documentary "Letters Home to Hero Street." The project is funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

 

The 30-minute film draws on the letters home from one of eight soldiers lost to war who lived on 2nd Street in Silvis, IL, now known as Hero Street USA. "Letters Home" gives a glimpse into one of the heroes through his letters home to his family.

 

The large amount of documentation and supporting materials is what made the decision for us to focus on him," said Director Kelly Rundle. "Our soldier was not chosen because he is more important than the other seven heroes, nor more important than others who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice. In 'Letters Home to Hero Street,' he stands in for the seven and for all who have served."

 

A premiere of the film is being held Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 800 17th Street, Silvis, IL. The event is open free to the public. The filmmakers, actors and others associated with the film will be available to answer questions.

 

The following day (Jan. 16) the film will air on WQPT at 7 p.m. For more information, visit wqpt.org or fourthwallfilms.com.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

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09 Dec 2014

Governor Quinn Welcomes New Fox TV Production to Illinois

By Dave Blanchette

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today visited the set of the new TV drama "Empire" to welcome the series to Illinois. Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong for Twentieth Century Fox Television, "Empire" is filmed in Chicago and employs approximately 250 Illinois workers. The event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Thanks to the investment we made to build Cinespace Studios, Illinois is now the top destination outside Hollywood for the next summer blockbuster or TV series," Governor Quinn said. "'Empire' is the latest major production to come to Illinois, creating hundreds of good jobs and generating millions of dollars in economic investment."

Since 2009, Illinois' film industry has driven more than $1.2 billion in economic growth, including roughly $600 million in wages for Illinois workers. "Empire" is spending $25 million in 2014 to shoot its first 12 episodes. Of that amount, about half will go directly to Illinois wages. The production is using 75 Illinois vendors.

"Empire" is being filmed at the Cinespace Chicago Film Studios on the city's near west side. The Cinespace facility was constructed with $5 million from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program in May of 2011 coupled with a large private investment and currently stands as the largest soundstage in the United States outside of Hollywood.

Since its opening in 2011, revenue to the state from the film industry has grown substantially. In 2013, the industry generated an estimated $358 million in spending, a record that nearly doubled the prior all-time high set in 2012. In 2013, the industry supported more than 4,200 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois.

The Cinespace studio has been home to major productions such as TV series "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D." and "Boss," as well as blockbuster studio films such as "Transformers" and "Divergent."

"The tremendous growth in Illinois' film industry was made possible by our film tax credits, talented crews, iconic shooting locations and world-class sound stages and studios," Illinois Film Office Managing Director Betsy Steinberg said. "All of this stems from Governor Quinn's commitment to fostering a thriving film and television industry in Illinois."

The film office, part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, actively promotes the state as an ideal location for video productions. The office also administers the Illinois Film Tax Credit. Governor Quinn signed a 10-year extension of the credit in 2011, which has led to more productions throughout the state. The 30 percent tax credit is awarded to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents.

"Empire" is a hip-hop family drama and is scheduled to premiere on Jan. 7, 2015.

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04 Dec 2014

Media General Names Ken Freedman General Manager of WCMH-TV in Columbus, OH

By Eric VanWinkle

RICHMOND, VA - Media General, Inc. (NYSE: MEG), a local broadcast television and digital media company, today announced that Kenneth M. Freedman has been named Vice President and General Manager of WCMH-TV, its NBC affiliate in Columbus, OH, effective January 1, 2015. Mr. Freedman is currently Vice President and General Manager for KWQC-TV, Media General's NBC affiliate in Quad Cities, IA/IL. Mr. Freedman will succeed current WCMH Vice President and General Manager Dan Bradley, who is retiring at the end of this year following a distinguished 40-year career in the broadcast industry. Mr. Freedman will work with Mr. Bradley in the interim to provide for a smooth transition.

"We are delighted to name such a talented and experienced broadcaster as Ken to be our new General Manager at WCMH," said Deborah A. McDermott, Senior Vice President-Broadcast Markets for Media General. "Ken is a strong leader and great competitor. He has had much success in Davenport and is the right person to assume the leadership role at WCMH."

Mr. Freedman said, "This is a very exciting time in our industry. It will be an honor to work with the talented team of broadcast and digital media professionals at WCMH. Our mission will be to serve our viewers and grow the station's brand on all platforms."

Prior to joining KWQC in 2011 in his current position, Mr. Freedman had been Director of Sales & Marketing for KGW-TV in Portland, OR, since 2006. Before that, he was VP-General Sales Manager for KSTU-TV in Salt Lake City, UT, since 2003. Prior to that, he had served in sales leadership positions for WOFL/WRBW-TV in Orlando, FL; WKMG-TV in Orlando, FL; for HRP in New York City; and with Blair TV in New York City. His community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors of United Way of the Quad Cities, Trinity Healthcare Foundation, Figge Art Museum, First Tee of the Quad Cities, University of Iowa School of Communications-Advisory Board, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce-Regional Opportunity Council, and RME (River Music Experience). He is a member of Rotary Club of Davenport and National Ski Patrol. Mr. Freedman graduated from Kent State University with a B.A. in telecommunications. He completed the National Association of Broadcasters Executive Development program.
03 Dec 2014

Unwrapping New Technology? Rock Island Library Offers Classes to Help

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: The days of getting a manual with your technology purchase are long gone, but help is at hand from the Rock Island Public Library. To meet post-holiday demand, the library will add extra technology class sessions and topics for those who unwrap new technology this holiday season.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, the library will offer "Download This! Magazines, Music and Movies" to show participants how to read magazines online with the library's new Flipster service, to download or stream music with Freegal Music, and how to stream movies for free with Freegal Movies and TV. The class is offered at 6:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Use of the services requires a Rock Island Public Library card, or a card from a library that also subscribes to Freegal or Flipster.

The library will offer multiple sessions of "How to Download eBooks and eAudiobooks" to lead attendees through how to use library eBook and eAudiobook services to download free books. Each session covers all common device types, including personal eReaders, computers, tablets and Mp3 players. Participants should bring their devices along. Classes will be offered:

  • Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 2:00 pm, at the Main Library, 401 19th Street;
  • Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6:00 pm, at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, and
  • Thursday, Jan. 29 at 2:30 pm, at the Main Library.

Also on Tuesday, December 30, the library offers Getting to Know Your iPad or Tablet at 11:00 am in the Main Library Community Room. The class will cover basic features, tips and settings for users of both Apple-based and Android-based tablet computers and phones. Attendees should bring their devices.

Attendees looking for classes focused on a specific device or operating system get their chance in January and February with:

  • ·         Getting to Know Your Android Tablet or Smartphone Device: 11:00 am on Wednesday, Jan. 7, Main Library Community Room. (This class repeats at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 3.)
  • Getting to Know Your Apple iPad or iPhone: 2:30 pm on Thursday, Jan. 8, Main Library Community Room.
  • Getting to Know Your Kindle Fire: 11:00 am on Friday, Jan. 9, Main Library Community Room. (This class repeats at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, at 6:00 pm on Monday, Feb. 2.)

Attendees at any of these classes should bring their devices along. Each class covers basic functions, settings, organizing apps, tips on other uses, and more general information. All library classes are free and open to the public. Instruction is aimed at adult learners. Children and teens must be accompanied by an adult.

For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, check the calendar on the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-READ (7323,)

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Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

20 Nov 2014

KWQC-TV6 Moves Weekend Meteorologist Kevin Phelps to Quad Cities Today

By Eric VanWinkle

KWQC-TV6 revealed this morning on Quad Cities Today that current weekend meteorologist Kevin Phelps will replace Greg Dutra as the station's weekday morning meteorologist.

Greg Dutra made the announcement during his weathercast saying, "When I went to management and told them hey I have this job offer in Denver....obviously we're going to have to find a replacement.  This was my personal recommendation."

Phelps has been weekend meteorologist at TV6 since February 2011.  He will begin his new role as Quad Cities Today meteorologist December 1st.

"Kevin's hard work and experience made him a natural to replace Greg Dutra.  His knowledge forecasting in the Quad Cities and his great relationship with David and Morgan will let him continue the great tradition Quad Cities Today has established," said KWQC-TV6 News Director Rich Kurz.  "Losing Greg is tough - and we wish him well - but I'm confident our viewers will be in great hands with Kevin."

Greg Dutra's last day on air will be November 28th.  He was offered and accepted what he calls a "dream job" in Denver, CO at KDVR/KWGN.

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