02 Feb 2015

State Fair Award to Recognize Iowa's Farm Families

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (02/02/2015)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair, Tractor Supply Co. and WHO News Radio 1040 are searching for six farm families to recognize with the Way We Live Award at the 2015 Fair, August 13-23. These families must exemplify farm values derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming.

To enter, submit an entry form along with a 500-1500 word essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped the family's life. All entries must include a family picture that illustrates the family's commitment to their farming operation. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Iowa State Fair website: http://www.iowastatefair.org/competition/the-way-we-live-award/. All entries must be postmarked or e-mailed to ewynn@iowastatefair.org by May 1.

Nominated families should show dedication to animal agriculture in their daily lives and in the lives of their family members. Winners will receive a prize package including $250 cash, Fair admission tickets, parking, Fair food vouchers and recognition during the Fair in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

Eligible families must be residents of Iowa whose farming operation is centered on animal agriculture and may nominate themselves or be nominated by others.

Send entries to:

The Way We Live Award

Iowa State Fair

PO Box 57130

Des Moines, Iowa 50317-0003

Or e-mail all materials to ewynn@iowastatefair.org

For questions about the award, contact Emily Wynn at 515.262.3111 x244 or ewynn@iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23. 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.

* * *

02 Feb 2015

The 21st annual Iowa Illinois Regional Auto Show features announced

By Carol Slaughter

The nation's largest auto show producer, Motor Trend Auto Shows, announces the 21st

Proceeds from the Auto Show benefit the Iowa -Illinois Regional Auto Show Scholarship Fund. Over $280,000 has been given to college bound and trade school students to date. $30,000+ is expected to be given at this year's VIP Premier Event.

For more information, visit www.quadcityautoshow.com or call Nissi Marketing at 563) 388-6744

annual Iowa Illinois Regional Auto Show, coming to the Davenport RiverCenter Friday through Sunday, Feb. 6-8. The event, which showcases 2015 vehicles, and some 2016 models is a joint effort of auto dealers of 18 counties in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Show times are:

  • Friday-Saturday, Feb. 6 & 7 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

  • Sunday, Feb. 8 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Special events during the show include :

  • Friday is Quad City Times Day at the show. Special promotions are planned.

  • Saturday there will be face painting, balloon artists and a meet and greet with Pete the Purple Bull from 12p-4p

Sunday: B100 Family Day -- Kids 12 and under free with paid adult. Get your picture taken with Bubba the Alligator and other exotic animals from 12p - 4p. There will be professional balloon artists making animal characters for kids, performing magic tricks, and a jumpy house.

  • 27 Domestic & Import Manufacturers - over 150 vehicles

  • "Luxury Row Showcase"

  • Every guest can sign up for a free one year subscription to Motor Trend Magazine Subscription

  • FREE opening day tickets and coupons at participating Hy-Vee locations. While supplies last, restrictions apply.

  • More info, discount tickets and coupons online at Quad City Auto Show.com

02 Feb 2015

Preserve the Allure of the Iowa State Fair!

By Robert Jackson Jr.

DES MOINES, IA (02/02/2015)(readMedia)-- Known as Iowa's great celebration and a treasured tradition for Iowans both young and old, truly "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair. This year, all it takes is one little checkmark on your state tax form to help the Fair continue to preserve the allure of the historic Fairgrounds.

Look for the State Fairgrounds Renovation Check Off on line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or on line 14 of Iowa Tax Form 1040A and check off $1 (or more!) to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.

"The Corndog Checkoff is a great and easy way for Iowans to support the Iowa State Fair. The Iowa State Fair would not be what it is today without the Corndog Checkoff. Thank you to thousands of Iowans who have supported the Corndog Checkoff in the past and we hope you will consider doing so again this year to preserve this great institution for future generations," said Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director Peter Cownie.

Every dollar donated to the Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The Corndog Checkoff has raised over $1.7 million, and has supplemented restoration projects from the Grandstand to the newly air conditioned Cultural Center. In addition, funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Tax Checkoff, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or email info@blueribbonfoundation.org.

# # #

02 Feb 2015

Mallards Win Pair over the Weekend

By Brian Lavelle
Mallards Drop Brampton 3-1

MOLINE, Ill. (January 31, 2015) - Kevin Baker, Todd Fiddler and Matt Duffy scored a goal apiece and Evan Mosher made 23 saves as the host Quad City Mallards (20-15-6) defeated the Brampton Beast (13-26-2) 3-1 Saturday night. With the win the Mallards moved into a tie for second place in the ECHL's Central Division.

The Mallards were on the power play when Baker swooped into the slot and snapped home the game's first goal with just 15.4 seconds left in the first period.

Fiddler doubled the Mallard lead by driving the puck in off Brampton goaltender Trevor Cann at 11:12 of the second period.

After the Beast's Mike MacIsaac pounced on a rebound to narrow the margin to 2-1 at 6:55 of the third period, Duffy put Brampton away with another power play goal.  Duffy's blue line blast reestablished the Mallards' two goal lead at 12:48 of the third.

The Mallards return to action next Tuesday night on the road against the Missouri Mavericks.  The Mallards next play at home next Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Wichita Thunder.  Next Friday also brings the return of $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X and MetroLINK.  Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs and beers from iWireless Center concession stands during all Friday home games.  97X will follow in the spirit of the evening by presenting hot dog-themed intermission entertainment.

Mallards Battle Past Wichita 3-1

WICHITA, Kan. (January 30, 2015) - Parker Milner made 30 saves, Antti Pusa broke a 1-1 tie late in the second period and the Quad City Mallards (19-15-6) went on to defeat the host Wichita Thunder (20-16-6) 3-1 Friday night.

After the Thunder's Kenton Miller opened the scoring from the doorstep at 2:04 of the second period, the Mallards responded with back-to-back second goals of their own.  The Mallards were on the power play when Matt Duffy tied the game at one from close range at 9:16 of the second.  Pusa's wrist shot from the slot gave the Mallards the lead at 18:48.

The Mallards protected their one-goal advantage until Mike Monfredo's empty net power play goal clinched victory with just a minute and 13 seconds left in the third period.

The Mallards next play at home tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against the Brampton Beast.  The Mallards will wear special edition jerseys against Brampton and those jerseys will go up for bid in a live auction immediately following the game to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation's Flu-Free QC program.

Tickets for all remaining Mallards regular season home games are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their eighteenth season and their first in the ECHL.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007; in the International Hockey League in 2009-10; and in the Central Hockey League from 2010 through 2014.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.net.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/qcmallards.


–## Quad City Mallards ##–
30 Jan 2015

FW: MALLARDS, GENESIS PARTNER FOR GAME-WORN JERSEY AUCTION SATURDAY NIGHT

By Brian Lavelle

Auction Benefits Genesis Health Services Foundation's Flu-Free QC Program

MOLINE, Ill. (January 27, 2015) - The Quad City Mallards will wear special edition "old school" jerseys when they take on the Brampton Beast Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at the i wireless Center and those jerseys will go up for bid in a live auction immediately following the game to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation's Flu-Free QC program. 

The Mallards Saturday night will don black jerseys with green, orange and light pewter stripes across the chest bearing the team's secondary duck-in-flight logo.  The sweaters are in the style of those worn during the first golden age of the sport, the National Hockey League's "Original Six" era.

"With the help of the Quad City Mallards and their loyal fans, Genesis was able to provide free seasonal flu vaccinations to 8,700 elementary school students in the fall and the total reach of Flu-Free Quad Cities this year has already been 48,000 kids and adults,'' said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.  "Thanks to the Mallards and all of the fans who have supported community health initiatives through these jersey auctions.''

Last season, the Mallards teamed with Genesis for a pair of jersey auctions that raised $48,300 for both the Genesis Flu-Free QC campaign and for Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation.  Over the past 20 years, Mallards jersey auctions have raised well over $700,000 to benefit Genesis Health System Charities.

"We're excited to team again this season with the Genesis Health Services Foundation for what has become a wonderful tradition over the last two decades," said Mallards president Bob McNamara.  "The generosity demonstrated by our fans every year is just remarkable and we cannot thank them enough for doing so much for so many in our community."

Saturday's event is the first of the Mallards' two Genesis jersey auctions this season.  Another one-of-a-kind set of game worn jerseys will be auctioned off following the Mallards' Saturday, March 14 game against the Wichita Thunder.

Saturday night's auction will be conducted by Stenzel Auction Service, a family owned business that has been providing auction and appraisal services for over 50 years.  More information on Stenzel Auction Service and be found at www.stenzelauction.com.

Tickets for all remaining Mallards regular season home games- including Saturday night's contest- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28.

About Genesis Health System

Genesis Health System, its affiliates and partners offer a full continuum of health care services.  Genesis Health System's affiliates include : acute and tertiary hospital care at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport and DeWitt, Iowa and Genesis Medical Center, Silvis and Aledo in Illinois; home health and hospice services through Genesis VNA and Hospice; Genesis Workplace Services, including occupational health, employee assistance and wellness services for employers and their employees; the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House; senior living facilities offering rehabilitation and long-term care; Genesis Health Group, with more than 170 primary care physicians and specialists; a Family Practice Residency program; Genesis Psychology Associates; three Convenient Care clinics; and Genesis Home Medical Equipment.  Partners include the Genesis Medical Park, Crow Valley, Genesis Imaging Centers and Spring Street Surgical Center, Davenport. Genesis Health System serves a 10-county area of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.  Genesis also manages Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. For more information, visit www.genesishealth.com.

28 Jan 2015

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: JANUARY 26, 2015

By Brian Lavelle

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, January 28, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline
Wichita Thunder vs. Quad City Mallards

Friday, January 30, 7:05 p.m.
INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita
Quad City Mallards vs. Wichita Thunder

Saturday, January 31, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Brampton Beast vs. Quad City Mallards

 

LAST WEEK
Saturday, January 24

Missouri 2 Quad City 1

 

Quad City
18-14-6, 42 points
tied 3rd place, Central Division
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Wichita
19-15-6, 44 points
2nd place, Central Division
Coach: Richard Matvichuk

Brampton
13-23-2, 28 points
7th place, Central Division
Coach: Brent Hughes

QUACK TRACKS
Close Call
The Mallards played just once last week, falling 2-1 to the Mavericks in Missouri last Saturday night.

2015
With last Saturday night's loss, the Mallards dropped to 2-4-1 in 2015.

Tight
The Mallards head into this week's home-and-home with Wichita trailing the Thunder by two points in the race for second place in the ECHL's Central Division.  The Mallards are tied for third place with the Tulsa Oilers.  The Mallard have two games in hand on Wichita and four games in hand on Tulsa.

Red Light District
The Mallards are tied for seventh in the ECHL in goals allowed per game (2.8).  They rank eleventh in goals scored per game (3.1) after scoring three or fewer goals in regulation in each of their last eight games.

Special Teams
After surviving 21 of their foes' last 22 power plays, the Mallards are now tied for seventh in the ECHL in penalty killing (84.8 percent).  The Mallards have gone 2-for-25 on the man advantage over their last five games and rank seventeenth in the league in power play efficiency (15.7 percent).

First
Mario Lamoureux scored his first career AHL goal for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last Friday against Portland after signing a professional tryout agreement with Bridgeport last Wednesday.  Lamoureux returned to the Mallards today.

Debut
Defenseman Bennett Schneider made his Mallard debut last Saturday after signing with the team last Thursday.

No Ordinary Joe
The Mallards' lone goal last Saturday night was Joe Perry's team-leading eighteenth.  That goal was just Perry's second on the power play this season.  He has scored 16 at even strength.

 

Foxy
Justin Fox has 13 points (three goals and ten assists) in his last 13 games. 

Between the Pipes
Parker Milner made 29 saves last Saturday night and has now allowed three goals or fewer in 17 of 19 games this season.  Milner ranks third in the ECHL in save percentage (.920) and eighth in goals against average (2.46).  Evan Mosher is tied for sixth in save percentage (.918).

Milestones
Darren McMillan reached 197 career points...Kevin Baker has 297 career assists...Matt Duffy has 97 career assists.

Head to Head
The Mallards have gone 2-3-0 against the Thunder this season: 1-1-0 at home and 1-2-0 in Wichita.  All-time, the Mallards have gone 8-15-1 against the Thunder: 4-6-1 at home and 4-9-0 in Wichita...The Mallards have gone 5-2-3 against Brampton this season and have posted a 3-2-0 record at home.  All-time, the Mallards have gone 12-5-6 against the Beast overall and 5-5-2 at home.

Ins and Outs
Mario Lamoureux returned to the Mallards today after signing a professional tryout agreement with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers last Wednesday...Bennett Schneider signed with the Mallards last Thursday...Paxton Leroux (upper body injury) has missed the Mallards' last six games...Evan Haney (upper body injury) miss last Saturday's game...Matt Duffy missed last Saturday's game after being place on bereavement leave last Monday.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Wednesday, January 28, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Wichita Thunder
4 Tickets for $20; T.G.I. Friday's Postgame Party

Fans can get four tickets for just $20 for each Wednesday home game.  After each Wednesday home tilt fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline for a postgame party.

Saturday, January 31, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton Beast
Genesis Jersey Auction
The Mallards will wear special edition old school jerseys during Saturday night's game that will be auctioned off after that game to benefit the Genesis Flu Free QC program.  Stenzel Auction Service will conduct Saturday evening's live auction.  For more information on Stenzel Auction Service, go to www.stenzelauction.com.

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  ECHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts and free audio webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.net.

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the iWireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

28 Jan 2015

Quad City Rollers 2015 season-opening home bout set for Jan. 31st

By AJ Juskewycz

DAVENPORT, IA - The Quad City Rollers, the QCA's premier all-female flat-track roller derby team, are hosting their 2015 season-opening game on Saturday, January 31st, at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201.

The Quad City Rollers All-Star team will take on the Fly Over Femmes Fatales followed by a "Fresh Meat" Mixer for the debut of the 2014 Boot Camp graduates. The night also includes a special appearance from our Junior league, The Orphan Brigade, who will be scrimmaging before the adults play.

The 2015 season is the ninth for the Quad City Rollers. Doors for the January 31st game open at 5:00 pm, the Juniors begin at 5:30 pm, the Veteran Mash-up at 6:30 pm and the Fresh Meat Mixer begins at 8:00 pm.

A complete breakdown of the Quad City Rollers individual ticket pricing for the 2015 season is as follows:

  • Advanced General Admission Tickets (adult), $10.00

  • Day of Game General Admission Tickets (adult), $12.00

  • Kids 12 and under, FREE

Tickets can also be purchase online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1155609. Day of Game tickets can be purchased at the QCCA Expo Center beginning at 4:30 pm.

Our complete 2015 season home games are:

  • Saturday, January 31 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, March 14 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, April 11 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, April 25 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, May 16 at 6:00 pm

  • Saturday, June 13 at 6:00 pm

###

28 Jan 2015

Statement on passing of Ernie Banks

By Catherine Kelly
CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement on death of Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks:

"Ernie Banks was a trail blazer who helped break down barriers, a veteran who served his country with honor, a respected community leader and the greatest Chicago Cub of all time. While we mourn him here, there's no doubt that up in heaven, 'Mr. Cub' is lacing up his cleats and asking Saint Peter if they can 'play two.' Ernie Banks' passion for baseball and for life showed us what true joy looks like and captured our hearts. He inspired us all."

###
28 Jan 2015

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Tips

By Larry Whiteley

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. ? Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Tips presents free, seasonal how-to advice from Larry Whiteley, host of the award-winning Outdoor World Radio show. Each weekly tip offers practical advice to improve your skills.

Tips offered for February include :

Fish Windy Banks for Bass
In early spring, windy banks are bass fishing hotspots because they hold the warmest water and baitfish. Slow trolling a spinnerbait or crankbait through baitfish hangouts can be your all-access pass to the best bass fishing on the lake.

Create a Pre-Fishing Trip Checklist
Hassle free fishing trips are possible when you have a plan. Avoid everything from leaky waders to boat trailer tire problems by making a check list of everything you need to do before you hit the water.

Prep for Turkey Season by Practicing Your Shooting While Sitting
Turkey hunters who practice their shooting from a seated position can ramp up their success rates. Put the odds in your favor by stepping off distances and finding maximum range markers before sitting so you know for sure when that gobbler is in range.

Gear You Need for Walleye Fishing
You don't need your doctorate in walleyeology to buy fishing gear. You can catch a lot of 'eyes with this no brainer rod, reel and fishing line combo.  

Working a Wobbler-Style Lure
Largemouth and smallmouth bass love wobbler-style lures such as jitterbugs and crazy crawlers. A steady retrieve parallel to weedy shorelines is all you need to drive bass crazy.

Visit http://www.basspro.com/ and click on 1Source New & Tips.

26 Jan 2015

Mavs Hold Off Mallards 2-1

By Brian Lavelle

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (January 24, 2015) - Josh Brittain and Jack Downing scored third period goals and Mike Clemente made 26 saves as the host Missouri Mavericks (15-19-4) survived a late scare to hold off the Quad City Mallards (18-14-6) 2-1 Saturday night.

Brittain broke a scoreless deadlock from the doorstep just 39 seconds into the third.  Downing swooped into the right wing circle to double the Maverick lead at 8:10.  

The Mallards were on the power play when Joe Perry cut the gap to 2-1 by burying a rebound with 5:37 remaining.  The Mallards twice came within inches of tying the game in the final seconds while up 6-on-4 after going on the power play and pulling goaltender Parker Milner (29 saves).  Missouri first escaped when the Mavs' Jared Brown swept the puck away from the goal line with the net gaping; with just 7 seconds left Nicholas Rioux fired the Mallards' final chance off the crossbar.

The Mallards return to action at home next Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Wichita Thunder.  Fans can get four tickets to Mallards Wednesday night home games for just $20.  After each Wednesday night home tilt, fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's in Moline for a postgame party.

Tickets for all remaining Mallards regular season home games- including next Wednesday's contest- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28.

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