Emeis Golf Course - Now Open for the Season!

Duck Creek Golf Course - Open for the Season!

563-326-7824

Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center  - Open for the Season!

563-386-0348

HILLSDALE, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is urging all sportsmen who may have forgotten to purchase new hunting and fishing licenses before they expired yesterday, March 31, to quickly renew their right to hunt and fish in Illinois.
"Hunting and fishing are great traditions in our community, and I want sportsmen to lawfully continue this legacy by renewing their licenses and enjoying the outdoors responsibly," Smiddy said. "Thousands of Illinois residents access Illinois' beautiful outdoor resources every year, and it's important all of us renew our licenses to continue this great tradition."
All hunters and fishermen above the age of 16 in Illinois are required to purchase a hunting, fishing or sportsmen's license, which includes both licenses in one. Each year-long license expires annually on March 31.  Unlawful hunting or fishing can result in a $120 fine. Illinois hunting and fishing licenses are available at many convenience and retail establishment and are also sold online by visiting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) online purchasing system at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/default.aspx. Applicants should have their IDNR Customer Number, Diver's License Number, State ID Number, or their Social Security Number when applying.
"I urge all sportsmen to avoid the fees and legal trouble that accompanies irresponsibly fishing or hunting without a current license, and I urge everyone with interest in the outdoors to take a few moments to update their licenses and enjoy the wonderful outdoor recreation Illinois has to offer."
All year-long licenses are valid until March 31, 2016. Any sportsmen without access to internet who wish to purchase their licenses online are invited to stop by Smiddy's constituent service office located at 201 N. Main St., Unit 2, Port Bryon, IL 61275 to use the internet and receive assistance from Smiddy's full-time staff.
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Modern Woodmen Park Ferris wheel to set a national standard for accessibility
DAVENPORT, Iowa (March 26, 2015) - The City of Davenport, Genesis and the River Bandits will set a new standard for accessibility by partnering to install a gondola which will accommodate wheelchairs on the Ferris wheel at Modern Woodmen Park.
Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba, members of the City Council, City Administrator Craig Malin, Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, Ken Croken, and River Bandits general manager Andrew Chesser made the partnership announcement  at a press conference Thursday at Modern Woodmen Park.
"Modern Woodmen Park has been named the best park in all of minor league baseball. We want everyone to fully experience everything the park has to offer,'' Gluba said. "This announcement is possible today because of a private-public partnership between the River Bandits ownership, Genesis and the city.''
"Everyone should be able to enjoy one of the best attractions the Quad Cities has to offer,'' says Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.  "Genesis Health System has one of the largest physical medicine and rehabilitation departments in Iowa and when we think in terms of the needs of our patients, this is a priority.''
The City of Davenport has contracted with McClure Engineering to design an accessible gondola, dedicated for use by two wheelchairs to enjoy a comfortable ride on the 105-foot Ferris wheel that opened in 2014 at Modern Woodmen Park.
"We at the River Bandits love to break new ground and set new and higher standards, and that's exactly what we are doing here," says River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Together in partnership with Genesis Health System and the City of Davenport, we are setting a new standard for accessibility to a Ferris wheel nationally. People with disabilities in the Quad Cities will be able to access our Ferris wheel more easily and more comfortably than people anywhere in the nation. Working with our good friends at Genesis and the City of Davenport, we are all joining forces to bring the joys of baseball, amusement rides and memorable, family-friendly recreation and entertainment to everyone in the Quad Cities community."
The Ferris wheel is scheduled to re-open for 2015 in May.
UP NEXT: Save money and enjoy exclusive benefits as a ticket plan holder for the 2015 River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park. With a ticket plan of 12 to 70 games, receive free parking, merchandise discounts, guaranteed giveaways and more. Call 563-324-3000 to speak with a River Bandits account representative and lock in seats for the upcoming season.
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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Fall Bicycle Ride Ties Port Byron and Sparta's Ambassadors Will B. Rolling and Ben Bikin' 

Port Byron, Illinois - The Village of Port Byron, the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Sparta (WI) Area Chamber of Commerce, and communities in-between have partnered to create the inaugural "Will B. Rolling to Ben Bikin'" bicycle tour to be held October 3-9, 2015.

The tour covers portions of Northwestern Illinois and Southwestern Wisconsin at a time of year when fall colors should be at their peak and when Sparta's Fallfest is in full swing to offer riders festivities at the conclusion of the tour.  The ride covers six days, averaging 10 hours per day.

Port Byron is located directly on the Mississippi River and the Great River Trail, a trail which stretches more than 60 miles in Illinois from Rock Island to Savanna.  Sparta is the "Bicycle Capital of America" so the two communities make a strong bicycling team.

In 1995, Sparta designed and manufactured a large fiberglass "man" dressed in Sparta colors (red and gold), sitting on a penny-farthing bicycle.  The bicycle and rider were installed in the Information Area on the corner of Water and Highway 16, a prominent spot for viewing, and was named "Ben Bikin'".  The statue was manufactured by a local Sparta company called Fiberglass Animals Shapes & Trademarks (F.A.S.T.)

Former Port Byron Mayor Larry Bay visited Sparta to ride the famous Elroy-Sparta Trail in 2013 and was impressed with the statue.  He commissioned F.A.S.T. to build a replica to be called Will B. Rolling for his town.  Bay then gifted the statue to the village and it was installed in 2013 in a prominent location in downtown Port Byron, adjacent to the Mississippi River and the Great River Trail.  A friendship between mayors rose and there was talk of connecting the two towns by way of a bicycling event.  The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce began collaborating between the two cities and eventually contracted with Bicycle Illinois to coordinate the logistics of the event.

To register, go to www.willtoben.com

Contact Information:

Mayor Kevin Klute or Trustees Bruce Peterson or Clinton Sullivan, Village of Port Byron, (309) 523-3705

Joe Taylor, President/CEO, Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, (309) 736-6820

Diane Bausman, Executive Director, Blackhawk Waterways CVB, (800) 678-2108

Rock Island, Illinois - All vintage campers are invited to the first Vintage Camper Rally in the Quad Cities.  It will be held April 30 to May 3 near the Mississippi River at the scenic, award-winning Rock Island KOA, 2311 78th Ave. W. in Rock Island, Ill.  Vintage campers include ones from 1970s, 1960s, 1950s, 1940s, and if there are any older ones still out there.

The Rock Island KOA includes two huge lakes so bring some fishing gear.  Fishing licenses are not necessary here.  And if the weather is nice, kayaks or paddle boats can be rented to get out on the water.  Other campground amenities include volleyball, mini golf, horse shoes, ladder ball, carpet ball, and walking/biking path.

The Vintage Camper Rally is a family event.  Dogs are also welcome, and there is a dog park across the street from the KOA.

Rally activities include campfires, potlucks, breakfast on Sunday morning, and a vintage camper tour on Saturday afternoon for the public.  Donations accepted from visitors as an entry fee to the park, and the money will go to the KOA Care Camp organization. www.koacarecamps.org

Please call the KOA directly at 309-787-0665 and ask for the Vintage Rally spaces.  Camping is $25 per night per unit.  We will be in a great area at the campground and will be placing 3 - 4 campers on their huge pull-through spaces. Each camper will have electric and water hookups. Sewer lines are available.
http://rockislandkoa.com/

For more information about the Vintage Camper Rally, visit http://vintagecamperlifestyle.com

Grace Marine will host a grand opening this weekend at their new LeClaire showroom at 905 Eagle Ridge Road (behind McDonalds). Carl Hoyt, Sr. and Jr. as well as sales and service staff will be on hand to welcome the quad city community to this new 7,000 sq. ft. facility on 2 acres of land.

"We know many people in the community were disappointed that there wasn't a boat show in January. We are excited to host this event, open to the public, to rev up excitement about the upcoming boating season and to show off our new facility in LeClaire," said Carl Hoyt, Jr., president of Grace Marine and Captain's Quarters Dry Stack Marina.

The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m. The grand opening will run Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and drinks will be served. Factory rebates, door prizes, giveaways plus activities and crafts for children promise something for everyone.

Family owned and operated for over 35 years, Grace Marine has become a boating leader in the Quad City area, Iowa, Illinois, and the Midwest. They stock Crownline, Skeeter, Alumacraft and Manitou boats as well as many parts and accessories. Grace Marine is also the only boat dealership in the area to offer pontoon rentals.

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The River Bandits will soon be in town for the 2015 season, and we are seeking host families for April to September 2015. Find out more information and submit an application today. More »

DAVENPORT, Iowa (March 19, 2015) - Following a year in which the Quad Cities River Bandits set the all-time franchise record for per-game attendance, the Midwest League club is planning an action-packed promotional schedule - full of new giveaways, fireworks shows, charity events, theme nights and community celebrations - to take family fun and entertainment to a new level at Modern Woodmen Park in 2015.

The marathon of excitement has a running start with the third annual Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11, to benefit the Bandit Scholars Program. Opening weekend continues with the next day's home opener at 1:15 p.m., featuring the annual pregame Nintendo Wii-ster Egg Hunt presented by Video Games ETC!, a Mediacom Magnet Schedule and Pennant Giveaway, and a City of Davenport Day. It only breaks the seal on an entertainment extravaganza to include 15 fireworks shows, 26 giveaway dates - including seven "bobble" giveaways - and more than three dozen unique themes, featuring both new promotions and popular annual events across the 70-game home schedule.

"Our fans are showing unprecedented support for the River Bandits, and they inspire us to bring our promotions to a record level," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "They can count on a unique show for every game, and with more fireworks, more giveaways, more theme nights and new promotions packed into this season, our guests will find more fun and the best value ever for affordable, family-friendly entertainment at Modern Woodmen Park."

Regular gate opening will be one hour before first pitch of each game. Below are the highlights of the promotions announced on Thursday:

"Bobbles" celebrate the Quad Cities: A collection of Quad Cities community and baseball figures form the lineup of seven "bobble" giveaways over a span of weekend home games May 23 to Aug. 29. Moline native and 2014 River Bandit Thomas Lindauer's bobblehead presented by Hebrew National (Saturday, May 23) will lead off a schedule to feature 2013 CNN Hero of the Year and East Moline native Chad Pregracke presented by MidAmerican Energy (Saturday, June 13) and longtime Quad-City Times staff member Bill Wundram (Saturday, June 20). River Bandits mascot Rascal will become a Harry Potter wizard-themed gnome presented by the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (Saturday, July 11). The August bobblehead trio will include former River Bandit and current St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn presented by Ruhl & Ruhl Insurance, a division of Hub International (Saturday, Aug. 8), the River Bandits' first-ever Bobble Combine on Agriculture Night presented by the Illinois Farm Bureau (Friday, Aug. 28), and Houston Astros outfielder George Springer, who played three games with the River Bandits in August 2014, presented by EGS (Saturday, Aug. 29).

15 Fireworks shows in 2015: Every Friday home game will again have postgame fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities. This year's Independence Day Celebration will feature three straight nights of fireworks at Modern Woodmen Park. A show will follow each of the River Bandits' home games Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, and the ballpark will be open with free admission for the Red, White and Boom Fireworks show Saturday, July 4. Special fireworks shows are also planned for Christmas in July (Saturday, July 18) and Make-A-Wish Night presented by Olympic Steel (Thursday, Sept. 3).

More Giveaways, Mega Giveaways: From the Opening Day Wii-ster Egg Hunt presented by Video Games ETC.! (Sunday, April 12) until Fan Appreciation Night presented by Bier Stube (Friday, Sept. 4), the River Bandits will have more giveaway prizes than ever. Gate giveaways for fans who arrive early (gates open one hour before first pitch) include Mediacom Magnet Schedules (Sunday, April 12; Monday, April 13; Tuesday, April 14), a Mystery Giveaway (April 25), Military Camo Hats presented by Western Illinois University-Quad Cities (Thursday, April 30), Duffel Bags presented by the Clarion Hotel (Saturday, May 9), Bowling Tickets on Salute to Bowling Night presented by Miller Time Bowling (Wednesday, May 27), Caps on Modern Woodmen Night (Thursday, June 11) and Modern Woodmen Half-Price Nights (Tuesday, July 7, and Thursday, Aug. 20), Pint Glasses (Saturday, Aug. 1), and Team Photos presented by Burlington Trailways (Wednesday, Aug. 5). Fans may also enter for a chance to win fabulous prizes at the annual Mega Mini Fridge Giveaway presented by Budweiser and 7G Distributing (Sunday, June 21), Astros Fantacular Giveaway (Thursday, July 2), and Reynolds Ford Used Car Giveaway (Thursday, Aug. 6). New enter-to-win promotions include the Rita de Mayo Mini Rita Grill Giveaway presented by Bud Light and 7G Distributing (Thursday, May 7), the Mega Blu-Ray/DVD Player Giveaway (Sunday, May 24), the Mega Fitbit Giveaway on Get Fit Night (Sunday, July 19), and the Mega Tablet Giveaway presented by Video Games ETC! on Addicting Digital App-preciation Night (Thursday, Aug. 27).



Entertainers: Among the special appearances by entertainers at the ballpark, the River Bandits will welcome a bagpiper for Irish Heritage Night presented by Bud Light and 7G Distributing (Saturday, April 18), the Ice Queen and Snow Princess on Frozen Princess Day (Sunday, April 19), the "Jersey Boys" from the touring Broadway musical on Jersey Boys Night (Monday, April 20), professional wrestler Sgt. Slaughter (Thursday, May 28), the Fur Circus (Friday, June 19), Batman and Spider-man on Superhero Night (Friday, July 10), and pirates and princesses on Pirates and Princesses Day (Sunday, Aug. 9).

Community Causes: The River Bandits' schedule of charity events and games has also grown. The Bandit Scholars Program fundraisers include the third annual Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics (Saturday, April 11), and the second annual River Bandits golf outing (Monday, July 27) at the Pinnacle Country Club in Milan, Ill. The scholarships will be awarded at the game Sunday, June 21. Among the other charitable highlights, the River Bandits will wear flag-themed jerseys for an auction presented by the Iowa National Guard (Friday, May 22), special uniforms for a Boy Scout Jersey Auction (Friday, June 19) and special caps for an Autism Awareness Cap Auction on Autism Awareness Night (Friday, Aug. 7). Fans may submit stories and photos of "Cancer Heroes" to be put in the River Bandits' uniform numbers for the coinciding Superhero Night and Stand Up 2 Cancer Photo Jersey Auction presented by Genesis Health System (Friday, July 10). Great Clips Charity Cuts will be offered at the ballpark at the home finale (Friday, Sept. 4).

Honoring service: The River Bandits and their fans will show appreciation for service men and women throughout the season, beginning with the new Military Mondays, when active or retired military member (and up to three guests per member) can show a military ID and purchase a $1 bleacher ticket at any Monday home game, beginning April 13. The River Bandits will also give away 1,000 Military Camo Caps courtesy of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities on College Night (Thursday, April 30), as well as host Military Appreciation Night presented by the Iowa National Guard (Friday, May 22), a Memorial Day game at 5:15 p.m. (Monday, May 25), AUSA Military Appreciation Night (Thursday, May 28), and Honor Flight Night presented by R.I.A. Federal Credit Union (Wednesday, Aug. 26).

Weekly Deals: The weekly promotions follow a schedule of familiar favorites. Every Sunday is Family Sunday, when River Bandits players will sign autographs on the field, fans can bring dogs to the game for Bark in the Park, and Kids Run the Bases presented by Prairie Farms after the game. Unique Family Sunday events will include the annual Little League Day (Sunday, April 26), Mega Candy Drop (Sunday, June 14), and Father's Day with postgame catch in the outfield (Sunday, June 21). Military Mondays are followed by Dew for Twosdays presented by Pepsi, with free 16-ounce Mountain Dews for fans who bring old Mountain Dew cans to the ballpark, and buy-one-get-one free pricing on all regular tickets. The buy-one-get-one ticket special continues into Wednesdays and Thursdays for IHMVCU members. Each Wednesday, the River Bandits will again Pay Your Bill - up to $100 for two lucky fans each game. Thirst-Day Thursdays offer $2 drink specials, Fridays bring Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, and Fan Appreciation Saturdays feature giveaways, face painters, balloon artists and more. Amusement rides are scheduled to open Thursday, May 7, and will operate for all home games, as well as every Saturday during the Farmer's Market and Saturday evenings. All-you-can-ride passes will be just $10 for games Wednesday, June 10, and Tuesday, Aug. 4. All other Tuesday games after the amusement opening will feature $15 pricing for all-you-can-ride amusements passes.

Thrilling Themes: The additional new theme nights include Neon Night presented by Fitness Xpress (Friday, May 8), Pitch-Perfect Sing-Off with a cappella groups on Ladies Night (Thursday, May 14), Country Western Night presented by the Broken Saddle (Saturday, May 23), Toy Story Day to celebrate the original movie's 20th anniversary (Sunday, May 24), Jurassic Park Night during the week of "Jurassic World" opening in theaters (Wednesday, June 10), Back to the Future Night during the year (2015) anticipated by the movie series that debuted 30 years ago (Saturday, June 20), the "Geek-end" Weekend Nights of Superheroes, Harry Potter and Star Wars (Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12), and the Americans with Disabilities Act 25th anniversary celebration (Monday, July 13). Returning theme nights also include Legends of Rock Night (Friday, April 24), Guaranteed Win Night (Wednesday, April 29), Mother's Day Celebration (Saturday, May 9), Vintage Baseball Night (Saturday, June 13), Halloween in July (Thursday, July 2), and Christmas in July (Saturday, July 18).

Schedule includes 15 fireworks shows, 26 giveaway dates, seven bobble items, three dozen theme nights

Group Gatherings: Partners, businesses, schools and groups from across the region will have special dates at the ballpark. Among them are the City of Davenport Nights (Sunday, April 12, and Friday, Aug. 28), Book Buddies Days with 11 a.m. start times (Tuesday, April 28; Tuesday, May 12; Wednesday, May 13), Total Turf & Landscape Night (Thursday, May 7), 18th Street Dairy Queen Sunday (June 14), Hy-Vee Family Sundays (June 14 and July 19), Senior Days and Camp Days with 1 p.m. start times (Monday, June 15, and Monday, July 20), Quad Cities Builders & Remodelers Association and Epic Stone Night (Wednesday, July 1), S.J. Smith Night (Friday, July 3), John Deere Night (Friday, July 31), and Faith and Fellowship Night presented by Chick-fil-A and Moody Radio (Sunday, Aug. 2).

"This promotional schedule was built from our fans' feedback, and we are excited for all that is in store for the Quad Cities this season," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "From our classic highlights - fireworks, giveaways, jersey auctions, ticket and concession deals - to our many new promotions, everyone can find a reason to enjoy the entertainment and make lifelong memories at Modern Woodmen Park this season."

The complete 2015 promotional schedule (all promotions are subject to change) is available at www.riverbandits.com. Ticket packages of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling (563) 324-3000.

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.



Our mission:  To glorify God by creating life-impacting experiences that enable young people to know Jesus Christ and to grow in their relationship with Him.

Have your kids experience SpringHill Christian Day Camp this summer!

Where:  Heritage Church, Iowa

July 27-31, 2015
2700 Middle Rd
Bettendorf, IA 52722
563.449.5530

Who: Completed grades: K-4
When: Hours: 9am-4pm July 27-31, 2015

How much: Cost: $179

What happens: SpringHill Day Camps include small group Bible teaching, high-energy large group sessions, and adventure activities such as archery, bungee trampoline, camp songs, climbing wall, crafts, & more.

Parent's guide to Day Camp

  • Day Camp activities are all hosted right onsite so your child will never leave the premises
  • SpringHill provides and runs the complete camp experience including fun activities, Bible-based curriculum, and highly-trained camp counselors
  • The week kicks off with Parent Orientation on Monday so you enter the week knowing exactly what to expect

Closing Day on Friday is when you come to see your kids receive individual recognition for their progress at camp

  • If you aren't able to pick up your child at the designated time, we offer an extended Day Camp option for $25 from 4-5:30pm

Registration link:

http://www.springhillcamps.com/experiences/day-camps


DES MOINES, IA (03/17/2015)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair invites all community and youth groups, special interest clubs and businesses to join the fun and enter the State Fair Parade, Iowa's largest parade and the kick-off to the Fair. The parade is set for Wednesday, August 12. Fair Tour 2015 embarks August 13-23.

Applications are available at www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/parade or by contacting Tonya Cook at 515/262-3111 ext. 215 or tcook@iowastatefair.org. There is a $25 fee for each parade entry. Entries postmarked later than July 1 must include a $15 late fee. No entries will be accepted after July 15.

Entries will be judged and winners will receive plaques in each of the following categories: best use of Fair theme, best specialty group, most creative/original, Governor's Cup (best overall marching band), marching band (by class), best performance, best horses and best drum line.

The parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. Spectators will be able to watch an estimated 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol Complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM FOX 17 beginning at 10 p.m. To be considered for television coverage, the description information on the application must be completed and returned. Due to the length of the parade, it is not possible for all entries to be televised.

"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.

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