11 Mar 2014

Mallards Sign Mayer, Greene Waived

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (March 6, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards have signed forward Jordan Mayer and have waived forward Chris Greene, the Mallards announced today.

Mayer, 22, joins the Mallards after completing his second season at the University of Prince Edward Island.  The 5' 10", 185-pound Kingston, Ontario, native scored five goals and totaled 21 points in 28 games with the Panthers this year.  Mayer scored seven times and totaled 14 points in 22 games last season.

Mayer made his way to UPEI after five years in the major junior Ontario Hockey League.  He spent four and a half seasons with the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors before moving to the Belleville Bulls midway through the 2011-12 campaign.  Mayer produced 95 goals and 101 assists for 196 points in 296 career OHL games.  In 2010-11 he helped Mississauga to a first place overall finish and a berth in the Robertson Cup Finals.

Mayer got his first taste of junior hockey with the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League's Kingston Voyageurs, for whom he skated for parts of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.

Greene scored two goals and picked up two assist in eight games with the Mallards after signing with the club last month.

11 Mar 2014

40th QC Times Bix 7 News

By Glenn Kass

THE BIX 7 WANTS YOU FOR A PATRIOTIC 40th ANNIVERSARY; AIMING FOR FIELD OF 20,000

USA 7 Mile Championship; Free Active Military Entries; Veterans Hospice Charity Highlight Event

BETTENDORF, IA - The 40th Anniversary of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 will be a patriotic celebration with the return of the USA Seven Mile Championships, free active duty military registrations and a program to assist veterans in hospice care as organizers aim for a field of 20,000. Race officials made the announcements in a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.

Participants return to Davenport on Saturday, July 26th, 2014. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military which will require a printed application.

Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.

For the fourth time (2002, 2009, 2010) the Bix 7 will host the USA Seven Mile Championships - part of the USA Running Circuit (www.runnerspace.com/USARunningCircuit).The yearly program is a development effort for athletes in training on road courses as they work toward opportunities to represent the country at World and Olympic competition through USA Track & Field.

Also, the Bix 7 will offer free entry to any active duty military. A printed application will be required which has a line to list the active military identification number. The entrant will also be required to present their military identification at packet pick up to confirm status.

Every paid entrant will be able to assist military veterans by adding a $2.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. Led by the Veterans Administration and hospice care providers, the national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/services/home-health/hospice/we-honor-veterans/).

These activities complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Alcoa Jr. Bix 7, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards for top local male and female area finishers, Rhythm City Casino Race for the Jackpot and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.

As the country's best compete while saluting those who serve and sacrifice for our country, race director Ed Froehlich knows the Bix 7 is ready for a memorable 40th anniversary event.

"We're pleased to again host the USA Seven Mile Championships," said Froehlich, entering his 35th year guiding the race. "More importantly, the recognition of our service men and women that have and continue to make it possible for us to celebrate traditions like the Bix 7 since 1975 is one that our sponsors, volunteers and participants are thrilled to be involved with."

RICK McGRATH LEADS 2014 QUAD-CITY TIMES BIX 7 MILITARY SALUTE

13-year Committee Chair Joins Four Others as Assistant Race Directors

BETTENDORF, IA - Rick McGrath, a committee chair for 13 years with the Quad-City Times Bix 7, has been named as a new Assistant Race Director for the event by Race Director Ed Froehlich. Officials made the announcement in a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.

The 40th Bix 7 returns to Davenport on Saturday, July 26th, 2014. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military which will require a printed application for listing the active military identification number which will also be needed for packet pick up.

Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.

McGrath will head up the military initiatives for the event highlighted by free registration for active duty military. He joins Dan Breidinger, Ron Egger, Michelle Juehring and Paul Schmidt as Assistant Race Directors.

Along with his wife Laurie, the couple has coordinated musical entertainment on the course for race day. They will continue in that role. McGrath has a long relationship as a participant (35 years) and is excited to be serving the Bix 7 in this new effort.

"I have run the Bix which goes back to my days as a cross country athlete at Black Hawk College," said McGrath, a lifelong resident of the area. "I was friends with Nancy Kapheim who recruited me to the committee.

"We have several friends in the reserves," McGrath added. "However, my stepson joined the Navy to work toward his goal of medical school. So, with that first hand experience now I'm looking forward to this new opportunity to build a relationship with active duty personnel and the race."

Every paid entrant can join the patriotic excitement by adding a $2.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. The national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/services/home-health/hospice/we-honor-veterans/).

These activities complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Alcoa Jr. Bix 7, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards for top local male and female area finishers, Rhythm City Casino Race for the Jackpot and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.

-30-

10 Mar 2014

Increase in Tick Population Leads to More Lyme Disease in Southern Iowa

By Renee Schneider

Oskaloosa, Iowa - In June of 2013, alerts were published regarding the increase in the tick population in Southern Iowa, and the associated increase of Lyme Disease.  Now, more dogs are starting to show symptoms of Lyme Disease. This year, the threat still lingers and prevention is imperative for your animals in 2014.

Lyme Disease is transmitted through tick bites, so any dog with tick exposure is at risk for contracting Lyme Disease.  The symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs include fever, lameness, swollen joints, lethargy, decreased appetite and enlarged lymph nodes.  It can take up to 5 months after tick exposure to see visible signs of Lyme Disease.  Left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause chronic issues with arthritis and lameness.

"In 2013, our veterinary clinics in Albia, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, and Ottumwa saw a significant increase in the number of cases of Lyme Disease being diagnosed in the dogs we care for. It is easily preventable and affordable, so I encourage responsible pet owners to consider vaccinating their dogs this year" Lisa Gronewold D.V.M said in response to the outbreak.

The best way to prevent your dog from getting Lyme Disease, or any tick borne disease, is to use a tick preventative.  There are many options available that include both topical or oral formulations.

In an effort to protect high risk dogs from being infected with Lyme Disease, one should vaccinate their dogs.  High risk dogs include any outdoor dog, hunting dog, or dog that spends time going on walks, hikes, or other outdoor activities, especially activities that take place in tall uncut grass or wooded areas.  Contact your veterinarian about whether your dog is at high risk of tick exposure, to make the decision about whether your dog is a good candidate for Lyme vaccination.  Vaccinating for Lyme Disease includes two vaccinations about one month apart the first year and then once per year on following years.

One way to screen your dog for exposure to Lyme Disease is to run a blood test called a 4dx Heartworm Snap Test.  This test checks for Heartworm Disease, Lyme Disease and two other tick borne diseases called Ehrilichiosis and Anaplasmosis.

Did you know?

- Adult ticks can live up to 3 years without a blood meal

- Ticks live on 3 different animals during their life

- Most ticks spend most of their life in the environment and OFF the host animal

- Ticks don't jump and don't "fall from trees" as most people think, but transfer onto hosts when animals or humans walk through long grass, bushes and brush.

Predictions of Lyme disease cases are especially high again this year, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's (CAPC) annual forecast. With the heightened risk of contracting Lyme disease, it is imperative that you protect your pets this summer.

It is important to frequently check your pet for ticks. If you find a tick on your animal, remove the tick as quickly as you can. After you administer a topical flea and tick treatment, don't bathe your dog immediately. Wait at least two or three days. If your animal is bitten, watch for symptoms of Lyme disease which include fever, lameness, swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, depression and anorexia. While Lyme disease can not be transmitted from dogs to humans, a high prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs often may mean a higher incidence of Lyme disease in humans.

If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Our clinics offer walk-in and emergency services and can be reached at: Albia (641.932.3455), Knoxville (641.828.2101), Oskaloosa (641.673.5525) or Ottumwa (641.682.8701). 

"With last year's ticks still alive, and the increase in moisture this winter, the tick and mosquito population is sure to be larger than normal. Due to that, the risk of Lyme and other diseases, such as heartworm disease, are higher. There are many ways to prevent the spread of disease in your animals including topical and oral medications as well as sprays and other treatments for your home and yard. The staff at our four vet clinics would be happy to help you select the right preventative for your pet, budget and lifestyle" owner Matthew C. Garver, D.V.M. said.

 

 

About Animal Health Center: Animal Health Center is a full-service veterinary clinic for both small and large animals, which has been serving animals and their people since 2002. The Animal Health Center family of clinics has four clinics in south-central Iowa (Albia, Knoxville, Oskaloosa and Ottumwa). They offer wellness exams, emergency services, vaccinations, general and laser surgery, grooming, boarding, embryo transfer and more. To learn more about these clinics, visit their websites at www.AlbiaVet.com, www.OskyVet.com, www.AnimalClinicSouthside.com or www.Knoxville-Vet.com

 

###

04 Mar 2014

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2014

By Brian Lavelle

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2014

 

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, March 5, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline

Missouri Mavericks vs. Quad City Mallards

 

Friday, March 7, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline

Arizona Sundogs vs. Quad City Mallards

 

Saturday, March 8, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline

Arizona Sundogs vs. Quad City Mallards

 

LAST WEEK
Wednesday, February 26
Quad City 5 Missouri 1

 

Friday, February 28

Brampton 2 Quad City 1

 

Saturday, March 1

Brampton 6 Quad City 5

Quad City
26-17-8, 60 points
7th place
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Missouri

35-16-2, 72 points
1st place
Coach: Scott Hillman

 

Arizona
25-24-6, 56 points

8th place
Coach: Kevin Colley

 

QUACK TRACKS
Last Week
The Brampton Beast swept a pair of games from the Mallards last weekend at the iWireless Center after the Mallards knocked off league-leading Missouri 5-1 last Wednesday.

Tight

Last weekend's back-to-back defeats left the Mallards in seventh place, one point behind sixth place Tulsa and three points behind fifth place Brampton.  The Mallards, who have played fewer games (51) than any other CHL club, have four games in hand on Brampton and Tulsa.

.500 February
With last Friday's loss, the Mallards finished February with a record of 7-7-0 for the month.

 

Home Sweet Home
The Mallards have gone 1-2-0 over the first three games of a seven game homestand- their longest of the season.

 

Busy

Last Saturday's game was the sixteenth in a stretch that sees the Mallards play 31 games over the final 59 days of the regular season.

Rough Road

The Mallards are also in the midst of a stretch that sees them play 18 of their final 30 games against the top four teams in the CHL- Missouri, Rapid City, Denver and Allen.

Balance
While the Mallards rank fourth in goal scoring (3.3 per game) only one Mallard- Jeff Lee who is tied for sixteenth- ranks in the top 20 in the CHL in point scoring.

General Lee
Lee matched a Mallard and personal single game season high by recording four points (one goal and two assists) last Saturday.  He has piled up 19 points (six goals and 13 assists) in his last 13 games.  He leads the Mallards in both goals (19) and points (47).

Nickel

The Mallards gave up a single period season high five goals in the second period last Saturday against Brampton.

 

First
Chris Greene scored his first goal for the Mallards last Friday against Brampton.

First, Take 2
Last Wednesday's win over Missouri was the Mallards' first in five tries this season against the Mavericks.

Between the Pipes

Thomas Heemskerk relieved Ty Rimmer last Saturday and suffered the loss in relief.  The defeat was Heemskerk's fifth in a row.  The losing streak is Heemskerk's first this season.  Rimmer has won five of his last six decisions.

Leaders
Heemskerk ranks fourth in goals against average (2.68), is tied for fourth in shutouts (2) and ranks seventh in save percentage (.910)... Rimmer is also tied for fourth in shutouts (2), ranks eighth in goals against average (2.84) and ranks ninth in save percentage (.907)... Among rookies, Thomas Frazee is tied for third in goals (15), ranks fifth in points (33) and ranks sixth in assists (18)...Among defensemen, Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel and Matt Duffy are tied for sixth in goals (9) while Dieude-Fauvel ranks eighth in assists (22) and ninth in points (31)...Mike Monfredo and Nicholas Rioux are tied for tenth among defensemen in points (24)... The Mallards have gone 0-1-2 against Arizona this season.  Andrew Engelage and the Sundogs blanked the Mallards 1-0 on January 11 in the only prior meeting between the two teams at the iWireless Center. All-time the Mallards have gone 5-3-4 against the Sundogs and have posted a 3-2-1 record at the iWireless Center against Arizona.  The Mallards and Sundogs conclude their season series this weekend.

Special Teams
On the season the Mallards have converted 14.7 percent of their power plays and rank ninth in the CHL on the man advantage.  The Mallards have gone 12-for-13 on the penalty kill in their last three games.  On the season they rank fifth in penalty killing (83.6 percent) and are tied for fourth in shorthanded goals (7).

Head to Head

With last Wednesday's win, the Mallards improved to 1-3-1 against Missouri this year.  The two clubs have split a pair of games at the iWireless Center.  The Mallards are in the midst of a stretch that sees them play nine of their final 30 tilts against the Mavericks.  Since entering the CHL in 2010, the Mallards have gone 15-15-3 against the Mavericks and have posted a record of 6-7-2 at home.  Lee (2-5-7) is the top point scorer in this year's season series...The Mallards have gone 7-1-3 against Brampton this season and are 2-1-2 against the expansion Beast on home ice.  The two clubs conclude their season series this weekend.  Gergo Nagy is the leading scorer (5-9-14) in the season series.  The Mallards this season have played four games that have ended in overtime- all against the Beast.  Brampton has won three of those four contests, including the last meeting between the two clubs on January 26 when Andrew Fournier scored in sudden death to give the host Beast a 4-3 victory.

Ins and Outs
Forward Gergo Nagy signed a professional tryout agreement with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League last Thursday, made his AHL debut yesterday in the Wolves' 4-0 win over the Iowa Wild and returned to the Mallards today...Forward Frazee (upper body) was activated from injured reserve last Friday and returned to the lineup that evening after missing six games...Forward Hellyer was placed on 14-day injured reserve retroactive to February 16 (upper body) and has missed the last seven games.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Wednesday, March 5, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Missouri
Wednesday's game is a Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the Mallards' next Wednesday home game courtesy of T.G.I. Friday's.  Fans also have the opportunity to purchase $2 hot dogs and beer at iWireless Center concession stands during each Wednesday home tilt.  After the game fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's in Moline for a postgame party.

Friday, March 7, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton
$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday Presented by 97X
This Friday is this season's final $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and $1 beers will again be available at iWireless Center concession stands this Friday.

Nana Meriwether, Miss USA 2012
Nana Meriwether will drop the puck for a ceremonial faceoff just before the 7:05 p.m. start of the game and will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures during that contest.

Saturday, March 8, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton

Genesis Health Jersey Auction
The Mallards will wear their special edition orange jerseys when they take on the Sundogs March 8. Immediately after the game those jerseys will go up for bid in a live auction to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation.

 

Replica Youth Jersey Giveaway
The first 1,000 fans age 12 and under arriving for Saturday's game will receive a free Mallards replica youth jersey.

Postgame Party- Bier Stube
Fans can join the Mallards at the Bier Stube in Moline for a postgame party after Saturday evening's contest.

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- including this Saturday's tilt- will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  Audio webcasts of games that do not air on AM 1230 are available at myqcmallards.com.  CHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.com.  For a full Mallards broadcast/webcast schedule, go to http://myqcmallards.com/schedule/broadcast_schedule/.

 

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 i wireless 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 ###--
04 Mar 2014

NAGY RETURNS TO MALLARDS

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (March 3, 2014) - Forward Gergo Nagy has returned to the Quad City Mallards from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, the Mallards announced today.

Nagy signed a professional tryout agreement with the Wolves last Thursday and made his AHL debut yesterday in Chicago's 4-0 shutout of the Iowa Wild. 

Nagy, 24, remains the Mallards' leader in assists (29) despite missing the club's two games against Brampton last weekend.  Nagy is also second on the team in points (43).  He has scored 14 goals, including two on the power play and two shorthanded- tied for the most on the club- in 49 games.  The 6' 3", 212-pound native of Dunaujvaros, Hungary, has posted a plus/minus rating of +14 in his first season in North America.

Nagy produced five points (one goal and four assists) in his last three games before being called up.  His was the eleventh AHL call-up for a Mallard this season. 

Before arriving in the Quad Cities for the Mallards' preseason training camp, Nagy had already played six games this season in the MOL Liga- which consists of teams in Slovakia, Hungary and Romania- for Slovak club HK Nove Zamky.  He produced one goal and nine assists in those six outings.

Nagy last season played in his homeland with Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE, for whom he ripped off 16 goals and 42 assists for 58 points in 38 games.  Nagy first joined Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE midway through the 2011-12 campaign after spending the prior three and a half seasons with Szekesfehervar, a Hungarian club in the Austrian Erste Bank Eishockey Liga.  Nagy also played for the Hungarian national team at the 2009, 2010 and 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships.

The Mallards return to action on home ice Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Missouri Mavericks That game is another Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the Mallards' following Wednesday home game courtesy of T.G.I. Friday's.  After the game fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's in Moline for a postgame party.

Tickets for Wednesday night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket 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.

04 Mar 2014

ROLLHEISER, BEAST HOLD OFF MALLARDS 2-1 IN FRONT OF 5,542

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (February 28, 2014) - Brett Smith and Tylor Michel both scored first period goals and Grant Rollheiser made 31 saves as the Brampton Beast defeated the host Quad City Mallards 2-1 Friday night before a crowd of 5,542 fans.  With the win, the Beast (28-21-5, 61 points) moved past the Mallards (26-16-8, 60 points) into fifth place in the Central Hockey League.

Smith's breakaway goal gave the Beast a 1-0 lead 7:09 into the game.  Michel's tip-in doubled the Brampton advantage at 13:31 of the first.

Rollheiser kept the Mallards off the scoreboard until Chris Greene scored from the doorstep to finally bring Quad City within one with 2:51 left in the third period.  The Mallards, however, would come up short in their bid for a late equalizer even after pulling goaltender Thomas Heemskerk for an extra attacker.

Forward Thomas Frazee returned to action for the Mallards tonight after being activated from injured reserve earlier in the day.  Frazee missed the Mallards' prior six games while on IR.

The Mallards host the Beast again tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m.  Duck Dynasty's Mountain Man will drop the puck for a ceremonial faceoff before tomorrow evening's game and will meet fans and sign autographs during that contest.

Tickets for tomorrow night's game and all Mallards regular season home tilts can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket 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.

28 Feb 2014

MALLARDS, GENESIS HEALTH SYSTEM WELCOME MISS USA 2012 TO MARCH 7 GAME

By Brian Lavelle

Nana Meriwether to Drop Puck, Meet Fans When Mallards Take on Arizona

MOLINE, Ill. (February 27, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards and Genesis Health System will welcome Nana Meriwether, Miss USA 2012, to the Mallards' Friday, March 7 game against the Arizona Sundogs at the iWireless Center.

Nana will drop the puck for a ceremonial faceoff just before the 7:05 p.m. start of the game and will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures during that contest.

After being named Miss Maryland USA 2012, Nana went on to win the title of Miss USA 2012 in December of that year.  Nana is also a professional and Olympic-level volleyball player, philanthropist and highly accomplished student.

"Since her first visit to the Quad Cities last spring, Nana has been working with us as a member of the Genesis Philanthropy Board of Directors. Her expertise and experience with global health has been hugely beneficial to us.  Nana brings a unique perspective and a passion for health and wellness," said Genesis Health Services Foundation executive director Missy Gowey.  "I'm excited she'll have a chance to meet our Mallards fans and gain in her understanding of what makes the Quad Cities a great place to live."

In 2007, Nana co-founded the Meriwether Foundation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving health and empowering communities.  The foundation conducts health, education, nutrition and empowerment programs that provide assistance to impoverished rural communities in five southern African countries: Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  More information on the Meriwether Foundation can be found at www.MeriwetherFoundation.org.

Born in South Africa and raised in the Washington D.C. area, Nana was standout in volleyball first at Duke University and then, after transferring, at UCLA.  At Duke, Nana followed in the trailblazing footsteps of her father Delano, who was the first African American to be admitted to and graduate from the Duke University School of Medicine.  By the end of her college career, Nana had broken three NCAA volleyball records, led UCLA to the NCAA Final Four and earned NCAA All-American honors two years in a row.

Nana was a Dean's List student at Duke and was named to the Director's Honor Roll on multiple occasions while at UCLA before graduating with a degree in political science.  She was also named to both the NCAA and Pac 10 Conference All-Academic teams.

In addition to appearing on NBC for both the 2012 and 2013 Miss USA competitions, Nana has been featured in Sports Illustrated and on Lifetime's Project Runway and Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta and New York.

Tickets for March 7 game and all Mallards regular season home tilts can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket 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.

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.

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 seventeenth season their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  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.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -
27 Feb 2014

Mallards' Nagy Called Up to AHL's Chicago Wolves

By Rick Martin

MOLINE, Ill. (February 27, 2014) - Quad City Mallards forward Gergo Nagy has signed a professional tryout agreement with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, the Mallards announced today.

Nagy, 24, leads the Mallards in assists (29) and is tied for the team lead in points (43).  He has scored 14 goals, including two on the power play and two shorthanded- tied for the most on the club- while playing in each of the Mallards' first 49 games.  The 6' 3", 212-pound native of Dunaujvaros, Hungary, has posted a plus/minus rating of +14 in his first season in North America.

Nagy has produced five points (one goal and four assists) in just his last three games and last night picked up a pair of assists in the Mallards' 5-1 win over the Central Hockey League-leading Missouri Mavericks.

Nagy's is the eleventh AHL call-up for a Mallard this season. 

Before arriving in the Quad Cities for the Mallards' preseason training camp, Nagy had already played six games this season in the MOL Liga- which consists of teams in Slovakia, Hungary and Romania- for Slovak club HK Nove Zamky.  He produced one goal and nine assists in those six outings.

Nagy last season played in his homeland with Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE, for whom he ripped off 16 goals and 42 assists for 58 points in 38 games.  Nagy first joined Miskolci Jegesmedve JSE midway through the 2011-12 campaign after spending the prior three and a half seasons with Szekesfehervar, a Hungarian club in the Austrian Erste Bank Eishockey Liga.  Nagy also played for the Hungarian national team at the 2009, 2010 and 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships.

The Mallards next play at home tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. against the Brampton Beast.  That game is the season's penultimate $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for tomorrow night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket 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.
27 Feb 2014

MALLARDS ROLL PAST MAVS 5-1

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (February 26, 2014) - Gabriel Levesque scored twice and picked up an assist as the host Quad City Mallards ripped off five unanswered goals on the way to a 5-1 win over the Missouri Mavericks Wednesday night.  The win lifted the Mallards (26-15-8, 60 points) into fifth place while the defeat was the league-leading Mavericks' (33-16-2, 68 points) second in as many nights.

The Mallards took control in the second period by scoring three times in just over four and a half minutes.  Nick Grasso's drive from the right wing circle started the onslaught and tied the game at one at 3:31 of the second.  Just a minute and 19 seconds later Justin Fox buried Levesque's feed from the side of the net to give the Mallards a 2-1 lead.  Nicholas Rioux- who would finish the night with a goal and two assists- extended the gap to 3-1 with a power play one timer from the right wing circle at the 8:06 mark.

Levesque struck twice in the third period to put the Mavericks away.  He converted a Mallard two man advantage with a blast from the high slot at 4:15 of the third and capped off the win by burying Jeff Lee's centering pass from the doorstep at 12:17.

The Mallards started rolling only after the Eric Castonguay pounced on a rebound to give Missouri a 1-0 lead while up a man at 5:43 of the first period.

The Mallards next play at home Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Brampton Beast.  That game is the season's penultimate $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for Friday night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket 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.

27 Feb 2014

Iowans for Ending Dog Racing launches organization

By Sam Roecker
Group Urges Iowans to Sign Petition at: www.EndIowaDogRacing.com

DES MOINES, Iowa - Today, leaders from Dubuque and Council Bluffs gathered at the state capitol to roll out "Iowans for Ending Dog Racing" -- a new organization aimed at mobilizing support across the state to end dog racing in Iowa.

The leaders of "Iowans for Ending Dog Racing" include Dubuque Mayor Roy Buol, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation President & CEO Rick Dickinson, Council Bluffs Chamber President Bob Mundt and former Council Bluffs mayor Tom Hanafan. 

The Iowa dog racing industry requires $13 million in subsidies every year, which costs Council Bluffs and Dubuque millions in local economic development and charitable giving.  "Eliminating the requirement that dog racing remain in Dubuque would be an enormous benefit to our community in terms of millions of additional dollars that could be spent on charitable giving and local economic development," said Dubuque Mayor Roy Buol.

Ending dog racing in Iowa would also open up the land where the current track is located in Council Bluffs for new development.  "The dog track in Council Bluffs sits directly off of I-80 on one of the top potential development sites in the entire state," said former Council Bluffs mayor Tom Hanafan.  "Since attendance and interest in dog racing has dramatically declined in the last two decades, our community would benefit greatly by opening up that area for new development and job opportunities."

Iowans for Ending Dog Racing is encouraging citizens from Dubuque, Council Bluffs and across the entire state to study the facts about the dog racing industry and sign the petition to end dog racing in Iowa at www.EndIowaDogRacing.com.

The organization is also encouraging Iowans to contact their local legislator and urge him or her to support proposed legislation to end dog racing in Iowa.  The proposed bipartisan bill that has passed a committee in the Iowa House would provide the dog racing industry with $70 million over seven years to end dog racing and explore new opportunities.  In addition, each casino currently subsidizing the dog racing industry has publicly committed to keeping their track employees on staff and giving them a new role within the casinos. 

"Ending dog racing in Iowa is common sense and is strongly supported by local business, citizens and city officials in Dubuque and Council Bluffs," said Mayor Buol.  "The time has come to turn the page on dog racing and allow these communities to create new opportunities for the people of Iowa."

Get the Facts on Dog Racing in Iowa:
  • Dog racing is bad for Iowa. The more you learn about the industry, the more you will want it out of Iowa. Ready to take action? Sign the Petition to get dog racing out of Iowa.

  • Dog Racing is Illegal in Most States.  Iowa is one of only 7 states legally operating greyhound racing tracks.  Commercial dog racing is illegal in 38 states.

  • $13 Million in Subsidies Keeping Dog Racing Alive in Iowa.  The only thing keeping dog racing in business in Iowa is a state law requiring subsidies to dog racing that now total more than $13 million annually.

  • Betting on Dogs Started to Decline 3 Years After Opening in Iowa.  Live dog racing started in Iowa in 1986.  By 1989 betting on dog racing began to decline.

  • Betting is Down 97% since 1986.  Combined betting at the Mystique dog track in Dubuque and Bluffs Run Greyhound Park at Horseshoe Council Bluffs has dropped from $186 million in 1986 to just $5.9 million in 2012 - a 97 percent decline. [Des Moines Register, 1/21/14]

  • 38% of Iowa purse money goes to out-of-state dog owners.

  • Of the purse money remaining in Iowa, 95% is paid to just 25 Iowans.

  • Council Bluffs Chamber and City Support Ending Dog Racing.  The Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce has joined the Council Bluffs City Council in adopting a resolution "strongly supporting" legislation calling for the elimination of live dog racing at the Harrah's/Horseshoe Bluffs Run greyhound race park and in the state of Iowa.  On January 14th the Council voted 4-0 to end dog racing.

  • Dubuque Chamber, City and Racing Association Support Ending Dog Racing.  The Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Racing Association all support ending dog racing in Dubuque and Council Bluffs.

  • Ending Dog Racing in Council Bluffs Means More Retail, Economic Development & Jobs.  Currently racing in Council Bluffs is conducted in a near empty facility that seats more than 2,500. Located just off I-80 near Bass Pro Shops, that property could be transformed into additional retail space, attracting more customers and revenue to the area and creating more jobs for Iowans.

  • Ending Dog Racing in Dubuque Means Millions to Local Non-Profits, Economic Development.  The current law causes Dubuque's non-profit Mystique Casino to lose more than $4 million each year to subsidize dog racing. With Mystique's profits split equally between the City of Dubuque and local charities, those millions would be better used to fund volunteer first responders, security in our schools, new capital improvement projects and industrial parks.

  • Both Casinos Committed to Keeping Track Employees Employed in Casinos.  Both casinos currently subsidizing dog racing have publicly committed to keeping their track employees on staff and giving them a new role within the casinos.  In addition, quality jobs will be created by ending the subsidy requirement and directing millions of dollars towards local economic development.

  • Proposed bipartisan legislation will end dog racing in Iowa and provide Iowa greyhound breeders and kennel owners $70 million over the next seven years to wind down.
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