31 May 2011

Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center invites you to preview the latest addition to our city

By Ellie Alexander

The Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum will open to the public on July 23, 2011.  However, due to numerous requests by local, state, and national media outlets for access to the new museum prior to the official opening, we are allowing special press-only access to the museum between July 11th and July 16th.

Reporters, film crews, and still photographers are welcome to come to see the museum and meet with Tim Dye, the director of the museum, as well as with city officials, including Pontiac Mayor Robert Russell.

Although the museum will not be 100% complete at that time, we anticipate that over 90% of the artifacts, classic and antique cars, library materials, and other displays will be in place and ready for viewing.  Members of the press will be able to spend time seeing the collection as well as learning more about the Oakland and Pontiac brands, and the genesis of the museum project.

It is expected that the new museum will draw thousands of visitors each year to our city.  Among the thousands of items in the collection to be displayed are:

  • 15 classic Oakland and Pontiac cars, and a horse buggy, dating back to the 1890's
  • Over 300 linear feet of print materials in a resource library
  • Dealer sales training films, pamphlets, and guides
  • Over 2,000 gas station road maps from the 1930s, '40s, '50s, and '60s.
  • Pontiac Car promotional items - signs, buttons, awards, etc.
  • Over 2,000 oil cans and a marvelous collection of gasoline-related artifacts

The new museum joins the growing list of attractions in Pontiac, including the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum, the International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum, the Livingston County War Museum, Looking for Lincoln Heritage sites, and the city's 21 colorful, outdoor murals.  Over the last few years, Pontiac has risen to become one of the state's most popular tourist destinations.  The number of visitors who come to our city has been increasing by nearly 20% each of the last three years.  We anticipate that the new museum will help us to continue that trend.

If you are interested in coming to preview the museum and/or interview Tim, Penny, or any of our city officials, please contact us and we will set things up to best meet your needs.  I can be reached by phone at (800) 835-2055, and by email at: tourism@pontiac.org.

12 May 2011

Brucemore in Bloom Tours

By Tara Richards

Tour the blossoming gardens and lush terrain during the specialty tour? Brucemore in Bloom, Tuesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, June 11 at 9:30 a.m. During the 90-minute tour, the Brucemore garden staff will trace the development of the gardens from the original plan conceived by prominent landscape architect O.C. Simonds to the integration of function, recreation, and entertainment in Mrs. Douglas' vision for the country estate in the 1930s. View current plants and landscape techniques that continue to help preserve the historically accurate prairie style design by Simonds.

Admission is $10 per person and $7 per Brucemore member. Space is limited. Advance ticket purchase required. Call (319) 362-7375 or visit the Brucemore Store to purchase tickets.

Brucemore, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site, is located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The grounds are open and free to the public from dawn until dusk.

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10 May 2011

Braley Calls on Branstad, Legislature to Fund High Speed Rail

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - May 10, 2011 -Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) wrote a letter to Governor Terry Branstad urging him to work with the Republican leadership of the State House to stimulate Iowa's economy and create jobs by funding the high-speed passenger rail line from Chicago to Iowa City through the Quad Cities.

Rep. Braley helped secure $230 million in federal funding for the new Amtrak route between Chicago and Iowa City. The project now depends onGovernor Branstad and the State Legislature fulfilling the remainder of Iowa's $20 million-portion of the funding.

"I urge Governor Branstad to work with leaders of the Iowa State House to bring these jobs to Iowa," said Rep. Braley. "Now is not the time for timid policies and small politics. With this historic investment, and under Governor Branstad's leadership, our state can move forward and we can get Iowa's economy back on track."

The project is scheduled for completion in 2015 and would create 588 jobs per year for the first four years of design and construction. Once initiated, the new rail service is expected to increase business activity in the state by $25 million per year.

A copy of Rep. Braley's letter is available here: http://braley.house.gov/images/stories/Documents/Braley%20Letter%20to%20Gov.%20Branstad.pdf

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09 May 2011

Braley Announces Over $268 Million for High Speed Rail

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - May 9, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that Iowa will benefit from over $268 million awarded to five Midwestern states for the continued development of high speed rail lines.

This award allows for the purchase of 48 passenger rail cars and 7 locomotives for 8 corridors in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan and Wisconsin.  These new cars and locomotives will be able to travel up to speeds of 125 mph to comply with the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.  The new equipment will replace aging Amtrak equipment with cars that add capacity for anticipated usage, improve operational reliability and reduce operating costs.

"Today's announcement is great news for Iowans and our neighbors," Braley said. "Passenger rail is critical to the continued economic development of the region. This is one more step to create jobs and put Iowa's economy back on track."

In October, the Department of Transportation awarded $230 million in federal funding for a new Amtrak route between Chicago and Iowa City through the Quad Cities. The project is scheduled for completion in 2015 and will create 588 jobs per year for the first four years of design and construction.  Once initiated, the new rail service is expected to increase business activity by $25 million per year.

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03 May 2011

Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival this weekend

By Ellie Alexander

The fifth annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival happens this coming Saturday and Sunday.  The festival, which celebrates the history of Route 66, will run along the 90-mile stretch of the road from Joliet to Towanda.  Each of the 12 communities along this part of the Mother Road will hold its own series of special events.  Festival travelers are encouraged to pick up a Red Carpet Corridor Passport at their first stop along the road to find a listing of what each town is doing.

There will be car shows, motorcycle shows, live music, bake sales, flea markets, garage/yard sales, an art show, lawnmower races, a model railroad display, plenty of special events for the kids, food vendors, and much, much more.  Joliet is featuring a celebration of the very first Dairy Queen in that city.  Wilmington has dedicated its festival to all things Elvis.  Braidwood  will feature a scavenger hunt, special Mother's Day activities, and live entertainers.   Godley offers the NASCAR experience and a Touch-a-Truck for kids.

Braceville will offer a bake sale, Gardner a 5-K fun run on Sunday, and Dwight will feature garage sales, sidewalk chalk art, and more.   Odell's historic 1932 Standard Oil gas station will serve as its festival center, and Pontiac has an art sale, a sneak peak at the new Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum & Resource Center, the painting of the Bob Waldmire Memorial Mural, and the opening of the Waldmire School Bus Mobile Home as the highlights of its weekend of events.

Chenoa will stage a carnival and live entertainers, Lexington will host a tractor and motorcycle show on Saturday, and Towanda will hold their 2nd annual lawnmower races along with other entertainments.

Each city has much more going on than can be mentioned here, so festival goers should be sure to pick up a passport for a full schedule of events and hours.

More information on each town's festival events can also be found online at: http://www.il66redcarpetcorridor.org.  Festival flyers are available at each of the Pontiac museum or at City Hall.

12 Apr 2011

Video TourBook Showcases Rock Island County's Many Assets

By Rick Martin
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, IL? April 12, 2011? Rock Island County is known for its quality of life and thriving economic climate to many who call it home or do business here, but now a series of online videos is letting the rest of the world in on the secret via a Video TourBook on the county's official website: (http://www.rockislandcounty.org/)

Featured are 10 one minute professionally produced videos covering a range of topics, including Arts and Entertainment, Business and Industry, and Tourism and Things to Do, as well as a welcome with an on camera introduction by County Board Chairman James E. Bohnsack.

The videos were produced in partnership with CGI Communications, an internet marketing company headquartered in Rochester, NY that produces nearly 10,000 videos and other products a year for municipalities, chambers of commerce, professional trade associations and private sector businesses throughout North America.

The Rock Island Video TourBook, which was produced free of charge, features the logos and videos of the local businesses that are sponsoring the project. As the county's web site holds the #1 position in Google during a search for "Rock Island County", each business is receiving potential exposure from prospective residents, visitors and businesses from around the world.

"The County is hoping to use the videos as a marketing tool to entice businesses and residents to make their home in a Rock Island community, "says County Board Chairman Bohnsack.

The Rock Island County Video TourBook is also accessible via CGI's Facebook page

(http://www.facebook.com/cgicommunications), which gives the County additional exposure.


"Whenever someone "likes" the Rock Island County's videos, everyone in that person's network will be able to see them and share them with the people in their network, "says Robin Taney, CGI's Manager of Special Projects/PR.

In 2010, CGI's community videos collectively received 28 million unique views and were shared more than a thousand times a week.

For business sponsorship opportunities, call CGI Account Executive Nicole Hunt at 1-800-398-3029 ext. 239.

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11 Apr 2011

Celebrate spring with the Village of Elizabeth

By Melosa Belger
ELIZABETH, Ill. - Participate in Elizabeth's Spring Fling, approximately fifteen minutes from nearby Galena, on Saturday, May 7. Stroll through downtown Elizabeth and take part in the craft fair, food festival, sidewalk sales, children's games and rides, a Daffodil Queen pageant, petting zoo, a two-mile run and the annual (Ride the Ups and Downs) bicycle ride.

Ride the Ups and Downs is a one-day bicycle ride, not a race, which takes you though the scenic and hilly back roads of beautiful Jo Daviess County, an area untouched by glaciers thousands of years ago.

Walk to the Apple River Fort State Historic Site, 311 E. Myrtle St., for the Fire on the Frontier militia muster and encampment. Experience the fort just as it was more than 100 years ago as the local militia prepares for battle. The militia will hold a drill, fire rounds, and recruit at scheduled times throughout the day as the women and children demonstrate pioneer skills critical to their survival on the frontier. There is no charge for admission but feel free to roll up your sleeves and help the settlers with their chores.

The Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum, East Myrtle St., opens for the season at 11 a.m. and will continue to be open every weekend throughout October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. View the displays and partake in activities related to the days of yesteryear when Jo Daviess County boasted seven railroading companies.

While in Elizabeth, take a guided tour of the 1876 Banwarth House & Museum, 408 E. Sycamore St., for a real blast from the past and view the vast collection of meteorites, preserved by the Planetary Studies Foundation, on display. Throughout the afternoon, join a demonstration on how to use your telescope for nighttime viewing, as well as learn about other various types of telescopes.

For more information about Elizabeth's Spring Fling, visit their Web site at http://villageofelizabeth.pbworks.com/w/page/38455610/Spring-Fling or www.elizabeth-il.com.

For information about room availability, shopping, dining, attractions, events and more, go to www.galena.org, the Web site of the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, or call 877-464-2536 toll-free.
07 Apr 2011

Peaceful River Celebrates First Year as McCausland Destination

By Jake Glimco

McCausland, IA / April 1, 2011 - A Scott County town, known as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, is celebrating its OTHER reason to visit.  Peaceful River Trading Co. in McCausland will mark its first year in business with a celebration and fundraiser Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   The trading-post style retailer will sell an array of fresh baked goods as well as hot dogs, chips and pop.  Proceeds from the sale will help fund McCausland's Labor Day fireworks display. Special anniversary discounts are being offered throughout the month of April.

Since opening in April of 2010, Peaceful River Trading Co. has grown into a unique and eclectic destination for those who love to 'hunt' for distinctive and original gifts and furnishings.  Peaceful River features a fun and quirky assortment of hand-made items, antiques and furnishings from around the region.  Peaceful River features the works of numerous local artists, including painters K.C. Barnes from Bettendorf and Billie Davids of Princeton.  Peaceful River also sells pottery and jewelry designed by Jerri Munson of Davenport, IA.

Founder and owner Sheila Bosworth, a former craft show organizer, had a vision of creating the perfect location for local artists to display and sell their works. "It has been wonderful to be part of bringing more people to McCausland," says Bosworth. Her vision caught the attention of Joanne Rumpza, who carves ornate images and designs into natural bird eggs.  "It's unique.  They have everything under the sun here." said Rumpza, who now sells her own works at Peaceful River.  "I was impressed that McCausland had such high-quality artists showing their works at Peaceful River."

Peaceful River brings visitors back to a simpler time, and is housed in a beautiful, circa-1916 bank building, formerly the home of McCausland State Bank.  Co-owner and McCausland City Clerk Sheila Bosworth admits she fell in love with the building, a setting that invites visitors to explore.  In tribute to its location, Bosworth turned the bank's vault in to a shrine to outdoor enthusiasts.  The store also has a "kid's room."  At Peaceful River the coffee is always on.

Bosworth runs Peaceful River Trading Co. with business partner Kit Gleason, a retired Army veteran and travel consultant.  Peaceful River Trading Co. is open from 10 am- 5 pm Wednesday through Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays.   McCausland is located about 20 miles northeast of Davenport, just off Utica Ridge Road on F33, 5 minutes north of Scott County Park.   Explore Peaceful River Trading Company at www.peacefulrivertradingco.com.

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21 Mar 2011

Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage Will Close for a Week of Maintenance

By Adam Prato
WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will temporarily close the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage starting March 28 for routine maintenance. The Birthplace Cottage will remain closed through April 1. The grounds of the National Historic Site, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, Friends Meetinghouse, and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum will remain open for their usual hours.

This spring's maintenance work will include replacing the rag rug carpet, fixing a rotted post on the back porch, caulking windows, and touching up interior and exterior paint. "It is our hope to complete the necessary work prior to the busier spring and summer months," said park superintendent Pete Swisher, "We want to maintain Herbert Hoover's birthplace cottage in the best condition possible for those that visit the park."

Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States, was born in the small, two-room cottage on August 10, 1874. He and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, purchased the cottage for restoration in 1938. The cottage, along with other historic buildings and the gravesite of President and Mrs. Hoover make up the 187-acre Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, one of Iowa's two national parks. Along with the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum the park commemorates Herbert Hoover's humble beginnings and his rise to international prominence as a businessman, humanitarian, and statesman.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go to www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho
14 Mar 2011

Allegiant News: Allegiant Named Official Airline of the PRCA ProRodeo

By Sabrina LoPiccolo

ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES SEASONAL TRAVEL SERVICE BETWEEN LAREDO AND ORLANDO COMPANY OFFERS $59.99* ONE-WAY FARES

LAREDO, Texas–Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announces it will begin nonstop seasonal travel service between Laredo, Texas, and Orlando, Fla., via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). The seasonal service will operate May 20through mid-August. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, is offering fares as low as $59.99* one-way between both cities. Guaranteeing the lowest prices on its hotel packages, customers will also save an additional $20 off their air when they book with an Allegiant preferred hotel.

"We're pleased to again offer an affordable and convenient way for our customers to get away this summer," Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President, said. "We are confident the Laredo community will appreciate the value of flying nonstop to Orlando and the great deals we offer on hotels and car rentals."

"The City of Laredo is extremely excited to join Allegiant in this wonderful announcement of additional service to Orlando during the summer months," said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.  "These new flights will help make dreams come true for Laredoans who want to meet Mickey Mouse, dance with Disney Princesses, fly along with Harry Potter, or get slimed at Nickelodeon. Allegiant has had great success with Laredoans that take advantage of the company's great fares, excellent service and nonstop flights to wonderful destinations."

The new flights will operate twice weekly between the Laredo International Airport (LRD) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) with service Monday andFriday. Flights will depart Laredo at 7 p.m. arriving in Orlando-Sanford at 10:55 p.m. Flights leaving Orlando-Sanford will depart at 4:20 p.m. arriving in Laredo at 6:20 p.m. (all flight times are local).  The company began nonstop service to Las Vegas June 8, 2006.

With plenty of shopping, dining, outdoor activities and entertainment, Orlando offers vacationers the perfect getaway.  Located in the heart of Central Florida, Orlando is home to the world's most exciting theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.  Orlando's famous International Drive is more than 10 miles long and features more than 100 hotels, 450 stores, several attractions and two major outlet malls.  Orlando is also home to more than 175 golf courses, many ofwhich were designed by pro golfers such as Greg Norman, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Allegiant is more than an airline, it is a full-service travel company that offers great value to its customers through its hotel and car rental packages.  The company partners withmore than 40 hotels in the Orlando and Daytona Beach areas including: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort, Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney Resort, Regal Sun Resort, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, Holiday Inn Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, Renaissance Orlando Resort and SeaWorld andFairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld. Allegiant provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car.

Allegiant's guarantees the lowest price on air and hotel vacation packages through the company's Low-Price Pledge. If the customer finds an air and hotel package for less, Allegiant will issue up to two free roundtrip tickets per itinerary to use on a future Allegiant flight to the same destination.  Allegiant is also rewarding customers who book an air and hotel package through the company with an instant $20 savings on roundtrip airfare, making it even more affordable to book an air and hotel package.

Allegiant's offer is not available on all flights and must be purchased by March 23, 2011, for travel by Aug. 16, 2011. Reservations may be made through the company's website at www.allegiant.comor by calling Allegiant's travel experts at 702-505-8888.

About the offers*:

Seats are limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by March 23, 2011, for travel completed by Aug. 16, 2011. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11th security fee of up to $10.70 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $14.99 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiant.com. A convenience fee of $14.99 per passenger, plus $14.99 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant call centers. Purchases made at any Allegiant Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call center fee. For ticket counter hours of operation, please visit www.allegiant.com. When purchased at the time of booking, a checked bag fee of up to $29.99 per bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $35 per checked bag, per person, per segment will apply for the first two bags checked. Additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. $20 savings based on a two-night, air and hotel purchase; valid at select Allegiant hotels. Low-Price Pledge valid on air and hotel packages only. Competitive price cannot include Allegiant air service.  See www.allegiant.com for details.

Allegiant, travel is our deal.

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT), is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.  Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services.  In 2010, Allegiant was ranked number one for low-cost carriers in Aviation Week's Top Performing Airline study and ranked 25 on FORTUNE magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies list.  Receive breaking news from Allegiant by visiting Allegiant's Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/Allegiantor follow Allegiant on Twitter at twitter.com/allegiantair.

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