01 Feb 2010

Governor Quinn and U.S. Senator Durbin Announce Plans for High Speed Passenger Rail Investment

By Andrew Mason

$1.2 Billion Award will Fund Chicago to St. Louis Corridor; Create 6,000 Jobs

CHICAGO - January 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin kicked off a series of announcements in Chicago today to discuss details about Illinois' $1.2 billion federal award to bring high-speed passenger rail service to Illinois by 2014. Illinois is among only three states to receive at least $1 billion for high-speed passenger rail, which will make the trip between Chicago and St. Louis faster than driving and will provide new train equipment.

"Illinois was one of only three states in the country to receive over $1 billion for high speed rail. We appreciate the confidence of President Obama to bring high-speed rail to Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "Thanks to hard work and perseverance, our vision to have Illinois serve as the nation's high speed rail hub is becoming a reality, bringing jobs and economic growth to our communities."

The Obama Administration announced the competitive awards Thursday as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program. The investment from the federal government is expected to create approximately 6,000 jobs in Illinois. Illinois received the third largest award among 31 states chosen to share in the $8 billion made available nationwide for high-speed passenger rail. Thirty-seven states applied for funding.

"Investing $1.2 billion into improving our rail system is going to mean more jobs - jobs for today and jobs for the future," said Senator Durbin. "Today's announcement assures that Chicago, already a major rail hub of the nation, will soon become the major high-speed rail hub of the Midwest and nation.

"Today, President Obama's vision is bringing high-speed rail to Illinois and the rest of the United States," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.  "This groundbreaking program will put many people back to work in Chicago and across the country, and it will also help transform transportation for the entire Midwest region."

Illinois' high-speed rail signature route, Chicago to St. Louis, will receive $1.1 billion for corridor improvements. Improvements to this 284 mile route will allow passenger rail service to operate at speeds up to 110 mph, reducing the total trip time from Chicago to St. Louis by over an hour. The improvements include an overhaul of track, signal systems and existing stations as well as the implementation of state-of-the-art train control technology that will improve train safety. In addition, Illinois will receive $1.25 million to complete an environmental impact study for a second track along the same route.

The award for Illinois includes $133 million to build the Englewood Flyover on Chicago's South Side, a Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) project which will clear one of the largest rail bottlenecks in the nation. The improvement will eliminate significant delays for commuter trains, Amtrak trains and freight trains.

"This is great news for Illinois and the Midwest," said Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "I commend President Obama, Governor Quinn, Senator Durbin and the entire Midwest region for their leadership and commitment through a long and competitive process. I also want to express my gratitude to the staff at the Illinois Department of Transportation who have remained focused and dedicated on efforts to make high-speed passenger rail a reality in Illinois."

Thanks to multi-state steering group formed by Governor Quinn, Illinois will benefit from awards to several other neighboring states that make up the Chicago Hub Network. The region received a total of $2.6 billion - more than any other regional network. The network is designed to connect cities throughout the region to Chicago with reliable high-speed and conventional intercity rail service.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) received 259 grant applications from 37 states and the District of Columbia requesting nearly $57 billion in funding - far exceeding the initial $8 billion available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In total, 79 applications from 31 States were selected for funding.

For more information on the awards to Illinois and the other Midwestern states for high-speed rail, go to MidwestRail.org.

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28 Jan 2010

DURBIN, QUINN WELCOME HIGH-SPEED RAIL INVESTMENT IN ILLINOIS

By Andrew Mason
CHICAGO, IL, January 28, 2010 - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statement with regard to the announcement that Illinois has been awarded more than $1.2 billion in federal funds for high-speed rail:

In the face of fierce competition from states across the nation, Illinois' high-speed rail proposal received a strong vote of confidence from the White House today. Illinois was one of only three states to be awarded more than one billion dollars in funding from the federal government's total nationwide investment of $8 billion. This is a massive investment into the future of transportation. It is seventeen times more funding than the federal government has invested into passenger rail over the last ten years combined.

"We're thrilled with the strong support we received for the first phase of funding and look forward to both getting the projects moving and getting Illinoisans back to work. In the coming months and years, Illinois see a significant increase in economic activity with the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs in the region from this investment. And we know that rail passengers will be excited to have over an hour cut from the travel time between Chicago and St. Louis. Today's announcement assures that Chicago, already a major rail hub of the nation, will soon become the major high-speed rail hub of the Midwest and nation."

"We would not be here today, on the cusp of making high speed rail a reality in Illinois, if it weren't for the strong leadership of President Obama, Transportation Secretary LaHood and the support of the entire Midwest region. This historic investment in high speed passenger rail will begin to fulfill the President's vision of rebuilding America and revitalizing the Midwest, while relieving congestion and improving energy conservation.'

Nationwide, there was great demand for high-speed rail with approximately $50 billion worth of applications for an available $8 billion in funding. In addition to improvements on the current Chicago to St. Louis corridor to increase train speeds to 110 miles per hour, the funding awarded today will allow completion of an Environmental Impact Statement for building a second track along the route as well as construction designed to eliminate significant delays for trains coming into and out of Chicago.
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28 Jan 2010

Passport Services

By Rita Vargas

To meet the public request for U. S. passports, Scott County will provide extended hours (ONLY Passport Services) once a week for the month of February. In addition to regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Scott County Recorder, Rita Vargas, will offer extended passport acceptance hours to accommodate applicants whose work and school schedules conflict with the general office hours.  These hours will be Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., only on these dates: February 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2010.

"I am very pleased with the significant increase in the number of request for passports we are seeing in the Recorder's Office. We have received numerous inquiries regarding after hour service for passport services and wanted to accommodate those request with no overtime cost to the county.  We have been encouraging anyone planning to travel outside the U.S.to apply for their passport early and my guess is people are taking that advice" says Vargas.    Applications will be provided on site.  Each minor child applying for a passport must appear in person.

Requirements for Passport Application can be found at www.qcpassport.com or www.scottcountyiowa.com at the Recorder's link.

Please bring the following items with you when applying for your passport:

  1. Evidence of Citizenship: One of the following 3 documents must be submitted with your Application and will be returned with your new passport.
    1. Birth Certificate: A certified copy of Birth Certificate issued by the county or state. A notarized copy or a hospital birth certificate is not acceptable.
    2. Naturalization Certificate: A person who claims US citizenship by naturalization must submit the original Certificate of Naturalization with the application.
    3. Expired Passport: This is acceptable. However, if the child was under 16 when the passport was issued, you must submit a certified copy of the birth certificate along with the expired passport.
  2. Two (2) Identical Passport Photos: (2"x 2" color) Front view of applicant, taken within the last six months.   The Recorder's does offer photo services for $8 per person fee.
  3. Personal Identification: A valid driver's license (not driver's permit).  Expired ID is not accepted. Anyone under 18 must have a parent along with the parent's ID for parental consent and signature. Both parents' signatures are required for children under 16.
  4. Payment: Each passport should be paid by two (2) checks or money orders as indicated below (debit or credit cards are not accepted):
    • $25 payable to "Scott County Recorder" and • $75 payable to "U.S. Department of State" - Valid 10 Years 
    (if under 16 years of age - $60 - Valid 5 years)
25 Jan 2010

"Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" Weekend Is Another Success

By Rick Martin

Quad Cities - The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) announced today that the ninth annual "Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" weekend was a success for all involved.  The event was promoted through news stories along with television, radio and newspaper advertising.

Each year, the QCCVB holds its annual "Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" weekend to promote tourism to residents and visitors to the Quad Cities.  During this year's event, the QCCVB promoted discounted prices and activities for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend with a special coupon booklet.  Almost 20 local hotels/motels offered special rates and packages for the weekend.   Almost 30 area attractions, businesses, stores, spas, and restaurants offered discounts.

Due to this effort and the response by Quad Cities' area residents and visitors, over 300 hotel rooms were booked specifically for the promotion, topping 2008 reservation numbers.

Other businesses also reported an increase in business.  The Moline Public Library increased their attendance of their Winnie the Pooh program on Saturday by three times over last year.  The John Deere Pavilion reported almost 1,500 people on Saturday for their free Kid's Craft Day.  Exact numbers are still coming in from the Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre, but well over 1,000 people toured the exhibit halls this weekend.

"We are extremely pleased with this year's results for Be a Tourist Weekend, and we thank our community and visitors for supporting tourism in the Quad Cities," said Jessica Waytenick, QCCVB Public Relations & Marketing Manager.  "Be a Tourist Weekend has become an annual event that people really look forward to, and it also comes during a great weekend and during a time of year when tourism is traditionally down in our area.  It provides a nice local weekend getaway and highlights all the great things there are to see and do in our area."

According to Ms. Waytenick, again this year's the coupon booklets were a big hit, and the over 5,600 visitors to the Be a Tourist Weekend web page at www.visitquadcities.com downloaded 9,591 coupons from the site.

There are a lot of great attractions, events, and activities for residents to take advantage of right here in the Quad Cities.  Visit the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau's website at www.visitquadcities.com or stop by any of the Visitor Information Centers for a free 2010 Visitors Guide.  The Visitor Centers are located at:

·       Mississippi Valley Welcome Center, Exit 306, I-80 and U.S. 67, 900 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, IA.  Hours:  8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.

·       RiverStation, 1601 River Drive, Moline, IL. Hours:  8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm Saturday.

·       Union Station, 102 S. Harrison, Davenport, IA.  Hours:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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08 Dec 2009

SNOWBALL EXPRESS BRINGS FAMILIES OF FALLEN MILITARY HEROES TO ENJOY WELL-KNOWN TEXAS HOSPITALITY

By Cathie Rochau

Two families are departing from the Quad Cities; they are among the more than 1,300 Snowball Family Members traveling tto North Texas via American Airlines

FORT WORTH, Texas - More than 1,300 spouses and children of fallen military personnel will receive a Texas-sized welcome when they arrive in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex on Dec. 9, as part of the annual Snowball Express event. This is the first time Snowball Express has traveled to North Texas.

Each year, Snowball Express, a volunteer, not-for-profit organization, arranges an all-expenses-paid trip to provide hope and new memories for the children and spouses of military men and women who lost their lives while defending our nation. Mayors and governors across the U.S. have proclaimed Wednesday, Dec. 9, as "Snowball Express and American Airlines Day."

"For the families of these fallen heroes, it is a remarkable experience that can greatly help in their grieving process after sustaining such a profound loss," said Micki Sander, Snowball Express Chairperson. "It is extremely moving to hear participants talk about their experience with Snowball Express and what it has meant to them and their families."

American Airlines returns as the official airline of Snowball Express and is providing eight chartered aircraft for the Snowball families, who will be traveling from around the United States. BP is generously donating fuel for the Snowball Express aircraft.

"All of us at American Airlines are truly grateful to our military servicemen and women and their families for the sacrifices they have made to protect the freedom our country enjoys," said Roger Frizzell, Vice President Corporate Communications and Advertising at American Arilines. "This year, we are particularly excited to fly the Snowball Express families to Dallas/Fort Worth - our hometown - where they will be able to enjoy all of our area's top attractions and, of course, get the biggest and best welcome in true Texas style."

This year's Snowball Express trip runs Dec. 9-13.  The families will enjoy numerous activities, including:

· Ranch & Rodeo Day - Visits to the world-famous "Dallas" South Fork Ranch, as well as the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.

· "Day in the Life of Texas" event at the Dallas Convention Center.

· Day with the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks, which includes meeting with the Dallas Cowboys football players and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for football and cheerleading clinics. Entertainment will be provided by award-winning actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.

· The Dallas Mavericks have also generously donated American Airlines Center seats for Snowball families to attend the Mavericks' Dec. 12 game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

· Several restaurants including Eddie Dean's, Mi Cocina, Humperdink's, and Chili's-as well as Ben E. Keith Company-are donating meals to feed Snowball families

Including volunteers and donors, this year's Snowball Express event in North Texas will bring together nearly 2,000 people to pay tribute to these fallen American heroes and to create new memories for their families.  To find out more about becoming a sponsor, or to view the list of all Snowball Express corporate and non-profit sponsors, please visit http://www.snowballexpress.org/partners/partners.html

About Snowball Express

The mission of Snowball Express, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is to provide hope and new memories for the children of fallen military heroes who have died in active duty since 9/11.  Since 2006, Snowball Express has hosted an annual event that brings children of fallen military heroes together for a few days of fun.  In 2007, nearly 800 children and more than 300 surviving spouses attended the annual Snowball Express event.  Snowball Express has no paid staff.  It has approximately 25 volunteers who work year round on the "main event."  Ninety-seven percent of all collected cash donations go directly to the event.  When in-kind donations of more than $3 million are included, the total percentage of funds expended for fundraising and general administrative costs is less than one percent. www.snowballexpress.org

23 Sep 2009

Airline Passengers Conduct Their Own Hearing in Congress

By Kevin Mitchell

Momentum Accelerated Behind Initial 3-Hour Deplanement Standard

Senator Boxer and Representative Thompson Champion Passenger Rights

September 22, 2009, Washington, DC - FlyersRights.org and Business Travel Coalition (BTC) today conducted a Passenger Rights Stakeholder Hearing before a packed hearing room of airline passengers, travel professionals, Congressional staff and media in the Rayburn House Office Building. Experts, both for and against legislation to address a growing extended-tarmac-delay problem, were sharply questioned by aviation journalists and travel industry professionals . The clear outcome from the hearing is that legislation is urgently required to address a growing passenger health and safety problem that airlines are apparently unable or unwilling to fix themselves.

The hearing was sponsored by the Honorary Chairwomen Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) who have championed a 3-hour national standard for providing passengers the option of deplaning, should a captain decide it is safe to do so. Their bills, S.213 and HR 674, were strongly endorsed by airline passengers, FlyersRights.org, BTC, other travel groups at the hearing.

PassengerRights.org Executive Director Kate Hanni testified , "The airline industry has been the voice of "NO" for too long. The system is broken and passengers have been paying a dear price with their health, lost productivity and missed family events. This hearing shone a bright light on the fallacious arguments put forward by those airlines that seek to continue stonewalling against reforms that will benefit passengers and all airline industry stakeholders."

"There is now a clear expectation that Congress will move to enact legislation to create a national standard beginning with the requirement that airlines provide passengers an option to deplane after 3 hours. Airlines will likely have several months to adjust operations before the law is effective," stated BTC Chairman Kevin Mitchell. "BTC further encourages Congress to phase-in a 2-hour standard 1 year after the initial 3-hour rule becomes effective. Congress should likewise make mandatory the U.S. Department of Transportation Tarmac Delay Task Force recommendations," added Mitchell. (BTC recently issued a report on passenger rights legislation .)

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09 Sep 2009

Get with your girlfriends in historic Galena!

By Galena CVB
GALENA, Ill. ? The 16th Annual Ladies Getaway weekend will take place in historic Galena in scenic northwest Illinois from Friday-Sunday, Sept. 11-13. This annual celebration of sisterhood will feature sales, contests, spa specials, a fashion show and more - and it's all just for the ladies.

A pre-registration fee of $15 includes a collector tote bag and a chance to win a fabulous shopping spree. A $25 pre-registration fee includes the tote bag, the chance to win a shopping spree, admission to the fashion show, with preferred seating, and admission to the Quartermania auction on Saturday night. For complete event info, including venues and fees, call the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-777-9050 or visit galenachamber.com. Pre-registration is also available online at galenachamber.com.

To plan a trip, contact the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 877-464-2536 or visit galena.org. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. for on-site assistance and countywide information.
19 Aug 2009

Historic Bus Trip to Wisconsin's National Brewery Museum and Mining Museum

By Rick Martin

DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 18, 2009) Join the German American Heritage Center for a bus trip to historic Potosi and Platteville, Wisconsin on Saturday, October 24. Itinerary includes visits to the National Brewery Museum & Potosi Brewery and the Platteville Mining Museum-Rollo Jamison Museum.

The day trip includes a buffet luncheon in the National Brewery Museum restaurant, guided tours of both museums, a tour of a lead mine and a short train ride (weather permitting). An opportunity to tour the museum gift shops will also be available. The tour of the lead mine is the only portion of the day trip that is not handicapped accessible.

(More on the Platteville Mining Museum-Rollo Jamison Museum: The trip into the mine and back in time, involves descending 90 steps down into the 'bowels' of the earth. This involves a wooden walkway with hand railings on each side made up of 9 steps and then a level landing for a breather, followed by another 9 steps and another level landing, etc. It may be cool and damp in the environment so those making the trip should be prepared to wear a sweater or jacket and shoes with tread to maintain a firm footing.)

The bus will depart from the German American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa at 7:30 am (boarding at 7:15 am), and return at 5:45 pm. Cost for the trip is $50 for members or $60 for nonmembers. To register contact (563) 322-8844 or director@gahc.org. You may also register in person at the German American Heritage Center.

For a preview the museums that are included in the bus trip, visit their websites at:

National Brewery Museum & Potosi Brewery

Mining Museum-Rollo Jamison Museum

About German American Heritage Center's plans for the future
In October 2009, GAHC will have a re-grand opening where they will debut their newly expanded space to the community. The space will include a new large permanent exhibit, two traveling exhibit spaces, large program facilities, and an improved parking lot. The GAHC will create new programs based on the new permanent exhibit and two new temporary exhibit spaces. This exhibit is highly interactive, audiovisual and intergenerational.

-END-

05 Jun 2009

STAYCATION IDEA - Scales Mound's Stagecoach Fest serves up a weekend of family faves.

By Rick Martin
Annual village shindig will feature games, pet show, bake sale, hayrides, music, more

SCALES MOUND, Ill. - A wide range of entertainment and events will attract a wide range of ages to this little town's annual line-up of big festivities. Scales Mound, located in scenic northwest Illinois, will hold its annual Stagecoach Festival on Friday-Sunday, June 26-28. Most of the family-friendly goings-on will take place in the town's park and town hall located in the center of this rural community.

"This year's event features a lot of new activities, while still keeping tradition with many of our signature fun," said Joann Schultz, one of the festival organizers. "Rain or shine or heat, the Scales Mound Stagecoach Festival is great family fun with something for everyone. It's an easygoing day with a wide variety of things to do."

The fest will once again feature favorites such as an old time tractor pull, 5K and 10K runs, children's games, a bake sale, a town musical, bingo, a strip steak sandwich dinner, a dance and the return of a "Festival Feud" type game show.  Pet lovers will also be able to enter their favorite pets in the "Amazing and Unusual Pet Show." And custom designed commemorative crocks, sporting a rendition of the United Methodist Church by Scales Mound artist Randy Schultz, will be on sale all weekend for $30 each.

The festival will officially kick off Friday evening with the town musical, "Stagecoach Jamboree," performed by "Our Little Community Group" of Scales Mound actors.  Curtain time is 7 p.m. in the Scales Mound School gym; admission is $3 at the door. Friday evening will also feature professional wrestling in the town hall at 7:30 p.m., presented by R and R Wrestling. Tickets are $7 in advance for adults and $8 at the door; for kids 12 and under the ticket price is $5. Tickets can be purchased at Schultz Appliance in Scales Mound or by calling Chris Schultz at 815-541-1392.

The annual 5K and 10K runs will open Saturday's activities. Line-up is at the east end of the park at 9 a.m.  For more information or to enter, contact Jim Davis at jimcdavis@dellmail.com or 815-541-2061. Pre-registration is encouraged. Saturday will also feature an all-day crafts fair in the park. Interested people can call Laura Duerr at 815-297-4152 for more information or to reserve a space.

The town park will also come alive with a wide assortment of kid's games and rides, bingo, a bike rodeo safety program and obstacle course, children's comedy skit, stagecoach rides, horse-drawn shuttle rides, a bake sale by the Ladies Home Extension, a Jo-Carroll Energy Hot Line Demonstration and the Scales Mound Protection District's Safety House. The Community Band will entertain in the bandstand starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by local musician Garrett Hillary. And the local 4H chapter will also serve root beer floats all day. 

Saturday will also see a bean bag tournament, a firefighter competition and water fights in front of the town hall, all at 1 p.m.; the Lil' Cowpoke Contest at 2 p.m.; a cupcake eating contest at 2:30 p.m.; and a tractor rodeo in front of the town hall at 5 p.m. The High Point Cruisers car club will line up at 5 p.m. on the street around the park, with the cruise scheduled for 6. The Scales Mound Recreation Association will sponsor food and beverages, including a beer tent, all day Saturday. Crocks, T-shirts and festival information will be available at the info booth near the center of the park.

A new event called "Cowboy Poetry Around a Campfire" will be held north of the park at 8 p.m. Also new will be a guided Cemetery Walk, which will run every 30 minutes from 8 to 10 p.m.  The event is $3 and includes a hayride to the site. The evening will wrap up with a dance in the park pavilion at 8 p.m.

Sunday will dawn with a breakfast sponsored by the local 4-H group in the town hall from 7:30 a.m. to noon, featuring a heaping country breakfast of eggs, sausage, assorted rolls, coffee, milk and juice. "Old tyme" gospel music will help kick off the morning at 8:30 a.m., followed by an Old Tyme Community Church Service (non-denominational) at 9 a.m., with music by local musicians. A final performance of "Stagecoach Jamboree" will be held at 2 p.m. in the Scales Mound High School Gymnasium.

For more information, visit scalesmound.com or contact Joann Schultz at 815-845-2691 or Sheila Ohms at 815-845-2370.

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