27 Mar 2014

A BETTER ILLINOIS: Fair Tax Campaign responds to Governor's Budget Address

By Rick Martin

Fair Tax represents "third way" as alternative to current choice between antiquated, regressive flat tax and draconian cuts to vital investments and services

 

Springfield, IL - Today, Governor Quinn outlined a budget that avoids draconian cuts to vital priorities this coming fiscal year by making the 2011 tax rates permanent.  In response, A Better Illinois campaign director Kristen Crowell issued the following statement:

We applaud the Governor for addressing head-on the fiscal cliff and draconian cuts that would have a devastating impact on our schools, public safety, health and human services, and other key priorities that are unacceptable to the people of Illinois and would impact nearly every citizen in the state, along with our state's fragile economy.

 

We continue to believe the best long-term option is a Fair Tax, with lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher incomes, that would generate the revenue to avoid those draconian cuts, eliminate the state's antiquated and regressive flat tax, and provide tax relief to 94% of Illinois citizens.

 

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Neal Waltmire
Deputy Communications Director
A Better Illinois
26 Mar 2014

SCOTT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (SECC) BOARD AGENDA

By Annie Nugent
Board Room, 1st Floor, Scott County Administrative Center,
600 West Fourth Street, Davenport, Iowa
MARCH 31, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.

1. Roll Call: Frieden, Gallagher, Gluba, Minard, and O'Boyle.
Ex officio members: Bruemmer, Frederiksen, Malin, and Ploehn
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Approval of appointment of Denise Pavlik as the SECC Director
5. Leadership Summit Recertification
6. Interim Director's Report
7. Next meeting date - April 17, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.
8. Adjourn
For previous meeting Minutes, please visit our website at www.secc911.com.
26 Mar 2014

Braley Makes Push to Preserve Government's Only Radon Grant Program

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Braley: this program is a life or death matter for states like Iowa with high concentrations of radon

Washington, D.C. - After the Iowa legislature's recent attempt to require radon testing in Iowa schools stalled, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today made an aggressive push to protect one of the last available federal programs that can help states test for the deadly gas. President Obama has singled out this program for elimination in his 2015 budget.

Braley is circulating a letter among his colleagues seeking support to preserve the State Indoor Radon Grant Program (SIRP). The program was created in 1988 to provide assistance to states to test and reduce radon exposure in schools and homes.

"Radon, behind smoking, is the leading cause of lung cancer in Iowa, and we're not doing nearly enough to ensure our families and schoolchildren are protected," Braley said. "This is a matter of life and death for Iowans and I'm going to do everything possible to save this program?it's the only resource we have to help reduce this threat until Iowa lawmakers act."

Braley has already rallied the support of over a dozen lawmakers and is making resources for radon testing a top priority during the appropriations process. The American Lung Association has also announced their support for Braley's initiative.

"Eliminating the SIRG program would have a devastating effect on the work being done across the United States to educate the public about the dangers of radon and save lives by protecting people from lung cancer," Braley's letter reads.  

Braley has spent years fighting at the federal level for the resources to allow testing in Iowa schools. In 2012, Braley introduced the End Radon in Schools Act to protect students, teachers, and school employees from high levels of radon in public schools and provide grants to test the radon levels in school buildings.

In July of 2013, Braley introduced an amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to end the threat of radon gas in America's schools.

A copy of Braley's letter is available immediately below:

 

March 26, 2014

 

The Honorable Ken Calvert                        The Honorable Jim Moran

Chairman                                                    Ranking Member

House Appropriations Subcommittee        House Appropriations Subcommittee

on Interior, Environment, and Related         on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies                      

Agencies

 

Dear Chairmen Calvert and Ranking Member Moran:

As you both work to craft your fiscal year 2015 appropriations bill, we would like to urge you to provided significant funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program.

As you may know, Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that causes lung cancer.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking, responsible for thousands of deaths each year, according to the Surgeon General and the EPA.  Because people spend much of their lives indoors, the quality of indoor air is a major concern. Radon has been found at elevated levels in homes in every state, and can also build up in schools and other buildings. The EPA estimates that nearly one out of every fifteen homes in the United States has unsafe indoor radon levels.

Exposure to radon causes no immediate symptoms, but the long-term threat of lung cancer is significant to everyone.  Simple steps can reduce the threat through testing buildings for radon and fixing buildings where levels are dangerously high.  Unfortunately, the President's budget would eliminate an important program that prevents radon exposure.

The EPA's State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) program was authorized in 1988 to provide financial assistance to states to develop, implement and enhance state capacity for reducing radon risk. Over the past two decades, the EPA's Radon Program has helped reduce radon exposure in homes and schools and reduced radon-caused lung cancer. Eliminating the SIRG program would have a devastating effect on the work being done across the United States to educate the public about the dangers of radon and save lives by protecting people from lung cancer. Many states have indoor radon programs in place, but they need ongoing support as well as technical assistance, to make sure that states can reduce the health burden caused by radon exposure. Without the guidance and funding support from EPA, state programs will simply not be able to protect the public from the threat of radon.  We ask that you provide $8 million in funding for the State Indoor Radon Grant Program as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill.

We appreciate your attention to our request.  Please feel free to contact us if we can provide further assistance.

Sincerely,

# # #

26 Mar 2014

Halligan Coffee Company Building - Redevelopment

By Rick Martin

402 E. 4th Street
Total Investment: $7 million
Public Funds: $842,443 in state investment tax credits and sales and utility tax rebates
Private Funds Leveraged: $6 million
Status: Ongoing
New Housing Units: 45

The second-largest, and arguably highest-profile and most visible of Davenport's Warehouse District buildings, is at long last undergoing a massive renovation, adding 45 more apartments to the burgeoning residential neighborhood on downtown's eastern edge.

The project is another by developer Joe Erenberger and partners Y&J Properties, who recently renovated the Peterson Paper Company building on 2nd Street.

Like the Peterson building, the Halligan Coffee Company Building - constructed in 1907 - was long under-utilized for commercial purposes and was falling into serious disrepair. But the bones of a fantastic building are still evident, from the tall multi-hung sash sets and brick arches, vast 22-foot ceilings, carved stone decorative panes in the building entrance to the stained kiln bricks on the upper floors where coffee was roasted.

Erenberger said converting the 60,000 square-foot, century-old Classical Revival Style factory and office building into a modern loft apartment complex is among his most challenging and ambitious projects yet. But the work he's done downtown so far has led him to learn a lot.

"We're moving faster than we ever have before," he said, adding that leasing could begin in as little as seven months from now. The building will feature seven units per floor - with one, two and three bedroom configurations - and will range in price from $900 to $1,500 per month. All units are market rate. They will also include cable, internet and access to public gathering areas inside and outside as part of the rent. He expects the building to be attractive to young professionals, corporate transplants and empty nesters alike.

One of the other unique challenges to the project has been cleaning up and improving the exterior of the property - both on the building itself and the surrounding lot. Erenberger partnered with the YMCA - which owns the adjacent land to the east of the building - to clear out dozens of invasive trees, weeds and other unwanted plants. In addition to tuck pointing brick and re-painting the historic commercial messages on the outside of the building, he plans on turning the concrete-heavy lot to the southeast of the building into a park-like public area. The outside space is challenging because it once served as the footings of a railroad spur servicing the Warehouse District.

Erenberger said he's enjoyed learning about the history of the Halligan building - and the regional coffee company that was a big part of Davenport's early development - as work has progressed. The company was begun by Thomas Halligan and partners in 1884 and quickly expanded as a distributor of coffee, tea, spices and other food stuffs throughout the upper Midwest. The company grew to more than 100 employees by the early 20th century, necessitating the building of the Halligan Coffee Company Building in 1907. The company ceased operations in 1952 due to global competition from larger distributors.

There will be quite a few nods to the coffee company's history throughout the building, including the possibility of a commercial connection at some point, Erenberger hinted.

26 Mar 2014

MALLARDS, IWIRELESS CENTER EXTEND LEASE AGREEMENT

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (March 26, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards and the iWireless Center have agreed to a three year lease extension, the Mallards announced today.

"We are thrilled to extend our lease agreement with the iWireless Center for three additional years and continue what has developed into a true partnership with iWireless Center executive director Scott Mullen and his staff," said Jordan Melville, director of QCM Holdings, the Mallards' ownership group.  "All indicators are trending positively and we look forward to continuing to provide the Quad Cities with an affordable form of entertainment and team of which they can be proud."

In the first two seasons of the partnership between the iWireless Center and QCM Holdings, the Mallards' average attendance has increased by nearly 800 fans per game while the club has enjoyed a revenue increase of better than 50 percent.

"The turnaround has been amazing and it is fantastic to see how far the team has come both in the front office and on the ice," said Mullen.  "Both Mallards president Bob McNamara and coach Terry Ruskowski have brought a noticeably higher level of experience and professionalism to the team over these past couple of years."

"It's also refreshing to have such a solid ownership group in place here and see their commitment to the Quad Cities," Mullen continued.  "Having previously run the entire Central Hockey League, they obviously understand this business and what it takes to succeed.  The entire organization has really done an unbelievable job.  They have laid the foundation for success and the future of hockey here looks extremely bright."

The Mallards are approaching the conclusion of their seventeenth season in the Quad Cities and their fourth CHL campaign.  QCM Holdings took over ownership of the club in October of 2012.

"As we have seen interest in the team increase over the past 18 months, it is obvious this is a strong hockey market steeped in a winning tradition, established in the early days of the Mallards," said McNamara.  "It is our goal to continue this tradition and we look forward to bringing a championship back to the Quad Cities while continuing to build the brand."

The Mallards play their regular season finale Sunday at 4:05 p.m. against the Missouri Mavericks.  Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day at the iWireless Center featuring prize giveaways, a postgame skate with the Mallards, free popcorn and a game worn jersey auction.

Tickets for Sunday's game can be purchased in person at the iWireless Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com, at Ticketmaster outlets 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 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.net.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

26 Mar 2014

University of Iowa students to participate in "Research in the Capitol" event

By Lin Larson

IOWA CITY, IA (03/26/2014)(readMedia)-- The University of Iowa, along with other Iowa regents institutions, will showcase undergraduate student research projects, from archaeology to public health, at the annual Research in the Capitol event. There are 20 UI student research projects on display, with the students on hand to discuss them.

The following students from your area will be participating in the event:

Lauren Suhl of Bettendorf

Molly Hammer of Muscatine

Jeffrey Moore of Muscatine

26 Mar 2014

Round-the-Clock Volunteers Needed for National Junior High Finals Rodeo

By Dr. Jeffrey Bassman

DES MOINES, IA - The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and the National High School Rodeo Association are seeking 200 volunteers for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo Championships, June 22-28 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Volunteers are needed for 24-hour check-in for both contestants and livestock starting Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, June 22. Shifts are available in four-hour increments. A brief training will be provided for all volunteers.

"Families arrive at all hours to the grounds, and aren't permitted to set up camp or unload livestock until a thorough safety and health check has been performed," says James Higginbotham, Executive Director of the National High School Rodeo Association, the parent organization of the National Junior High Finals Rodeo. "Volunteer support is vital. Check-in sets the pace for a smooth-running event."

"We're proud to host this group in Des Moines for the first time," says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Our community's support is needed as volunteers to provide a welcoming first impression of our city to contestants and their families."

The Championships will include 1,100 Junior High contestants from 42 states, 5 Canadian provinces and Australia. More than 35,000 spectators are expected. The contestants, ages 15 and under, will compete across 11 different events?from barrel racing and bull riding to goat tying and chute dogging. 2014 is the first time the Championship's will be held outside of Gallup, New Mexico since the event's inception in 2005.

To sign up for a volunteer shift for the 2014 National Junior High Finals Rodeo Championships in Des Moines, visit catchdesmoines.com/rodeo.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.  
26 Mar 2014

Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourages Iowans to Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right During National Nutrition Month

By Jill Haverkamp

DES MOINES, Iowa (February 28, 2014) - This March for National Nutrition Month®, the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages Iowans to Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right. Registered dietitians and registered dietitian nutritionists, the food and nutrition experts, are providing tips for National Nutrition Month® to help Iowans learn how to combine taste and nutritionfor healthy, delicious meals.

Even though many individuals are becoming much more health conscious, the majority select food based solely on taste. Consumer research confirms that taste tops nutrition as the main reason why one food is purchased over another. While social, emotional and health factors also play a role, the foods people enjoy are likely the ones they eat most.

The Academy encourages Iowans to explore new foods and flavors, keeping taste and nutrition on your plate at every meal. There is a whole world of tasty and nutritious foods available that are just waiting to be discovered.

Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right Tips

- Explore New Foods and Flavors - Add more nutrition and eating pleasure by expanding your range of food choices. When shopping, make a point of selecting a fruit, vegetable or whole grain that's new to you or your family. Choose a restaurant that features ethnic foods or find new flavors at community food festivals. Try different versions of familiar foods like blue potatoes, red leaf lettuce or basmati rice.

- Get Cooking - Cooking at home can be healthy, rewarding and cost-effective. Resolve to learn some cooking and kitchen basics, like how to dice an onion or how to store herbs and spices. The collection of How do I... videos at http://www.eatright.org/howdoi will get you started.

- Banish Brown Bag Boredom - Whether it's a brown bag lunch for work or school, make it a healthy lunch packed with nutrition. Prevent brown bag boredom with these healthy lunch ideas. They're easy to fix the night before and ready to go in the morning. Try whole-wheat couscous with chick peas or black beans; whole-wheat tortilla filled with chicken, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes; baked potato topped with broccoli, low-fat cheddar cheese and salsa; or spinach salad with sliced pear, red onion and low-fat feta cheese.

- Myths vs. Truths - Don't believe all the myths out there. It's important to make informed food choices and develop sound eating habits. Learn more about common myths vs. truths at http://eatrightiowa.org to find accurate information to support your healthy lifestyle.

- Dine Out without Ditching Your Goals - You can dine at a restaurant and stick to your healthy eating plan! The key is to plan ahead, ask questions and choose foods carefully. Think about nutritious items you can add to your plate?fruits, veggies, lean meat, poultry or fish?and look for grilled, baked, broiled or steamed items. See "Healthy Eating on the Run" at http://www.eatright.org/nutritiontipsheets.

- Consult RDs and RDNs - Registered dietitians and registered dietitian nutritionists can help you by providing sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice and put you on the path to losing weight, eating well and reducing your risk of chronic disease. Find RDs and RDNs near you at http://www.eatright.org/programs/rdfinder.

The Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will also celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day on Wednesday, March 12 to increase awareness of registered dietitians and registered dietitian nutritionists as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services. Learn more about the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at http://eatrightiowa.org.

About the Iowa Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics

The Iowa Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (IAND) is the state's largest organization of food andnutrition professionals representing more than 800 licensed registered dietitians and registered dietitian nutritionists. The non-profit works to advance the profession of dietetics and is committed to improving the nutrition, health and well-being of all Iowans.

About Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

Registered dietitians and registered dietitian nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who are highly educated professionals with a minimum of a bachelor's degree. They translate the science ofnutrition into practical solutions to help individuals make unique, positive lifestyle changes. They work throughout the community in hospitals, schools, public health clinics, nursing homes, fitness centers, food management, food industry, universities, research and private practice.

http://eatrightiowa.org

https://www.facebook.com/IowaAcademyofNutritionandDietetics

https://twitter.com/eatrightiowa

# # #

26 Mar 2014

Quad Cities Author Kicks Off Launch of Third Novel With April 26 Local Event!

By Nicholas Depew
Local Quad Cities author Katie Ganshert's new novel, A Broken Kind of Beautiful (Waterbrook Press, April 15, 2014) follows the life of Ivy Clark, a ten year veteran model in the fashion industry.
When Clark's life starts to fall apart with her modeling career is at risk, she turns for help in unexpected places.
With broken relationships and the unresolved reality of her life being conceived through her father's affair, Ivy's life feels broken and shattered. Is it possible for her to find real beauty in her stained and shattered life?
Ganshert's local event takes place:
Saturday, April 26, 1-3 PM CT
Books-A-Million
4000 East 53rd St
Davenport, IA 52807
563-355-0705
To request a review copy or schedule an interview, please contact lkittle@randomhouse.com
26 Mar 2014

DAVENPORT "ALTAR CRAWL" RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND YEAR ON MAY 4TH

By Rick Martin

Three Congregations Celebrating 175th Year in the City

Eight churches, three celebrating 175 years of service to the community, will join together for the second annual Altar Crawl Sunday, May 4th, opening their doors to visitors for free tours and special events. Hours are 1-5PM. Participating churches include : Bethel A.M.E., First Baptist, First Christian, First Presbyterian, Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. John's United Methodist, St. Paul's Lutheran and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

May is designated as Preservation Month by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. All of these churches are home to some of Davenport's earliest communities of faith, tracing their roots to the city's beginnings. Six of the eight participating churches worship in structures individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, designed by master architects from Davenport, Chicago and New York. In 2014, First Baptist, First Christian, and First Presbyterian are celebrating the 175th anniversary of the founding of their congregations.

Not content to rest on their historic foundations, these congregations continue to give back by hosting many social programs. All are members of P.U.N.C.H. (People Uniting Neighbors and Churches) which, along with Hilltop Campus Village is sponsoring the event. "Our hilltop churches have worked hard to develop a unique partnership with each other through P.U.N.C.H. and with Hilltop Campus Village to benefit the people we serve," said Ralph Kelly, President of P.U.N.C.H. "The Altar Crawl is an example of that collaboration and a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beautiful legacy of those who came before us."

On May 4th, participating churches will provide a variety of activities, from behind-the-scenes tours to special concerts and pageants. Visitors may begin their tour at any participating church, A tour brochure with map and more information will be available at all locations or can be downloaded at the Hilltop Campus Village website beginning May 1st.

What: The Hilltop Campus Village Altar Crawl.
When: Sunday, May 4th, 2014, 1-5PM.
Where: Eight participating churches in and around the boundaries of Hilltop Campus Village, Davenport, Iowa.
Tickets: No tickets required, free to the public.
Parking: In church lots and surrounding streets.

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