21 Mar 2014

SOUTHPARK MALL FORGES PARTNERSHIP WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - QUAD CITIES

By Rick Martin

-SouthPark Mall and Habitat for Humanity Builds Bond Ahead of Earth Day-

MOLINE, Illinois, Mar 17, 2014 - The future is even brighter for SouthPark Mall. Recently the property shared reinvestment plans that include the removal of the food court as well as the former Sears department store.

Construction is set to start in April with a formal grand opening set for November. Today, SouthPark Mall is building a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities.

Earth Day is set for April 22nd, but South Park Mall is celebrating early. As wood, bricks, and retail fixtures come down, new uses for those items are providing support for the work of Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities. Habitat will be rescuing furniture, wood tables, clothing fixtures, sinks, grid wall, metal shelving, lockers and more, prior to demolition. All these items will be donated by SouthPark to be resold by Habitat ReStore. Items from SouthPark will be available to the public at the Habitat ReStore Wed 10-7, Thurs and Fri 10-5 and Sat 10-3 beginning immediately. More information about the ReStore can be found at www.restoreqc.org.

Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities is a local bi-state affiliate of an international, ecumenical, Christian, non-profit organization that builds simple, decent, affordable houses for and in partnership with families in need who then purchase the homes from HFHQC on a no-interest mortgage. The Quad Cities affiliate was organized in 1993 by a group of Quad Citians who traveled to Homestead, Florida to assist with home building efforts after Hurricane Andrew. Since that time, HFHQC has built 73 homes.

"Proceeds from the sale of these items will help provide simple, decent, affordable housing to hard-working partner families," said Cindy Kuhn, Director, Habitat ReStore. "Our community benefits from reusing these items, rather than buying or producing new items. And these usable materials don't needlessly end up in our landfills."

Each home, generously subsidized by donated and/or discounted building supplies, materials and skilled labor and utilizing much volunteer labor currently costs about $90,000. These funds and volunteers come from churches, individuals, foundations, corporations, businesses and other community groups. HFHQC activities are governed by a local, elected volunteer Board of Directors which work through volunteer committees with coordination by the Executive Director.

"We are committed to building on our community relationships," said Aleshia Chiesa, Marketing Manager, SouthPark Mall. "Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities is a great cause and we are proud to offer our support."

For up to date information on the redevelopment of SouthPark Mall, visit www.shopsouthparkmall-il.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Macerich is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States. Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the Company's website at www.macerich.com.

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21 Mar 2014

2014 ANNUAL CHURCHES UNITED DELEGATE ASSEMBLY TO BE HELD MARCH 27

By Rhonda Johnson

All are welcome to join us for Churches United's 53rd Annual Delegate Assembly on March 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Bettendorf Presbyterian Church, 1200 Middle Rd.

Learn about Churches United's ministries and our accomplishments in the past year. Come and join us for an interesting, inspirational gathering!

Our featured speaker will be Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes:

*Senior Minister at the Riverside Church, New York.

*President of the Healing of the Nations Foundation

*Hailed by Newsweek magazine as one of the 12 "most effective preachers" in the English-speaking world

Churches United is trying to engage the faith community and the art community together. Through this new endeavor, there are some Christian artists of faith who will be sharing some of their artworks at the Delegate Assembly. They are:

Ted McElhiney, sculptor and painter, whose life-sized portrait of Bix Beiderbecke is one of his most recognized works.

William Karl Smith, conceptual sculptor, whose spiritual themes are prominent.

Kimberlyn Aust, Bettendorf photographer, whose Redemption and Grace series has been called "thought-provoking, meditative and moving."

Once the Delegate Assembly is over, the artists, along with other Christian artists, will move their works to the Bucktown Center for the Arts, for a showing called Expressions of Faith - 2D & 3D Art on March 28.

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21 Mar 2014

Living Lands & Waters seeks volunteers for the MillionTrees Project

By Natalie Linville-Mass

Rock Island, IL/March 2014--this March Living Lands & Waters is seeking volunteers to join their forces for  some fun during their annual spring tree wrapping event! The MillionTrees Project began in 2007, and since then has distributed over 600,000 trees to surrounding individuals, families, schools, park districts, businesses, and organizations. The goal of the MillionTrees Projects is to grow and plant 1 million trees. This year, LL&W will be giving out 125,000 trees.

Trees provide shelter and nut-bearing hardwoods are a viable food source for wildlife and migratory birds.  Slow-growing hardwoods, like oaks, have a harder time re-establishing themselves without help, and are often crowded out by faster growing species, like cottonwoods, willow and silver maples. Re-establishing hardwoods helps increase biodiversity, reduce erosion and run-off and improve water and air quality.

"Wrapping over 100,000 trees takes a lot of work" said Chad Pregracke, founder and President of Living Lands & Waters.  Pregracke adds, "It's a great avenue to help the community and educate people on why trees are important."

 

This is a great event for all ages, and families. Volunteers will be participating in a variety of activities including bundling trees in newspaper, dipping roots in water, and placing/tying trees in bags. Warm and comfortable clothing is encouraged! This can get messy.

Those interested should show up a the North Hall of the QCCA Expo Center at 2621 - 4th Avenue Rock Island, IL on Thursday, March 27 - Monday, March 31  9am-5pm

Registration is not required, but highly recommended for groups of 10 or more people. Volunteers are invited to work time slots of their choice, and come and go as they please. Please note that participating children must be properly supervised.

To learn more about Living Lands & Waters, visit our website at http://www.livinglandsandwaters.org.  Members of the press may schedule an appointment to interview a crew member by calling or emailing Natalie Linville-Mass at (309) 948-1436 or Natalie@livinglandsandwaters.org.

 

About Living Lands & Waters - Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats.  LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a- River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project.

For more information about the Million Trees Project - http://livinglandsandwaters.org/get-involved/million-trees/

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21 Mar 2014

QC Student Meets Gov. Branstad, Receives Art Honor

By Brittany Marrieta

It's not every day a Quad City 2nd grader gets to meet Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds!  Brandon Hu, 2nd grade student at Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf, had just this opportunity last Monday, March 10th when he was honored as a recipient of the Governor's Award as part of Youth Art Month.  Brandon, the son of Edward Hu and Marian Lee of Davenport, was honored with a tour of the Capital Building, as well.

As part of Youth Art Month, Brandon's work will be on display in the Governor's offices through the month of March.  Each year, art educators in the state of Iowa are given the opportunity to submit 10 pieces of student work from their district to be included in the Youth Art Month exhibit at the State Historical Building in Des Moines.  The exhibit features artwork from over 200 students from across Iowa.  6 Rivermont students, including Brandon, were selected to have their work exhibited.  Brandon received the additional honor of the Governor's Award - he is the only student in the Quad Cities to receive this additional honor as part of Youth Art Month.  Those selected for the Governor's Award have their work specially featured in the Governor's offices, as well as the opportunity to meet Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds and tour the Capital Building.

Other Rivermont students with work in the Youth Art Month exhibit include Keira Stone (1st grade), Melissa Tilden (1st grade), Ashlann Fee (2nd grade), Kadin Shaheen (5th grade), and Grace Sampson (6th grade).  We are extremely proud of our student artists and the strength of Rivermont's art program, led by Visual Arts faculty member Colleen Tomlinson.  Congrats to all!

For a complete list of student artists on exhibit, visit http://www.artedia.org/yam/youthartmonth.html#winners
21 Mar 2014

Scott County Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting - Wednesday, March 26th

By Brian McDonough
SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

MARCH 26, 2014

First Floor Board Room - 4:00 P.M.
Scott County Administrative Center
600 West Fourth Street
Davenport, IA 52801

AGENDA


1. Call to order

2. Approval of Minutes of the December 18, 2013 meeting

3. Public Hearing - Variance - Christopher Wolford (applicant): Request for a two (2) foot side yard variance in order to construct a new 22' x 20' attached garage, observing an eight (8) foot side yard setback from the west property line in lieu of the required ten (10) feet. The property is located in Section 31 of Blue Grass Township, 6162 145th Street.

4. Election of 2014 Officers

Public Hearing Procedure:

a. Chairman reads notice of public hearing.

b. Director reviews case.

c. Applicant/Representative speaks on behalf of request.

d. Public may ask questions or make comments.

e. Director makes staff recommendation.

f. Applicant may respond to comments and/or recommendation.

g. Board members may ask questions.

h. Chairman closes the public portion of the hearing. (No more comments from public or applicant.)

i. Discussion period to determine justification for decision.

j. Board members move to accept, reject, or modify request.

k. Final vote. Case closed. Three members of the Board constitute a quorum. The concurring vote of three members of the Board shall be necessary to reverse any decision or determination of the zoning administrator or to decide in favor of an application for a variance or conditions for a special use permit. The Board of Adjustment is "quasi-judicial" and not a recommending body. Therefore, any appeals to their decisions should be filed with District Court within 30 days of the meeting.

21 Mar 2014

Lt. Gov. Reynolds urges eligible Iowans to use state's Free File tax system

By Rick Martin

Free File program helps eligible Iowa residents file their federal and state taxes easily online at no cost

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, accompanied by Iowa Department of Revenue director Courtney Kay-Decker, urged eligible Iowa residents to use the Iowa Free File program to save money at tax time. This program allows taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less to use name-brand tax preparation software to prepare and file their federal and state returns online for free.

Iowa is one of 21 states, plus the District of Columbia, that sponsors a State Free File program, allowing eligible residents to easily and accurately complete both their federal and state taxes with trusted name-brand tax preparation software of their choice. Free File empowers taxpayers to claim every single deduction and credit they are entitled to, including the often missed Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

"The Iowa Free File program helps Iowans save money during tax season and assists in obtaining maximum tax deductions," said Reynolds. "It takes the stress out of tax season and puts hard-earned money back in taxpayers' pockets. The Free File program is an excellent example of how the government and private sector can work together to help our community."

"Free File not only helps save taxpayers' time and money, but also saves Iowa's government money by encouraging electronic filing and reducing errors," said Courtney Kay-Decker, director of the Iowa Department of Revenue. "E-filing is the fastest, safest and easiest way to file your taxes, and the Iowa Free File program makes it even easier."

By helping more people file electronically, Free File helps save the state money, reduces errors and speeds up the time it takes to issue a refund. According to the Iowa Department of Revenue:

  • The cost of processing a paper return is $1.76 while processing an electronic return is $.18 - a savings of $1.58 per return.
  • The error rate for paper returns is 33 percent while it is only 8 percent for electronic returns.
  • The Iowa Department of Revenue issues 96 percent of individual income tax refunds to those who filed electronically within 2 weeks of filing.

According to the IRS, 40 million taxpayers across the country have prepared their federal returns through Free File since the program began more than a decade ago.

For more information on the Iowa Free File program, visit the Iowa Department of Revenue website: www.iowa.gov/tax and click on the "e-file electronically" logo and see this informative chart.

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21 Mar 2014

New Mortgage Rules Protect Against Risky Loans

By Jason Alderman

Good news for people shopping for a mortgage - and for current homeowners facing foreclosure because they can no longer afford their home loan: New mortgage regulations drafted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently took effect and they provide a slew of new rights and protections for consumers.

One of the cornerstones of the new mortgage rules is that lenders now are required to evaluate whether borrowers can afford to repay a mortgage over the long term - that is, after the initial teaser rate has expired. Otherwise, the loan won't be considered what's now referred to as a "qualified mortgage."

Qualified mortgages are designed to help protect consumers from the kinds of risky loans that brought the housing market to its knees back in 2008. But obtaining that designation is also important to lenders because it will help protect them from lawsuits by borrowers who later prove unable to pay off their loans.

Under the new ability-to-pay rules, lenders now must assess - and document - multiple components of the borrower's financial state before offering a mortgage, including the borrower's income, savings and other assets, debt, employment status and credit history, as well as other anticipated mortgage-related costs.

Qualified mortgages must meet the following guidelines:

  • The term can't be longer than 30 years.
  • Interest-only, negative amortization and balloon-payment loans aren't allowed.
  • Loans over $100,000 can't have upfront points and fees that exceed 3 percent of the total loan amount.
  • If the loan has an adjustable interest rate, the lender must ensure that the borrower qualifies at the fully indexed rate (the highest rate to which it might climb), versus the initial teaser rate.
  • Generally, borrowers must have a total monthly debt-to-income ratio of 43 percent or less.
  • Loans that are eligible to be bought, guaranteed or insured by government agencies like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration are considered qualified mortgages until at least 2021, even if they don't meet all QM requirements.

Lenders may still issue mortgages that aren't qualified, provided they reasonably believe borrowers can repay - and have documentation to back up that assessment.

New, tougher regulations also apply to mortgage servicers - the companies responsible for collecting payments and managing customer service for the loan owners. For example, they now must:

  • Send borrowers clear monthly statements that show how payments are being credited, including a breakdown of payments by principal, interest, fees and escrow.
  • Fix mistakes and respond to borrower inquiries promptly.
  • Credit payments on the date received.
  • Provide early notice to borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages when their rate is about to change.
  • Contact most borrowers by the time they are 36 days late with their payment.
  • Inform borrowers who fall behind on mortgage payments of all available alternatives to foreclosure (e.g., payment deferment or loan modification).

With limited exceptions, mortgage servicers now cannot: initiate foreclosures until borrowers are more than 120 days delinquent (allowing time to apply for a loan modification or other alternative); start foreclosure proceedings while also working with a homeowner who has already submitted a complete application for help; or hold a foreclosure sale until all other alternatives have been considered.

For more details on the new mortgage rules, visit www.consumerfinance.gov/mortgage.

Bottom line: You should never enter into a mortgage (or other loan) you can't understand or afford. But it's nice to know that stronger regulations are now in place to help prevent another housing meltdown.

Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To participate in a free, online Financial Literacy and Education Summit on April 2, 2014, go to www.practicalmoneyskills.com/summit2014.

21 Mar 2014

Blues Society Presents Ryan McGarvey Tuesday March 25

By MVBS

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents guitar slinger Ryan McGarvey at the Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf IA) on Tuesday March 25.  The show begins at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is $10, $7 for Mississippi Valley Blues Society members.

Ryan McGarvey is an up-and-coming blues star.  Guitar Center named Ryan "Guitarmaggeddon:  Next King of the Blues" champion of New Mexico in 2006.  Then, Eric Clapton chose Ryan from over 4,000 international artists to perform at Clapton's 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago.  In 2011 Ryan and his band played the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival.  And just last year, Ryan was named Best New Talent in Guitar Player Magazine.

Ryan McGarvey has in a relatively short amount of time not only gained an international fan base, but admiration from his personal idols as well. In the past few years of Ryan's career he has  shared the bill with such top name acts as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, Gov't Mule, and many, many more. His debut CD release, Forward In Reverse, reached the top 20 (out of over 200,000 artists' CDs) on the best sellers list on CDBaby.com, the world's largest online independent distributor.

With rave reviews complimenting everything from his fiery guitar chops (which range from Delta blues slide to heavy rock chords) to his unique vocals or mature songwriting skills, Ryan McGarvey's live shows are legendary, leaving audiences breathless and wanting more.

20 Mar 2014

Narcisse For Governor Campaign 2014 Will Dispute Elections Director Petition Rejections

By Jonathan Narcisse
DES MOINES, IOWA | MARCH 15, 2014 -  At 12:31 p.m. today Sarah G. Reisetter, Director of Elections for the Iowa Secretary of State sent an email stating her office was rejecting enough submitted petitions to disqualify Jonathan Ray Narcisse's nomination for the June 3rd Democratic primary race for Iowa Governor.

On Friday Narcisse submitted more than 4,500 signatures from more than 50 counties. The submissions exceeded the minimum 4,113 aggregate signatures and at least 1% of the 2012 voting body in at least ten counties, required by state election code. Based on the signatures requirements Narcisse readily qualified for the ballot. 
However, based on a purported technicality, Reisetter tossed out entire counties. For example students on the Ames campus secured Narcisse 386 Story County signatures on Story County nomination petition sheets. Reisetter only counted 79 of those signatures disenfranchising the 307 Story County residents who did sign the petitions.
"Over the years I have gotten used to political tactics to undermine our civic activisim. In 2005 when I made it clear I was going to run for school board polling sites were reduced from 107 precincts to 23 pods. In 2010 after securing signatures to get on the ballot the rules were changed and we had just days to start over and secure the signature required. But we did it," stated Narcisse.
Iowans from at least ten counties in sufficient numbers and well over the 4,113 Iowans required, want Narcisse on the ballot.  "Regardless of the motivation, this attempt to invoke a technicality to keep me off the ballot is a gross act of political disenfranchisement and we plan to fight it at every turn.  We will fight this on behalf of those Iowans who clearly expressed they want a choice for Democratic governor on the ballot June 3rd."
Contact Jonathan Narcisse at 515-770-1218 or info@narcisseforgovernor.com for more information.
20 Mar 2014

Governor Quinn Reappoints Doug Scott as Illinois Commerce Commission Chair

By Dave Blanchette

Scott has Helped Illinois Become First in Nation in Renewable Energy, Saved Consumers Hundreds of Millions

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that he has named Doug Scott to a second term as chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). First appointed in 2011, Scott has helped Illinois to become first in the nation in renewable energy and saved consumers hundreds of millions of dollars. Today's announcement is a part of Governor Quinn's commitment to protect consumers and ensure a clean and healthy environment for generations to come.

"Doug Scott has proven himself time and time again as a strong advocate for Illinois' working families," Governor Quinn said. "At the Illinois Commerce Commission, he will continue to fight for Illinois consumers by ensuring strong oversight of utility companies throughout our state."

Prior to being appointed to the ICC, Scott protected Illinois' consumers by working to significantly reduce emissions from the state's power plants as director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). He also worked to support low-emission coal technology, wind power, and other alternative energy and fuel sources. Prior to leading the IEPA, Scott served as mayor of Rockford, and from 1995 to 2001 he served as state representative from Illinois' 67th District.

Scott has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tulsa and a Juris Doctorate from Marquette University. As mayor of Rockford he held leadership positions in the Illinois Municipal League, United States Conference of Mayors and the national League of Cities. He also served as president of the Illinois Chapter of the National Brownfield Association.

Scott's leadership at both IEPA and ICC impacted policies and initiatives that encouraged and expanded use of renewable energy throughout the state. A report recently released by the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, LEAN Energy US, the Illinois Solar Energy Association and George Washington University Solar Institute found Illinois leads the nation in the number of communities using renewable electricity.

During Scott's tenure, the ICC has saved Illinois residents $680 million in proposed utility rate increases and in 2013 secured $109 million in consumer refunds from ComEd and Nicor Gas. In addition, it has assisted nearly 60,000 consumers save $4.6 million dollars that had been charged due to billing errors, late charges or deposit requirements. The ICC has also protected the environment by ensuring that the state's renewable portfolio standards are adhered to by its major electric utilities as well as all active Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers.

The ICC's mission is to pursue an appropriate balance between the interest of consumers and existing and emerging service providers to ensure the provision of adequate, efficient, reliable, safe and cost-effective public utility services.

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