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.

###
20 Mar 2014

COMMENTARY -- Salute Watchdogs During Sunshine Week

By Grassley Press

From the earliest days of the republic, America's Founders fought tooth and nail to strike the proper balance between an effective federal government, the sovereignty of the states and the natural rights of individuals.

The timeless principle of self-governance embodied by the Constitution preserves the blessings of liberty and prosperity in America more than two centuries later.  Thanks in large measure to the leadership of James Madison, widely acknowledged as the Father of the Constitution, Americans today live in a free society, protected by freedoms of religion, speech and the press and rights of assembly, privacy and property.

The influential Federalist essays, co-authored with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, served as a catalyst in the 18th century for ratification of the Constitution and flesh out the brilliance of our system of checks and balances today in the 21st century.  As a member of Congress, Madison also spearheaded adoption of the Bill of Rights.  His legacy for promoting and protecting the free flow of information and the public's right to know is observed as National Sunshine Week throughout the week of Madison's birthday, which was March 16, 1751.

Among my highest priorities in the U.S. Senate are holding the federal government accountable to the taxpaying public, making its policymaking transparent to the people and demanding scrupulous stewardship of public programs and resources.  The federal bureaucracy too often circles the wagons and erects a stone wall to bypass transparency and accountability.

Even the federal judiciary has resisted my bipartisan-led efforts to let in the sunshine.  I've championed legislation that would allow cameras into federal courtrooms and the Supreme Court.  An informed and engaged citizenry has a right to see and a duty to digest why the courts rule one way or another on issues that shape our society and impact how federal laws apply to daily life in America.

Justice Louis D. Brandeis wrote in 1913 that "sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants."  I couldn't agree more.  That's why I work to throw open the shutters of the federal bureaucracy.  My most recent oversight work has found ongoing fiscal mismanagement at the Pentagon; squandered tax dollars for federal housing assistance; mismanagement of foreign visa programs; and, negligent stewardship of Medicaid dollars financing substandard dental care for low-income children.

Fortunately, the good works of good government watchdogs breathe down the necks of wrongdoers and obfuscators to spread sunshine into the public's business.  America needs these truth seekers to infiltrate closed doors of corruption, negligence and injustice that infect the works of good government.  Mold and mildew won't disappear if left in the dark.  And once exposed, these areas require thorough scrubbing to remove the damage and constant vigilance to prevent reoccurrence.

From investigative reporting by the media, to internal Inspectors General who audit federal agencies and courageous whistleblowers who step forward to expose waste, fraud or abuse they witness on the job, we need all hands on deck inside and outside of government to hold the public's business to account.  Unfortunately, this administration has not helped to dispel cynicism and restore the public's trust despite pledges that this White House would practice "unprecedented" openness and transparency.

From the IRS to the FDA, FEC, NSA and the FCC, examples of stonewalling, secrecy and snooping underscore why it's so important for watchdogs and private citizens not to let down their guard.  I applaud the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld federal law extending whistleblower protection to contractors and subcontractors of publicly traded companies.  And the D.C. Court of Appeals also delivered good news leading up to National Sunshine Week.  It unanimously stood up for the Freedom of Information Act to protect the free flow of information and government transparency.

Using legislative and oversight tools bestowed by the Constitution, I will continue fighting tooth and nail in the United States Senate to protect the public's right to know and make government more accessible.  That includes strengthening federal whistleblower and freedom of information laws that protect the rights of private citizens and foster better stewardship of public services.

History shows that transparency and accountability bring stability to institutions of government.  Americans owe a debt of gratitude to those who carry on James Madison's legacy of a free society.  National Sunshine Week offers a good reminder to government watchdogs to keep a tight-fisted grip on freedom's torch that helps burnish America's commitment to openness and transparency for generations to come.

Friday, March 14, 2014
20 Mar 2014

Hilltop Events Not To Be Missed

By Scott Tunnicliff
- On Saturday, March 22, at 7 p.m., St. Ambrose University alumnus Peter Grady will perform a one-man show, "Unconditional Surrender: A Visit with Ulysses S. Grant," on the Galvin Fine Arts stage.
- St Paul's Lutheran Church offers and  Brass and Organ Concert at 4:30pm Sunday March 30
- United Neighbors is conducting a fund drive for their Youth program from March 13  to March 26
 
All these great things are happening now or nearly now in the Hilltop Campus Village ...........
Lots more to come soon. Stay tuned and have an extraordinary week!
20 Mar 2014

QCI Trivia Night Fundraiser is Friday, April 4th!!!

By Jared Johnson
A Trivia Night Fundraiser to Benefit QCI is

Friday, April 4th

All Saints Lutheran Church

5002 Jersey Ridge Road Davenport, Iowa  

$10.00 a person or $80.00 for a table of 8.  

Mulligans, Basket Raffles, 50/50 Raffle. Bring your own food and drinks (Please, no alcohol.)

To reserve your table, or for questions,  call 562.233.4910 .

Please spread the word and join us for a night of fun and fundraising!  Sign up soon as tables are going !
20 Mar 2014

Quinn, Durbin, Emanuel Announce More than $128 Million in HUD Disaster Recovery Funding For Chicago Area

By Katie Hickey

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD) has awarded a total of $128,300,000 in funding through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program to communities in the Chicago area for recovery efforts following severe storms and flooding that began on April 18, 2013. This funding was made available through the fiscal year 2013 Sandy Supplemental Appropriations Bill, passed by Congress last year.

"Families throughout Illinois who were inundated by last year's record floods are still rebuilding and recovering," said Quinn. "This critical funding will help hundreds of families throughout the Chicago area get back on their feet. I thank President Obama, Senator Durbin and all of the Illinois federal representatives who worked to line up this vital assistance to families who need it."

"Last April's severe storms caused some of the worst flooding that I have ever seen in the Chicago area and surrounding counties, and forced hundreds of families to leave their homes," said Durbin. "In the year since those storms hit, communities throughout the Chicago area have worked hard to recover. This funding will help in those efforts, and is especially critical for those families that lost their homes and are working hard to rebuild their lives."

"The significant flooding that hit our area last Spring caused extensive disruption and damage to homes and residential areas," said Emanuel. "This much needed funding will help Chicagoans repair what has been damaged so they can rebuild and move on with their lives."

Under this announcement, the following communities will receive funding:

·         Cook County, Illinois: $54.9 million dollars;

·         City of Chicago, Illinois: $47.7 million dollars;

·         DuPage County, Illinois: $18.9 million dollars; and

·         State of Illinois: $6.8 million dollars.

HUD's CDBG-Disaster Recovery grant program benefits communities that have experienced a natural disaster. The program is intended to address housing, business and infrastructure needs that have not been met by other forms of public and private assistance, including disaster recovery funding provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). For more information on the program, please visit: CDBG Disaster Recovery Assistance.

###
20 Mar 2014

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 3/14/2014

By LeClaire Chamber

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

 

Urban Classic Home - Becky Curtis, owner. Unique home décor, artwork, lamps, furniture and accessories. Interior design services. 124 N. Cody Rd., LeClaire. 563-289-1221.

 

Interiors by the Sewing Room - Window treatments, bedding, pillows for designers and residential clients in the QC for over 30 years. Residential interior design services. Style, quality and value. 818 15th Ave, Moline, IL. 309-755-0045

 

El Rio Wellness Retreat -Featuring yoga and pilates studio, spa café, spa treatment rooms, Riverflow exercise pool, meditation garden and retail yoga supplies.  www.elriowellnessretreat.com 1000 Stagecoach Rd., LeClaire. 563-289-1334.

 

CALENDAR

 

March 15th - Monthly Trivia Night in LeClaire at the Civic Center. Doors open 6:30pm, $10 per person. Corned Beef Dinner $8, including "to go". Benefits LeClaire Civic Club. Win a Civic Center rental, other prizes! Reservations: Vicky 563-639-4621, or email kettlepopper@gmail.com

 

March 19th - Faithful Pilot - Vino Vaso - $40.00 includes glass of wine, wine glass to paint, cheese & crackers, artsy fun!  Reservations made at Vino Vaso's Facebook page!

 

March 22nd - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Active Christians - Bingo Fun and fellowship for all ages. 6:30p.m. Welcome to bring wrapped $1-2 item or white elephant item for Bingo prizes. Bring friends and snack to share!

 

March 23rd - Faithful Pilot - Wine Tasting $15.00 for 15 wines and Chef small bites. Blind Tasting, so come test your wine palette!

 

March 24th - 29th - Bier Stube Week-long Anniversary Celebration! Daily food, drink specials, raffles! Friday March 28th - Old 57's band, 9pm-1am. Saturday March 29th- Karaoke, 9pm-1am. We want to thank Leclaire for 5 amazing years! Please join us for this celebration! We will continue to have karaoke every Friday 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Docks ready to go by mid-April!

 

March 26th - Faithful Pilot $5.00 Beer Tasting Kevin from Abu Nawas Beers will educate and teach about fun new craft beers for only $5.00!  Begins at 5:30. Stay for dinner after!

 

Mar 28th - Masonic Center LeClaire - Dinner 6:30 - 7p.m. Menu tbd

 

March 31st - Faithful Pilot - Beer Glass Vino Vaso! All things beer, beer steins, beer boots, beer glassware!  A different take on Vino Vaso! Make reservations Vino Vaso's Facebook Page

 

Save the Date

 

April 1st - 12th - Expressions In Threads Celebrates Expansion and 10th Anniversary Grand Reopening! Special Sales all days. Saturday April 5th - Janome Sewing Machine educator will demonstrate the Janome 15000 embroidery machine.

 

April 2nd - Celebration Belle Begins 2014 Cruising Season April 2nd - October 31st.  Make reservations online at www.celebrationbelle.com or call 1-800-297-0034

 

April 4th - Frist Friday 5-8p.m.

 

April 4th-5th - Girls Getaway Weekend 2014! Dinner and Fashion Show at Steventon's. The mid-west's funniest standup comic, Bobby Ray Bunch. Top Chef Winner, Robert Day cooking class. Carissa Evens hosts a Beauty Boot Camp by BC Mobile Spas. Prize Drawing every hour 11am to 4pm.  Wine tastings at the Wide River Winery and Grasshoppers. Free tour at the Mississippi Distilling Company. Wine & Murder Mystery Game. Goodie bag and more! $45 per person. Sign up: www.Leclairegirlsgetaway2014.com

 

April 20th - Easter Sunday - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire

Two worship times, 8 and 10a.m. Free Easter Breakfast at 9a.m.

 

April 20th - Faithful Pilot - Easter Brunch 2 seatings, 10:00 & 12:30 - 3 course brunch for $30.00.  No coupons, or gift certificates valid.

 

FYI

 

Dwellings Now open at New Location 414 N. Cody Rd.

August 10th - LeClaire Community Night, Modern Woodman Ball Park. Game time 5:00pm, River Bandits/Beloit Snappers. Mayor Bob Scannell will throw first pitch! A night to celebrate businesses and folks of Leclaire. Awards or special on-field recognition can be done followed by short video on mega-tron highlighting special places and faces in LeClaire filmed the week before. Businesses or groups interested in participating may contact Amanda Henzen, Account Executive and Director of Merchandise 563.333.2729 amandah@riverbandits.com

The next Riverbend Signworks "Updater" released next week focusing on utilizing fleetgraphics to expand your branding efforts. Sign up:  http://riverbendsignworks.com/contactus/ See brief:  http://riverbendsignworks.com/2014/03/04/custom-fleet-graphics-for-your-quad-cities-business/

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

 

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

 

PROPERTY LISTINGS

 

Commercial Space Available for Rent - 118 N. Cody Rd. Call 563-289-2525.

Commercial Property Available - 1295 and 1297 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Commercial Space for Rent - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only. Lease with option to purchase.

Home for Rent - Single family home on the River - two bed, two bath (could be three bed, two bath). Newly remodeled throughout, new appliances. 2 car attached garage. 1405 Canal Shore Dr. $1300 month - Dock access is negotiable. Call 563-529-1346.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

 

Beginning March 2014 - LeClaire Civic Club Morning Coffee Time 8-11am every Mon/Wed/Fri.  Coffee, donut, and chatter! Bring checker board, cribbage board, or a newspaper and meet old and new friends! (No Coffee Time 3/7 due to other function at Center)

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Sunday School each week for all ages at 9 am and worship at 10 am Join us every Wednesday from March 12- April 9 for a free soup supper at 6:15 pm and worship at 7 pm. Palm Sunday, April 13, 10 am worship. Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion on April 17, 7p.m. Tuesday, May 20 Women's Mini-retreat, 9:30 am to 12 noon, cost $6.Call Pastor Melody, 563-381-7777.

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

April 4-5 - Girls Getaway Weekend

April 25 - Masonic Center LeClaire-Taco Bar 6:30-7:30 proceeds to BSA Venture Crew 212

May 2-3 - French Market Days

May 3-4 - LeClaire Community Library Book Sale

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

June 6-7 - City Wide Garage Sales

August - Tug Fest
October 12 - Apple Fest

October - Witch's Walk

December - Christmas in LeClaire

19 Mar 2014

Gov. Branstad signs eleven bills into law

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa
into law

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad today signed the following bills into law:

House File 2067: an Act relating to the use of youth spring wild turkey hunting licenses, and including effective date provisions. 

House File 2297: an Act relating to the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers.

Senate File 2305: an Act relating to emergency management assistance in a disaster emergency concerning mutual aid arrangements and agreements.

Senate File 2230: an Act relating to education by providing technical corrections to revise references and to adjust language to reflect current state school finance practices, revising references to an accrediting agency, reestablishing a rulemaking provision relating to the beginning teacher mentoring and induction program, and providing for disposition and sale of certain school district property.

Senate File 2206: an Act concerning the Iowa Finance Authority in regard to the title guaranty program and private activity bonds.

Senate File 2205: an Act relating to matters under the purview of the credit union division of the Department of Commerce, and including effective date provisions.

Senate File 2197: an Act relating to certain conditional permits issued by the Department of Natural Resources relating to air and water quality.

Senate File 2193: an Act relating to the admission or retention of participants in an adult day services program.

Senate File 2133: an Act relating to federal home loan bank rights regarding collateral pledged by insurer-members.

Senate File 2105: an Act relating to various matters involving insurance and the insurance division of the Department of Commerce and including applicability provisions.

Senate File 2083: an Act concerning licensure requirements for dietetics as established or approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

###

19 Mar 2014

Niabi Zoo Announces Opening Day, New Hours

By Marc Heinzman
Coal Valley, IL - March 14, 2014 - Niabi Zoo has announced that it will open its gates for the 2014 season on Monday, April 7th.

The zoo, which has been closed for the winter since the end of October 2013, will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays. As a way to welcome the community back out to the zoo, admission will be free until April 18th

Niabi Zoo Director Marc Heinzman says zoo visitors have much to look forward to this year. "The great thing about visiting Niabi Zoo," said Heinzman, "is that it's always a new adventure for our guests. A male red wolf has come all the way from Fresno, California, to join our female, Ruby, in hopes that they will breed.

We have also brought in a new female snow leopard from Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition to all of that, we have a female baby Black and White Colobus monkey that was born here in December."

Niabi Zoo will also be featuring public feeding demonstrations in its Reptile House this year as an ongoing, and free, education program. "Seeing and learning how our snakes eat is one of the most fascinating things about reptiles, and I am excited that we will be able to include it as part of our guests' experience this year," said Heinzman. A schedule of the reptile feeding demonstrations will be announced as the Zoo's opening approaches.

Starting April 7th, Niabi Zoo will be open seven days a week.

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