Sherman colonel retiring after 32 years of service; Story by U.S. Army Capt. Randy Dill, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Col. Thomas J. Weiss, of Sherman, Ill., is moving to his next chapter of leadership after serving 32 years in the Illinois Army National Guard. Some people may think after more than three decades in the military Weiss would retire, but he is continuing his service in a different form.

"I am going back to teaching, maybe JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) and working my way up the ladder to be a principal," said Weiss.

Less than three weeks after leaving his full-time job with the Illinois National Guard, Weiss accepted a job teaching chemistry at Manual High School in Peoria, Ill. He is also working toward a degree in school administration from the University of Illinois.

Weiss' career in the Army is marked by multiple roles, goals and numerous achievements. Weiss enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1982 as a combat medic. He completed the Illinois Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School and commissioned as an infantry officer June 9, 1985. He also completed Army Ranger school in 1987 after being told it was impossible for a National Guard officer to complete one of the Army's toughest competitive training programs.

"[Weiss is] one of the hardest working staff officers in the Illinois Army National Guard," said Col. Michael Haerr of Eurkea, Ill., the director of logistics for the Illinois Army National Guard. "He was working to support junior leaders and Soldiers with the training opportunities they needed to be successful in support of our state and nation's defense. He never forgot who he worked for."

Weiss graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master's degree in business administration. In addition, he earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Weiss also gained his credentials as a certified high school teacher, a private pilot and a certified scuba diver.

"Colonel Weiss always wore many hats," said Brig. Gen. Johnny R. Miller of Tamms, Ill., Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Illinois National Guard. "He has been a go-to guy we can rely on to perform and deliver countless times in many different functions."

Prior to his military retirement, Weiss served concurrently as the commander of the 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Ill., and as the deputy chief of staff for operations for the Illinois Army National Guard.

Within three years of holding these two roles, the Illinois Officer Candidate School program became one of the largest in the nation, while the individual Soldier qualification rate for Illinois rose from the 50th percentile to the 98th in the nation.

Weiss said one of his proudest accomplishments outside the Army was working with Sherman-Williamsville schools to establish the first youth wrestling program in the district. By working with the school superintendent, principal and school board he developed a co-op with Riverton providing the opportunity for the high school to also have a wrestling program.

Weiss compared his passion for wrestling with that of being a Soldier. His wife, Christie Weiss, went a little further to describe his drive.

"Tom is one of the most driven people I know," said Christie. "If he is passionate about something he will make it a success. This drive is who he is. Anything he touches and puts his mind to becomes a success."

Weiss and his wife have six children, two daughters and four sons. Despite his active military life, he made time to coach each of his children, while also getting involved with his sons' Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs.

When asked what advice he gives to the Army's future leaders going through officer training, the message is simple: "Don't quit."

Weiss recalls telling officer candidates the Army is counting on them to make it through training and become a future leader in the Illinois Army National Guard. He told candidates to stick it out and the training would change them forever.

Weiss' children echo the same mantra when asked what advice their father gave them while growing up.

"Throughout my life, my dad has shared words of advice and encouragement to help me through tough times," said Sara VanDerWal of Springfield, Ill., Weiss' second daughter. "These include : 'Weiss' don't quit,' 'you can't live your life in fear,' 'sprint to the finish,' and many more."

Just as he offered words of support and encouragement to his own family, he is quick to attribute his career in the Army to the mentors he had along the way.

"I love being a Soldier. It is easy to work hard at something you love to do," said Weiss. "I was very fortunate to have several mentors who provided me guidance and direction throughout my career."

His mentors are equally quick to compliment Weiss and recognize his hard work.

"Colonel Weiss is a consummate professional," said Miller. "He has done everything the Army has asked of him and then some. [He is] one of the best operations officers I've ever seen."

His eldest son, Jacob, is a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point and adheres to a lesson his dad taught him at a young age.

"Groups are like strings. You can't get them to do anything by pushing from the back. They just get bunched up. You have to pull from the front and be a leader to get things to happen," Jacob said. "When something needs to get done, I revert back to this piece of knowledge."

Weiss' retirement ceremony is March 22. He said he hopes his 32 years of service will leave a lasting impression on the organization.

"You can learn something from every leader," Weiss said to his son. "They all have lessons to give, but you still have to execute and get the job done."

Please note that the Quad City Mallards' official website is now up and live at a new URL: myqcmallards.net.  Our apologies for any inconvenience that may have been caused while the site was temporarily down.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/11/2014)(readMedia)-- In today's competitive job market, college students recognize the value of high-impact learning experiences, like internships, study abroad and research.

From your area:

Sarah Althaus from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in political science, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Hiba Ansari from Clinton, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-international business, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Jaime Balderas from Rock Falls, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Michael Hoover from Bettendorf, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in Augie Ages undecided, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Jakob Leathers from Tampico, Ill., a senior majoring in classics, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at the Mississippi Valley Blood Center.

Amanda Smet from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in sociology-social welfare, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at World Relief.

Samantha Tonn from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in religion, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Anthony TouVelle from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in German, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Shelby Womack from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at UnityPoint Health - Trinity.

Ashley DeVolder from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Haley Fox from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-management, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Catherine Margenthaler from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Robert Holmquist from East Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in physics, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Japan.

Ingrid Schneider from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in music general, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Japan.

Steven Trent from Eldridge, Iowa, a senior majoring in geology, took advantage of an opportunity to conduct research in geology in Hawaii.

Jessica Bacon from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in elementary education, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Guatemala.

Breann Nelson from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Guatemala.

Amanda Wood from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at Hand and Hand.

Jaime Rehmert from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Dominican Republic.

Christine Wiersema from Morrison, Ill., a junior majoring in multimedia journalism and mass communication, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Dominican Republic.

"These experiences broaden the horizons of our students. As they prepare to graduate, opportunities like these make Augustana students even more attractive candidates for graduate school and career opportunities," explains W. Kent Barnds, executive vice president of Augustana College, in Rock Island, Ill.

Barnds notes that Augustana is helping more students take advantage of these "powerful, real-world learning experiences" thanks to Augie Choice.

Focused on advancing student learning in the liberal arts, Augie Choice provides students a one-time grant of $2,000 to offset the expenses of an internship, study abroad or research project.

Augie Choice was launched in 2009. To date, the program has helped 1,588 Augustana students through the distribution of $3,176,000. The program is a visible symbol of the college's commitment to preparing students to stand out.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 149 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

WHEATLAND - Senator Rita Hart has announced plans to seek re-election to the Iowa State Senate in District 49. District 49 includes all of Clinton County, as well as northern and eastern Scott County, including the towns of Le Claire, McCausland, Park View and Princeton.

"I'm running for re-election to follow through on commitments we made to Iowans during my first two years as a State Senator," said Hart. "We passed several good pieces of legislation that are now being implemented in our schools, on our Main Streets and throughout our communities. Now we must make sure these programs are having the results that we expected and hoped they would."

Hart said she believes Iowa has made a lot of progress in the past few years. She listed several accomplishments of her first term in the Iowa Legislature:

·       Legislation to raise academic standards at our public schools.

·       Investments of $34.3 million in worker training programs at our community colleges to address skills gaps and put Iowans back to work.

·       Freezing tuition at state universities to keep college affordable for Iowa students and their families.

·       Worked together to pass a bi-partisan property tax reform package which decreases property taxes for small businesses without shifting the burden onto homeowners or farmers.

·       Increased funding for REAP, Iowa's successful Resource Enhancement & Protection Program that promotes outdoor recreation, conservation, and preservation of our natural and cultural resources

Hart added: "Now we've got to monitor this new legislation to make sure it's working. I've done this by getting feedback from local teachers, business owners, workers and students at public forums and listening posts all over District 49. We reached out to eastern Iowans not only to gather input on how our programs are working, but also on how they can be improved. I believe this discussion between citizen and legislature is vital to the future success of our state. I will continue to listen to the needs of eastern Iowans if I'm fortunate enough to be sent back to the Iowa Senate for another term."

Rita Hart was a teacher for over twenty years before she ran for the Iowa Senate. In the Senate, Hart serves on the Education, Economic Growth, Agriculture, Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committees. Senator Hart is also the Vice Chair of the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.

Hart was first elected to the State Senate from District 49 in 2012. Normally, Iowa Senators are elected to four-year terms; however, Hart must stand for re-election in 2014 because District 49 is scheduled to be on the ballot in mid-term elections. It was on the ballot in 2012 due to re-districting, which caused District 49 to be an open seat without any incumbent Senator.

Rita Hart is 57. She and her husband Paul live and farm in rural Wheatland. They have five children and are active members of St. Ann's Catholic Church near Long Grove.

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EAST PEORIA, IL (03/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Shawn M Bainter, of East Moline, IL, graduated from Illinois Central College, East Peoria, with a/an Associate in Science Degree. More than 800 students met the graduation requirements for the Fall 2013 semester.

Started in 1967, ICC is a comprehensive public community college that provides transfer programs for students who intend to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university as well as career programs for students who plan to gain skills and knowledge to enter a career.

Moline High School students put their spin on the popular 1950's play that portrays an ambitious window washer seeking to climb the corporate ladder.  The show is being held Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm....and on Saturday at 2:00pm and 7:30 pm.

** The elaborate set is a story in itself**  Each musical Brad Chumbley, from Custom Builder, in Moline creates the set and volunteers countless hours.  This year he had help from students from area schools.  His daughter graduated from Moline years ago but he continues to volunteer.  This year part of the set spins around and what was a wall becomes a window to the outside of an office.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a musical by Frank Loesser and book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, based on Shepherd Mead's 1952 book of the same name.

WEST DES MOINES - Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Jacobs today filed his petitions at the Iowa Secretary of State's Office to appear on the ballot in the June 3 primary, after exceeding requirements.

"Since announcing my candidacy in November 2013, I have been humbled by the support that my family and I have received from Iowans across the state. Today marks another important step in my campaign. I look forward to speaking with and hearing from Iowans about solutions to the top issues facing our country, including what it will take to get the economy going in the right direction again and reining in our debt and deficits," said Mark Jacobs.

As of today, Mark easily exceeded the Iowa Secretary of State's ballot access requirements and collected signatures from all 99 counties, 4,715 signatures in total.

Jacobs is a proven business leader who will focus on creating jobs and opportunities for all Iowans. His five priorities for aiding job growth include : emphasizing community colleges and vocational schools to close the skills gap, expanding domestic energy production, tackling job killing regulations, implementing a competitive tax policy, and reforming healthcare.

IFBF Has Invested More than $80 million in Rural Iowa in a Decade

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - March 11, 2014 -- Iowa Farm Bureau's Renew Rural Iowa program, which has helped more than 2,500 Iowans successfully own and grow their business since the program launched in 2006, is bringing new offerings to Iowa entrepreneurs in 2014.  New seminar content, online curriculum, exclusive peer forums for those who qualify and financial advice are now available to Iowa entrepreneurs to help grow their existing business.

"We're excited about the new offerings to our program this year that will feature 'the best of the best' national business leaders, including Mike Kleis, president of Renaissance Executive Forums of Iowa, and Joel Bennett, lead consultant with Veel Hoeden Consulting, to help rural Iowa businesses flourish," said Sandy Ehrig, IFBF economic development administrator. "IFBF has always believed that strong, vibrant rural communities are the fabric of Iowa and we are committed to helping them thrive for the long-term; that's why we've invested more than $80 million in rural communities in the last decade."

The online curriculum, Renew Rural Iowa Pathways, is available at www.renewruraliowa.com and is designed to provide entrepreneurs with advice and critical business data needed to hire and retain the best employees and also help entrepreneurs put together a profitable business plan.  "Pathways offers guidance in areas of organization management, marketing and sales, product and service, financials and funding and even exit strategies," said Ehrig.  "Pathways curriculum can be customized, too, so you have a menu of options for training that suit your needs whether you're in manufacturing, retail or service industries.  A live concierge is also available for individual consultation."

"Select business owners who attend a Renew Rural Iowa seminar and wish to grow themselves and their business can apply to join exclusive peer forums after completing an interview and assessment.  These peer forums enable business leaders to learn from each other in a confidential environment and enhance their ability to lead their business.  Integrity, quality, profitability and people are the foundations for a successful future and that is the life goal of all who participate in our special peer forums," said Ehrig.

Organizers say those who work with Renew Rural Iowa in 2014 will learn how to identify the obstacles to their business growth and find new pathways to success.  Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative, launched in 2006, to support new and existing businesses through education, mentoring, and financial resources.  More than 35 seminars have been held around the state since then, connecting entrepreneurs, business leader mentors and finance opportunities.  For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com/.                               

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About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today praised the Department of Education's response to a call from a bipartisan group of senators to reach out to foster youth about available college aid and other resources that could help them succeed.

"Foster youth often don't know about the resources available to them," Grassley said.  "As a result, the kids don't take advantage of an educational program or other opportunity that might make a difference in their lives.  The Department of Education is taking steps to reach out to foster kids and inform them about existing resources that might help them get to college.  I'm glad to see this effort."

Last month, Grassley and his fellow senators wrote to the secretaries of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to seek a coordinated informative effort.  The senators noted that only three percent of foster youth graduate from college.  Nearly 400,000 children are in the foster system due to abuse or neglect; every year more than 23,000 of those children age out of the system with no place to call home.

Grassley is founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth and a senior member and former chairman and former ranking member of the Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over foster care programs.  He has a long record of improving policies to help foster youth and promote adoption, including authoring the 2008 Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act. Foster youth often face multiple school placements once in the child welfare system.   Research has demonstrated that instability and multiple placements have a negative effect on academic achievement and are associated with high rates of children and youth dropping out of school.  The 2008 law requires child welfare and educational agencies to work together to ensure educational stability for foster youth.

The senators' letter to the agencies is available here.  The Department of Education's response is available here.

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February 26, 2014

DENIED:

NUMBER

COUNTY

CASE NAME


11-1957

Scott

State v. Thompson

12-0082

Scott

State v. Pena

12-0857

Marion

State v. Cobbins

12-0927

Black Hawk

Johnson v. State

12-1552

Black Hawk

State v. Dukes

12-1666

Linn

Pundt v. The Gazette Co.

12-1716

Woodbury

Kurtz v. State

12-1722

Linn

Select Auto Group v. City of Cedar Rapids

12-1873

Black Hawk

State v. Dixon

12-2008

Pottawattamie

Searle Petroleum v. Mlady

12-2035

Black Hawk

State v. Bunch

12-2057

Plymouth

Flores v. State

12-2127

Polk

State v. Tigner

12-2248

Pottawattamie

Seimer v. State

12-2312

Black Hawk

State v. Holmes

13-0001

Hancock

Vidal v. Vidal

13-0009

Pottawattamie

Boschert v. State

13-0076

Polk

State v. Madison

13-0106

Franklin

State ex rel. DNR v. Passehl

13-0180

Polk

State v. Tidwell

13-0210

Polk

Snook v. State

13-0342

Delaware

State v. Blanchard

13-1693

Polk

In re D.H. and R.R.

13-1739

Polk

In re X.J.

13-1795

Fayette

In re J.S.-G.

13-1842

Clinton

In re D.E., K.E., P.E.


GRANTED:

NUMBER

COUNTY

CASE NAME


13-0356

Polk

In re Marriage of Gust

13-0496

Black Hawk

Alta Vista Properties v. Mauer Vision Center

13-1606

Woodbury

In re J.S. & N.S.

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