30 Sep 2015

Ribbon Cutting - Riverbend Retro - 10/1/15

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce
LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
October 1, 2015
9:30 a.m.
Riverbend Retro
106 S. Cody Road, LeClaire
Everyone Welcome!
29 Sep 2015

SBA Disaster Assistance -- More than Two Million Loans Approved

By Carol Chastang
WASHINGTON - In the aftermath of floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, power outages, oil spills, droughts and other calamities that have occurred since 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than two million disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters for a total of $53.8 billion.

"During the past 62 years the SBA has expanded, updated and improved its disaster assistance operation, making it easier for disaster survivors to rebuild their lives and communities," said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet.   "These two million loans demonstrate the tremendous impact SBA's disaster assistance program has made in terms of saving local jobs and supporting the long-term economic recovery."

SBA disaster loans are the only form of SBA assistance not limited to small businesses.  The two million loans approved represent the agency's recovery efforts in the aftermath of the costliest disasters in U.S. history.  Those events included:

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 (25,992 loans for $696 million)
The Northridge, California earthquake in 1994 (124,262 loans for $4 billion)
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005 (160,809 loans for $10.9 billion)
Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (36,913 loans for $2.5 billion).

The SBA makes low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses of all sizes.  Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate.  Individuals may borrow up to $40,000 to cover losses to personal property.

Non-farm businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged business assets and real estate.  Small businesses and non-profits that suffered economic losses as a result of the declared disaster may apply for a working capital loan of up to $2 million.

More information about SBA's disaster assistance program is available at www.sba.gov/disasterassistance.

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29 Sep 2015

Grassley Calls on Homeland Security to Adopt Zero Tolerance Policy amid Air Marshal Prostitution Investigation

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to adopt a zero tolerance policy for employees who fuel the demand for human trafficking through the solicitation of prostitution. Grassley's request follows recent news reports that at least two Federal Air Marshals were under investigation by the Transportation Security Administration for recording encounters with prostitutes on government-issued cell phones.

In 2012, Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department watchdogs found that U.S. Secret Service employees paid for sex while in Colombia, which led to new agency guidance regarding the off-duty conduct of employees.  However, that guidance failed to explicitly ban the procurement of commercial sex.  Both the U.S. Secret Service and the Transportation Security Administration operate within Department of Homeland Security.

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Grassley noted the State Department and Justice Department positions that the purchase of sex increases the demand for human trafficking and sex slavery.  Grassley called on Johnson to establish a zero tolerance policy for employees who purchase, procure or accept commercial sex.

Grassley sent similar letters to the State Department and Justice Department following allegations of misconduct by diplomats and federal law enforcement employees.

Text of Grassley's letter to the Department of Homeland Security
29 Sep 2015

Justice Department's January Commitment to Whistleblowers Already Falling Short

By Rick Martin
WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley today said that the Justice Department was already backtracking on an agreed upon recommendation presented by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) about how FBI whistleblower complaints are handled.

In a letter to Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates, Grassley reminded her that the Justice Department had agreed with the GAO recommendation that whistleblowers who had lodged retaliation complaints at the FBI should receive an estimated time frame for returning a decision on the case.

Grassley's letter outlines a case where the department has already reneged on that commitment.   He wrote that as recently as September 21, 2015, Yates' office stated in an email that "given . . . the demands on [Deputy Attorney General Yates'] time are vast and quite unpredictable, it is not practical to require her to provide the parties with an estimated timeframe...."  Grassley wrote in the letter that the Deputy Attorney General office's admitted inability to provide an estimated time frame to the whistleblower raises questions as to whether appeals of whistleblower retaliation cases should be handled by a different entity.

Grassley led a Judiciary Committee hearing on March 4, 2015, to explore whistleblower retaliation at the FBI.  The hearing scrutinized the legal protections for employees that are weaker than any other agency.  The FBI is not subject to the Whistleblower Protection Act and has its own rules governing whistleblower protections.  Employees have no ability to appeal for an independent judgment outside the Justice Department.

A copy of the signed letter can be found here.

29 Sep 2015

Shutdown News

By Rep. Dave Loebsack
As you may have heard, there is a lot of talk about a potential government shutdown because of gridlock in Washington. I want you to know that I am committed to restoring responsible governance to DC and making sure Members of Congress do the job we were sent here to do for you.

In the real world, if you fail to do your job, you do not get paid. I believe that Members of Congress should play by the same rules as their constituents, which is why I am a cosponsor of the Hold Congress Accountable Act.  This legislation would stop Members of Congress from getting paid for each day that the federal government is shutdown.

When the government shuts down, Iowa farmers face delays in payments owed to them, veterans encounter the possibility of delayed benefits, small businesses stop receiving loans, and hardworking Iowans face delayed paychecks and furloughs.  Members of Congress should not be paid when Americans stand to lose business or pay during a government shutdown.

I also called on House leadership to make sure that Congress stays in Washington until a deal is struck to fund the government. There are only a few legislative days remaining on the House calendar before the end of the month, and your representatives should not leave until the job is done.

Please be assured that as debate on the budget continues, I will keep your thoughts in mind and continue to push Congress to put partisan politics aside and pass a commonsense budget that gets Iowans back to work and sets our country on a fiscally responsible path.

Sincerely, 

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

29 Sep 2015

Loebsack Applauds Whittier Elementary School for Being Named a 2015 Blue Ribbon School

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded Whittier Elementary School in Clinton for being named a 2015 Blue Ribbon School. Whittier Elementary was selected based on student performance and progress. Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, made the announcement this morning and representatives from the school will be invited to attend a ceremony in Washington, D.C. honoring their achievement in November.

"There is nothing more important than providing a world class, 21st Century education to each and every child in Iowa," said Loebsack. "I would like to congratulate the students at Whittier Elementary School for their hard work, and the faculty, staff and parents for their commitment to ensuring these children receive the high-quality education necessary to compete in a global community."

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honored 335 public and private elementary, middle and high schools this year. The Program honors schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement, especially among disadvantaged and minority students.

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29 Sep 2015

HILLCREST EVENT CENTER RESURRECT LIFE-LIKE RENAISSANCE FAIR AFTER FIVE YEAR LONG ABSCENCE

By Dan Kost

September 29th, 2015, Orion, IL -. The Hillcrest Event Center is proud to announce this October 10th and 11th The Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire returns to the area. The last Renaissance Fair was back in 2010, over five years ago. After surveying and planning, the Hillcrest Event Center is bringing jousting, sword fighting, and other forms of renaissance entertainment.

ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP

Stulti Mori                      Royal Court                          John and Regina Gill

Mix one flirty queen, one loud mouthed King, and a crazy court for seasoning and Viola! Welcome to the wacky world of royalty run amok!

Debracey Productions                    Joust                          Bill Burch "Sir William"

Three Pints Gone                        Celtic Music                   Bill and Kathy Masino and Jesse Linder

A nationally recognized traditional Celtic folk song band.  Based in the Chicago area, they have traveled throughout the nation, performing at Renaissance faires and historical events. They have long been a fan favorite at many faires in the Midwest.

Rogo                                    Fire eating and juggling

Rogo is a band of fire performance artists. What's more exciting than doing crazy things with fire?

Lord Drake                      Magician                       Kevin Weekly/Weekly Productions

Danza Mystique                       Belly Dancing

Whether it is the swirl of a gypsy skirt, or the mesmerizing grace of a Middle Eastern belly dance, we share our love of the Dance with audiences throughout the land.

Clan McSwade                        Celtic Games Demonstration

Canton of Dark River   SCA

The Society of Creative Anachronism recreates the medieval and renaissance period with living history demonstrations throughout the day.

Orckes and Trolles       Muscians

Exciting trio of singers that has performed at renaissance fairs throughout the mid-West.

Pirates Inc.                      Musicians

A high energy musical group singing sea shanties, Celtic music and drinking songs!

Wandering through the lanes of Hillcrest:

Albrecht                       Wandering Minstrel

Vexing Vixens                Street entertainment

Singing, playing, dancing (if they drink enough), and making merry

TIMES & PRICING

The faire will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10-5pm, the entry fee is $10 per day, and a weekend pass is $15. Active Military & First Responders are FREE and their families are ½ price. Kids 5-12 are $8. The jousting will take place in the Amphitheater.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-quad-cities-renaissance-faire-tickets-15602189569

SPECIAL ATTRACTION

Saturday night from 7pm to Midnight a special Renaissance Haunted Woods will take place the cost is $10 with a donation of 3 can goods, kids coat or an un-wrapped toy. The donated items will benefit Riverbend food Bank, Coats for Kids and Toy Tots.

If anyone is interested in participating in the 2015 Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire, please call the event center at (309) 755-6550 or email info@hillcrestevents.com. https://www.facebook.com/Quad-Cities-Renaissance-Faire-1457015554597602/timeline/ Images available here.

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29 Sep 2015

USDA Helps Rural Businesses Create Jobs and Increase Economic Opportunities

By USDA Office of Communications

PINE RIDGE, S.D., Sept. 29, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today awarded nearly $20 million through 385 grants to help support the start-up or expansion of rural small businesses.

"These grants will strengthen the economic fabric of our rural small towns and communities by providing capital to small and emerging businesses," Vilsack said today during a visit to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

USDA is awarding the grants through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. Recipients may use the funds to provide technical assistance, training and job-creation activities.

The Value Added Agriculture Development Center, based in Pierre, S.D., is receiving a $49,500 grant to teach local businesses in Oglala Lakota County, which is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, how to commercially process and successfully market buffalo meat.

In April 2015, the Obama Administration designated the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation one of eight new Promise Zones. Promise Zones are high-poverty communities where the federal government partners with local leaders to increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, reduce violent crime, enhance public health and address other community-identified priorities.

While Secretary Vilsack was in South Dakota, he highlighted USDA's work to expand economic opportunities for Native Americans and rural residents throughout the state. For example, he announced that the Oglala Sioux Tribe is receiving a $1.85 million grant to construct a storage building and cell for a solid waste landfill.

Other RBDG recipients include Boyne City, Mich., which been selected to receive a $30,000 grant to provide equipment for an incubator kitchen for local foods. The Town of Princess Anne, Md., is receiving a $21,400 grant to buy furnishings and equipment for the historic Washington Hotel.

Funding of each award announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

USDA's Rural Business Development Grant Program is one of several that support rural economic development. Since the start of the Obama administration, USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service has helped 85,000 rural businesses.

The City of Luverne, Minn., population 4,800, is an example of a small town USDA has helped. Luverne used a $99,000 USDA grant in FY 2013 to establish a revolving loan fund to provide affordable financing for downtown businesses. City leaders wanted to help downtown merchants upgrade their shops and eateries so they could attract more visitors and economic activity. Like many cities across the country, Luverne had lost shoppers to the region's larger towns and big box stores. So far, 13 businesses have been helped as a result of USDA's grant.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

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29 Sep 2015

St. Paul Faith & Life Series speaker 2015: Leslie Hunter

By Ann McGlynn

Davenport, Iowa - Leslie Hunter, chaplain and religious studies instructor at Holy Family School in Chicago, is St. Paul Lutheran Church's 2015 Faith & Life Series speaker. Hunter will present twice on Sunday, October 11, at St. Paul, 2136 Brady St., Davenport. The event is free and open to the public. His book will be for sale in the Book Corner.

His presentations will be:

  • In the Grip of Grace: Sunday morning learning hour, 10:45 a.m.

  • ...By Our Love: Community-wide lecture, 7 p.m.

Each fall, the St. Paul congregation hosts the community-wide Faith & Life Series. The church brings persons of national stature to the Quad Cities - sparking new ideas about what it means to live faithfully. Previous presenters have included Greg Boyle, an urban priest and advocate for youth; Joan Chittister, a Catholic visionary and social advocate; and Bill McKibben, an environmentalist.

Leslie Hunter was born and raised in Chicago in an abusive household. The 17th time he moved was when he went to college. But no matter where he lived, he always knew how to find his way to Holy Family Church in the Cabrini-Green housing project area of Chicago.

At that church, Leslie preached his first sermon at the age of 15. "The whole congregation supported me, they applauded me. I was surrounded by people who said 'of course you're going to college. You can do this.'"

As a student at Concordia University Chicago, Leslie began his work at the church. He graduated with a degree in psychology, and served as parish minister and youth pastor at Holy Family. He led a program, Boys in the Hood, for boys and men age 7-young adult.

Leslie's tools of ministry are sermons, raps, short stories, and spoken word poetry. He now spends his days at Holy Family School, leading chapel and teaching kids about the Bible, Christianity, and other world religions. He travels around the country and speaks at various church, convention, and community functions.

He and his wife Elizabeth, who writes for The Lutheran magazine, have two young sons.
29 Sep 2015

Mikayla Fritz Achieves Next Level of Nursing Program

By Amy McFadden

DANVILLE , IL (09/28/2015)(readMedia)-- Lakeview College of Nursing recently held a ceremony in order to recognize students who have achieved a specific level within their bachelor's degree nursing program.

Mikayla Fritz of Moline, IL, received a White Coat and Level II Nursing Pin during the celebration. Fritz attends the College's Charleston Campus.

The White Coat/Level Pinning Ceremony demonstrates the student's commitment to compassionate and humanistic care and in some cases marks the beginning of clinical practice.

The event was made possible by a grant received through Gold-AACN White Coat Ceremony for Nursing. The White Coat Oath and Nightengale Nursing Pledge were recited and a symbolic flame was lit during the ceremony. Lakeview's faculty assisted with the donning of the white coats and pinning of each student.

Mary (Mimi) S. Skinner, MSN, RN-BC, CNOR Clinical Educator, was the guest speaker at the event. She addressed the students on their role in the nursing profession. Skinner currently works as a clinical educator and resuscitation education initiative (REdI) program director at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, IL.

Lakeview College of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree. It is a single-purpose, private institution that has specialized in nursing education in the Danville, IL area since 1894. Lakeview began offering a cooperative program with Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, in the fall of 2001.

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