John Deere World Headquarters will play host to the 2015-2016 FTC Kick-Off on Saturday, September 12.  The event is put on by John Deere, QCESC (Quad Cities Engineer and Science Council), and the Quad Cities FTC Community. The Kick-Off will feature breakout sessions to learn more about different aspects of FTC from 8-11 AM and the highlight will be the game reveal at 11 AM.

FIRST®, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a global nonprofit organization with the mission to inspire the next generation of technology leaders. FIRST Tech Challenge, designed for students from 7th - 12th grades, kicks off its season with the annual game reveal each September.  This marks the start of a process of designing and building robots to compete in the game.

Of note this year is a new control system just introduced by FIRST. The new robot control system is Android based, with Android devices on both the robot itself, and in the hands of drivers. This represents the first large scale application of the Android operating system in student based robotics.

Now FIRST Tech Challenge teams can program robots while learning to design apps. Perhaps even more important, the native language of Android is Java, the same programming language high school students are learning and the basis for their AP programming coursework. Learning to code and develop apps, while creating a robot and competing against other teams, is a first for Android and an exciting way to engage the next generation of programmers, app developers, and engineers. In fact, mobile device designers are one of the hottest

FTC Iowa will compete in a League Format throughout November and December with the League Championship will take place at Davenport West High School on Saturday, February 6, 2016.  FTC Illinois will compete at various locations throughout the state including Peoria and Chicago.  Last year, the Combustible Lemons (Davenport West) and Deviation from the Norm (Pleasant Valley) had exceptional seasons, both making it to the North-Super Regional and the Combustible Lemons going to the World Championship. Students who participate in FIRST Tech Challenge are eligible for over $16 million in college scholarships provided by participating universities and sponsors. The public is invited to the kickoff to learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge, start a team, or volunteer.

For more information contact Greg Smith - smithgregoryryan@gmail.com

RIBBON CUTTING

September 17th - Decades - 3p.m. - 521 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, IA 52753. A shop full of nostalgia, a combination of antiques, painted and re-purposed furniture, wicker, smalls, etc. Everyone Welcome!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Kristine Rose - Avon - LeClaire, IA. Avon stands for beauty, innovation and optimism. Products include make-up, beauty regimes, fashion, jewelry, and fragrances for men and women, Skin So Soft and more. www.youravon.com/kristinerose - 920-246-0939

Bennion Essentials, LLC - 605 Statestone Circle, LeClaire, IA 52753. Health and wellness education, business training. www.Mydoterra.com/bennionessentials - 480-567-4356

Decades - 521 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, IA 52753. Will be a shop full of nostalgia! We will have a combination of antiques, painted and re-purposed furniture, wicker, smalls, etc., etc! 309-314-7702

LECLAIRE CHAMBER MEMBERS - QC TIMES 2015 READERS' CHOICE AWARD WINNERS!

LeClaire, Iowa - Best Place to Take an Out-of-Town Guest - 4th year in a row!

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Best Gift Shop and Best Resale Shop

El Rio Spa and Wellness - Best Spa

The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits - Best Fine Dining

Grace Marine - Best Boat Sales and Service

Finalists in various categories:

Ascentra Credit Union - Bank or Credit Union

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Customer Service and Take an Out-of-Town Guest

Bierstube - Locally Owned Restaurant, Outdoor Dining, Burger, Chicken Wings, and Bar Food

Big Dave & Holly's - Take Out and Tenderloin

Blue Iguana - Margarita

Dwellings - Home Furnishing Store

El Rio Spa and Wellness - Nail Salon

Happy Joe's - Buffet, Pizza, and Kid's Birthday Party

Isabel Bloom - Gift Shop

Jones St Java House - Coffee Shop

Mississippi River Distilling Co. - Brewery

Riverside Family Eye Care - Eye Care Provider

Tug Fest - Summer Festival

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

The September newsletter has been delivered to all homes and businesses in the 52753 zipcode area.  See it online at www.leclairechamber.com under Chamber News!

CALENDAR

September 11th - Wide River Winery Live Music - Whoozdads 5-8p.m.

September 12th - The LeClaire Civic Club will be holding a Rib Eye Steak Dinner 4-7PM, 127 S. Cody Road in downtown LeClaire.  Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door.  More information:  563-639-4621.   Supports community programs, and operation of the LeClaire Civic Center.

September 14th - Make a cute Halloween bench pillow at Expressions in Threads at Laura's September class. Give them a call or stop in to reserve your spot and get your supply list. They also have kits available. 563-289-1447.

September 18th - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Night for Nepal Gala to benefit victims of the recent earthquakes in Nepal.  The First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and the Quad City Nepalese Society (QCNS) are partnering, 4:30-8:30 pm. Nepalese native dance and music and American desserts. $10 per person; $5 for children, 8 years and under. Carnival games for the children (4:30-6:30 pm), live auction and silent auctions. There is desperate need in Nepal since the earthquakes and aftershocks in April and May, 2015. We are accepting donations for the auctions and financial contributions to our Nepalese relief fund. Come, bring your friends and enjoy a fun evening for a good cause.

September 18th - Wide River Winery Live Music Jordan Danielson 5-8p.m.

September 19th - Star Gifts for Kids Golf Outing is at Olathea Golf course. 4-person best ball, 18 holes with cart. Prizes on every hole. Shotgun start at 9am sharp. Food and prizes will be at the Riverview Roadhouse following the golf outing. This is a great cause that gives back to kids and senior citizens in the LeClaire and Princeton area. Cost is $65 per person. Contact Barry Long today at 563-949-6969 to reserve your foursome.

September 19th - Twilight Dinner Cruise sponsored by the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. Sold Out!

September 19th - Trivia Night in LeClaire, LeClaire Civic Center - Benefits the LeClaire Community Library.  Tables of 8; $10 per person.  Mulligans and refreshments available for purchase.  Participants may bring snacks, wine, beer and soft drinks.  Doors open at 6:30PM; game starts at 7PM.  Door prizes; 50-50 raffle.  Reservations:  563-639-4621 or 563-349-4403.

September 25th - Wide River Winery Live Music Pieces of Candy 5-8p.m.

September 25th - LeClaire Boy Scouts Venture Crew is serving a "grilled out" dinner at Snow Masonic Lodge #44 113 South Cody Road 6:30-7:30pm:. Price is $7 and includes dinner, dessert and a beverage. This is a fundraiser for the Venture Crew and benefits the Boy Scouts. Call Julie Crouse for more information, 563-940-8923.

September 26th - Cure it With Corn - Beating Leukemia Iowa Style on LeClaire Levee 11am-dusk. Fun event for a great cause! Live music by Just Chords, Rude Punch, and Battle Red, raffles, silent auction, Kids Zone, pulled pork sandwiches, sweet corn and fireworks at dusk. $10 at gate. All proceeds will go to helping find a cure for cancer at University of Iowa Hospitals and the American Cancer Society. T-shirts are available online for $15 plus $4 shipping at www.cureitwithcorn.com More information at https://www.facebook.com/cureitwithcorn

September 26th - Oktoberfest Celebration in Colona. 2-7pm. Enjoy Bierstube food and beer.

September 28th - Economic Development Meeting - Cancelled

SAVE THE DATE

October 2nd - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8p.m.

October 11th - Apple Fest on the River - 11a.m.-4p.m.

October 11th- Dogtoberfest at Bierstube, LeClaire 2-5:30pm

October 13th - Chamber Networking - Bierstube lunch, noon

October 19th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8a.m.

October 24th - Annual Witch's Walk Free Family Fun on the Levee! Registration for the Witches' Walk & Costume Parade begins at 11:30am. Parade starts at 1pm. Rain date October 31st. Businesses are invited to hand out candy, create photo opportunities for families (use #witcheswalk2015 and #yourbusiness), give financial support for prizes and activities. To donate candy, prizes or for activities, or to volunteer, contact April, 920-287-8851, or Jenna, 717-580-1101.

FYI

Looking for Strolling Santas and Other Characters for Christmas in LeClaire! Volunteers for Friday evening after 4 p.m. Sat. from 11 until 7pm and Sunday from 12 noon until 3pm. Great Costumes and goodies to pass out provided! Just bring your Holiday Spirit and Smile to show everyone our community's spirit and zest for fun!  Call Kim and leave message - 563-289-5699. 4 to 6 women and 8 to 12 men needed for short shifts and longer periods to stroll and be on the trolley!

Isabel Bloom - Don't miss out!  Save $6 when you purchase both our new "Boo" and "Jack-O-Lantern" for just $50! Offer valid September 8-30, 2015.  Not valid with any other offers, on previous purchases or web orders.

Steventon's has Prime Rib on the first Saturday of each month.

Bierstube of LeClaire would like to offer all LeClaire Business Employees 10% food items!  Voted #1 Rueben in the QC!  We make our own sausages! Check out our daily specials and lunch features! New late night menu, Fri-Sat, 9pm to midnight!

Reusable Usables - Every Sunday at 1:30 RU features "Re-purposed Sunday Art" with a new re-purposed project each week!

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

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. You will be contacted with confirmation of being included in the agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Milestones Area Agency, which serves meals to the elderly at the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and delivers meals to homebound seniors, is looking for someone to help deliver meals on Mondays, from 11 am to 12 noon. You would receive training in August and begin in September. This is a quick job that is deeply appreciated by those receiving the meals and their families. Could you help two or more Mondays a month? If so, call Heide at 563-289-3646.

Pick up the LeClaire information guide at the LeClaire Information Center. It has many photos and great information for everyone including residents, potential residents, visitors, realtors, relocation personnel, schools, and more! Summer hours have started: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 122 N. Cody Road. LIC Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

House for Rent 926 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Ia.  Available September 1st.  $1100/ month.  Charming farmhouse on acreage with beautiful river view.  2 bedroom possible 3rd.

Lawn mowing, and snow removal provided. Walking distance to Slagle's grocery store.  Contact Penny Molumby 563-210-5662.

The shop building with upstairs apt. at 123 S Cody is for sale. For information please call D.R. Peterson at 563-289-5958.

Commercial Property for Rent - 1405 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. 2,500 SF newly constructed office/retail space. Co-Tenant Snap Fitness. Owner will subdivide space. Private parking lot. ADA compliant. Contact: Meg Halligan, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, mhalligan@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000 Website Link: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7032508

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

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

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.

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

October 11th - LeClaire Apple Fest - 11am to 4pm on the LeClaire Levee.

October 24th - Witch's Walk (rain date October 31st)

November 28th - Small Business Saturday

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

October 13th - Bierstube - Lunch - noon

November 10th - Riverview Roadhouse - Lunch - noon

December 8th - Subway, LeClaire - Lunch - noon

Cedar Rapids scores twice in 11th inning to win 3-1, take series from Quad Cities in two games

DAVENPORT, Iowa (September 11, 2015) - Cedar Rapids right-hander Sam Gibbons held the Quad Cities River Bandits to one run in eight innings, and Kernels first baseman Chris Paul had three hits and all three RBIs - including a go-ahead, two-run single in the 11th inning - in a 3-1 win and two-game series sweep of the Midwest League Western Division Semifinal in front of 1,555 at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday night.

With the game tied at one since the fourth inning, the Kernels' 11th-inning rally began when right-hander Angel Heredia (0-1) walked third baseman T.J. White, and on center fielder LaMonte Wade's sacrifice bunt, catcher Garrett Stubbs skipped a throw to second base that went into center field, allowing White to reach third base. Shortstop Kristian Trompiz then overthrew third base, allowing Wade to reach second. Paul then rolled a grounder up the first-base line past first baseman Bryan Muñiz, scoring both White and Wade for a 3-1 Kernels lead.

Right-hander Nick Anderson saved a second straight Cedar Rapids victory with a 1-2-3 bottom of the 11th inning. That concluded a six-inning stretch in which Kernels pitchers faced the minimum number of Quad Cities batters. Right-hander Yorman Landa (1-0) earned the win with two shutout innings, only allowing a 10th-inning leadoff single to left fielder Drew Ferguson - the only Quad Cities baserunner in the last six innings - before catching a bunt popup by right fielder Ramon Laureano and doubling Ferguson off first base.

Gibbons began the game by retiring the first 10 River Bandits in order, and after allowing two hits in each of the fourth and fifth innings, retired the last nine consecutive men he faced, before turning the game over to the bullpen.

Cedar Rapids took the lead in the top of the fourth inning against River Bandits starter Brock Dykxhoorn, beginning with a fielding error on Muñiz that allowed right fielder Edgar Corcino to reach first base. White drew a walk, and Wade's sacrifice put both runners in scoring position with one out. Paul's groundout to Trompiz gave the Kernels a 1-0 lead.

Quad Cities got its run in the bottom half of the inning against Gibbons, beginning with a one-out triple to right-center field by designated hitter Jason Martin. Third baseman Nick Tanielu followed with a single through the left side of the infield to tie the game, 1-1.

The River Bandits kept the game even through the middle innings with Dykxhoorn's 6 2/3 innings, in which he allowed an unearned run on four hits and two walks with six strikeouts. Right-hander Eric Peterson replaced Dykxhoorn after a seventh-inning, two-out single by catcher Brian Navarreto and got left fielder Austin Diemer to pop out in foul territory to Stubbs to end the inning. Heredia began the ninth inning and worked around a two-out walk. In the 10th inning, Heredia allowed consecutive two-out singles to second baseman Rafael Valera and shortstop Nick Gordon, putting runners at first and third bases, before striking out Corcino to end the inning.

The Kernels advanced to face Peoria in the best-of-three Western Division Final. The River Bandits have been swept out of the first round by Cedar Rapids in each of their two best regular seasons in franchise history - a 91-46 finish in 1992 and their 88-50 finish this season.

In addition to the best regular season winning percentage (.638) in full-season Minor League Baseball for the first time in franchise history, the River Bandits posted a franchise-record 2.65 ERA. The records came while Quad Cities led the Houston Astros organization by using 61 players and 37 pitchers - both franchise records.

The River Bandits also set the franchise attendance record at 3,906 per game at Modern Woodmen Park and welcomed a total of 250,004 - the fourth-most since the franchise joined the Midwest League in 1960 and the highest since 1995.

UP NEXT: The Ferris wheel continues to offer rides at Modern Woodmen Park through the end of October (weather permitting). Every Saturday, the Ferris wheel is open for rides 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit riverbandits.com for the 2016 River Bandits schedule and information on news and events with the River Bandits and Modern Woodmen Park.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: With the installation of the Ferris Wheel, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931, and this year the club is matching that effort by opening three new areas. A two-tiered special group deck immediately behind and overlooking the corn field opened in June. A new 11,000-square-foot concourse expansion down the third-base line will open late August. Finally, the club has expanded the children's play area by an additional 5,500 square feet down the right-field line, with additional bounce houses and the newest ride - Spin Zone Bumper Cars - as the latest attraction.

*****

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 303

An Act Concerning Government

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2016

Bill No.: HB 4096

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

Bill No.: SB 33

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Vetoed

Note: Veto Message Below

Bill No.: SB 2040

An Act Concerning Appropriations

Action: Vetoed

Note: Veto Message Below

Veto Message for SB 33

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 33 from the 99th General Assembly, which would prematurely expand the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program by adding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the list of "debilitating medical conditions" for which a patient may be treated with medical cannabis.

The pilot program is moving forward, but remains in its early stage. Cultivation centers are just beginning to grow their crops, and the first dispensary was licensed at the end of August. No patients have yet been served, and, consequently, the State has not had the opportunity to evaluate the benefits and costs of the pilot program or determine areas for improvement or even whether to extend the program beyond its pilot period.

It is therefore premature to expand the pilot program - before any patient has been served and before we have had the chance to evaluate it.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 33, entitled "AN ACT concerning health", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

Veto Message for SB 2040

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 2040 from the 99th General Assembly.

Earlier this summer the General Assembly passed, and I vetoed, an unbalanced and unconstitutional budget, which would have spent nearly $4 billion more than expected revenues. For too long, the State of Illinois has made spending promises that exceed available revenues, relied on accounting gimmicks to make budgets appear balanced, used borrowing and cost deferral strategies to push costs into the future, and delayed payments to vendors. These practices have generated backlogs of unpaid bills, a crushing debt burden, and the worst credit rating of any state.

Senate Bill 2040 would have continued these bad practices for another month. Instead, we need a full year, balanced budget that makes only the promises we can afford to keep.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 2040, "AN ACT concerning appropriations", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR