04 Sep 2015

ASTROS ANNOUNCE MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST

By Astros Media Relations

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros Player Development Department has named August's Minor League Pitchers and Players of the Month at each of their minor league affiliates. These awards are chosen every month by the field staff of each team.

The Astros have the best combined overall minor league record among all MLB organizations at 481-390 (.552). Six of the Astros nine minor league clubs have qualified for the playoffs (Fresno, Corpus Christi, Lancaster, Quad Cities, Greeneville, DSL Astros Blue), while the Tri-City ValleyCats are in first place by 4.5 games with six games remaining.

At Triple A Fresno, IF Tyler White picked up his second consecutive Player of the Month award after hitting .375 (36x96) with seven doubles, one triple, four homers, 32 RBI and a 1.094 OPS (.500 OBP/.594 SLG) in 27 games in August. Among all Triple A players during the month, White ranked first in on-base percentage and third in OPS. RHP Jordan Jankowski was named Fresno's August Pitcher of the Month after tossing 12.0 scoreless innings in 10 August appearances. Jankowski, who has gone 8-3 with a 3.34 ERA (22ER/59.1IP) at Fresno this season, went 3-0 while recording 19 strikeouts, four walks and a .150 opponent batting average in August.

OF Jon Kemmer was named the Double A Corpus Christi Player of the Month, as he led all Texas League hitters in batting average (.376, 38x101) and OPS (1.145, .462 OBP/.683 SLG) in August while adding 13 doubles, three triples, four homers and 19 RBI. Kemmer, who was also named the Texas League August Player of the Month, currently leads the Texas League in batting average (.328) and OPS (.993), while ranking second in homers (18). For the second straight month, Corpus Christi Pitcher of the Month honors went to RHP Michael Feliz, who went 1-1 with a 0.87 ERA (3ER/31IP), nine walks, 33 strikeouts and a .176 opponent batting average in five starts in August. Since his first start with Corpus Christi on May 26 following a promotion from Class A Advanced Lancaster, Feliz has ranked among the top five Double A pitchers in ERA (5th, 2.17), opponent batting average (1st, .185) and WHIP (2nd, 0.92).

At Class A Advanced Lancaster, OF James Ramsay was named August Player of the Month and RHP Francis Martes was named August Pitcher of the month. A seventh round pick in the 2013 draft, Ramsay hit .373 (44x118) with 12 extra-base hits, 24 RBI and a .441 on-base percentage in 28 games in August. He currently ranks third in the California League in batting average (.322) and OBP (.385). In four August starts with Lancaster prior to a promotion to Double A, the 19-year-old Martes went 4-0 with a 0.68 ERA (2ER/26.1IP) and 25 strikeouts. Martes, who is currently the youngest pitcher in the Double A Texas League, has gone 7-3 with a 2.06 ERA (21ER/91.2IP) between Lancaster (6g), Corpus Christi (1g) and Class A Quad Cities (10g) in what has been his first full season with the Astros since getting acquired from Miami in the RHP Jarred Cosart trade in 2014.

OF Bobby Boyd was named the Quad Cities August Player of the Month after hitting .330 (32x97) with 10 stolen bases and a .405 on-base percentage in 24 games in August. Boyd, an eighth round pick in last year's draft, ranks tied for fourth in the Midwest League with 34 steals on the year. River Bandits Pitcher of the Month honors went to RHP Dean Deetz, as he posted the lowest ERA among all full-season minor league pitchers during the month of August. In 27.0 August innings, he allowed just one earned run for a 0.33 ERA, going 4-1 with 22 strikeouts and a .106 opponent batting average.

At Class A Short Season Tri-City, 2015 draftees OF Johnny Sewald (14th round) and RHP Kevin McCanna (13th round) were named August Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively. Sewald batted .340 (32x94) with 11 steals and a .451 on-base percentage in 27 August games. He currently leads the New York-Penn League in steals (29). McCanna went 3-0 with a 2.18 ERA (5ER/20.2IP), three walks and 19 strikeouts in six August games.

Appalachian League Postseason All-Star Connor Goedert was named Greeneville's August Player of the Month after going 27x111 (.243) with seven doubles, three homers and 15 RBI in 28 August games. RHP Samil De Los Santos earned the August Pitcher of the Month Award for Greeneville, as he posted a 1.80 ERA (2ER/10IP) with 13 strikeouts, no walks and just three hits allowed in seven August appearances.

For the GCL Astros, IF Marcos Almonte was named August Player of the Month, and RHP Hector Perez was named August Pitcher of the Month. Almonte hit .299 (23x77) in 19 August games, while Perez threw 12.2 scoreless innings in the GCL across five outings during the month.

For the DSL Astros Blue club, OF Andy Pineda was tabbed the August Player of the Month after hitting .273 (18x66) with four doubles, eight RBI and a .400 on-base percentage in 18 August games. RHP Cristian Javier went 1-0 while tossing 10.0 scoreless innings, striking out 12 en route to August Pitcher of the Month honors.

The DSL Astros Orange August awards went to IF Nicolas Miranda and RHP Juan Cuevas. Miranda posted a .403 (27x67) batting average with a .908 OPS in August, while Cuevas went 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA (4ER/17.1IP) in four August games.
04 Sep 2015

This First Week of National Preparedness Month, Make a Plan for Floods

By Amanda Bicknell

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - This is the first week of National Preparedness Month (NPM) and in the Midwest it's off to a roaring start with active outreach and conversations meant to inspire individuals and families to take action and prepare for flooding?the most common and costly disaster in the United States. Yes, it can happen where you live!

During this first week of NPM, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's 10 regional offices; county and local emergency managers; other federal agencies; businesses; voluntary and other organizations; as well as families and individuals will use news releases, social media, educational activities and events to promote the message that preparing for floods is important for protecting lives, livelihoods and properties.

"Flooding is fresh on the minds of many people in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. With so much flooding during the past few months, it's a good time to consider the true risk," said FEMA Region VII Regional Administrator Beth Freeman. "But it's not enough to simply realize flooding is a real threat for us all. This month, this week, today, we hope everyone will take action to develop and practice a family emergency communication plan for hazards like flooding. This year our theme is, 'Don't wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.'"

Fewer than half of Americans have taken the time to plan what they will do if there is an emergency. Sitting down and developing a communication plan with loved ones doesn't cost a thing, but can save a lot if a flood or another disaster impacts you and your family.

In addition to floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and earthquakes also occur frequently and devastate lives across the country every year. To encourage disaster planning for all hazards, FEMA and the Ad Council just launched a new series of public service announcements (PSAs) in English and Spanish, at www.ready.gov/september,  The PSAs direct audiences to www.ready.gov/communicate for tools and resources to help develop and practice a family emergency communication plan.

Managed and sponsored by the Ready campaign, National Preparedness Month is designed to raise awareness and encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses, and places of worship. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to share emergency preparedness information and host activities across the country to help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready.

National Preparedness Month Weekly Themes

  • Week 1 (September 1-5)  Flood
  • Week 2 (September 6-12)  Wildfire
  • Week 3 (September 13-19)  Hurricane
  • Week 4 (September 20-26)  Power Outage
  • Week 5 (September 27-30)  Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day, September 30

National Preparedness Month culminates with National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30 when cities and counties across the country are planning community-wide events bringing together schools, their business community, government, faith leaders, hospitals, individuals and families, and others to participate in preparedness drills and activities for hazards that are relevant to their area.

For more information visit Ready.gov/September or follow the campaign on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/readygov, on Twitter, at https://twitter.com/Readygov, or for FEMA Region VII, www.twitter.com/femaregion7. For more information about events for America's PrepareAthon throughout September, and for National PrepareAthon! Day information, visit www.ready.gov/prepare.

Quick facts to consider as you plan:

  • Text messages and social media can be better ways to communicate during an emergency when phone lines are tied up, or even not working.

  • Homeowners and renters insurance don't cover floods

  • Talking to children about emergencies and involving them in the planning process helps children feel they have some control over what could happen during an emergency. It can also make recovery much easier on everyone.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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04 Sep 2015

Genesis Health Insurance Navigator Program Receives Grants

By Craig Cooper

Genesis Receives Federal Enrollment Grants

DAVENPORT,  Iowa - September 2, 2015 - Genesis Health System was awarded two federal grants today to assist in enrolling Quad City area residents in insurance coverage for the 2015-2016 Affordable Care Act enrollment period.

"These grants will help us reinforce our commitment to the communities we serve in making sure they have access to health care coverage," said Michele Cullen, community health manager, Genesis Health System. "We are excited to get back out in the community for the coming enrollment period and help our neighbors access new coverage options."

This marks the third consecutive year that Genesis Health System has received federal funds to administrate its enrollment program. The grants help pay for the enrollment assisters, also known as "navigators," and their work in the community.

Genesis received $118,631 and $79,181 in Iowa and Illinois, respectively. Counties served will be Scott, Clinton, and Jackson in Iowa; and Rock Island and Mercer in Illinois.

Genesis Health System is one of only three organizations in the state of Iowa, one of only seven organizations in Illinois, and the only health care system serving the Quad City area, to receive federal grants to assist in enrollment.

Open enrollment, the period in which most people will qualify to shop for new health coverage plans on the state exchanges, will begin on November 15, 2015 and run until February 15, 2016. Some people who have had a life-changing event - job loss, death, birth in the family are examples -- or qualify for expanded Medicaid, may not have to wait for the open enrollment period.

To speak to a Genesis enrollment navigator about coverage options, call (563) 421-ENRL (3675) or send email to enrollment@genesishealth.com.

For more information, contact Austin Bird at (563) 421-9276 or birda@genesishealth.com.

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04 Sep 2015

Hug-A-Book Learning Program Presents Children's Musician Laura Doherty

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Nationally-touring children's recording artist Laura Doherty will perform a family concert for the Hug-A-Book early learning program on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Rock Island Library.

The free event for families and preschoolers takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Doherty, an award-winning musician from Chicago, will perform sweet, folk-inspired tunes for the whole family. Thanks to funding from the Merrill Harris Memorial, each child may pick out a new free picture book to take home.

Laura Doherty found her place in the acoustic-folk world early on, picking up the guitar at age 16. She came to Chicago after college to join the teaching staff at the Old Town School of Folk Music. She directed the Old Town School's early childhood Wiggleworms program for more than a decade before going full time with her music career in 2009. Doherty has produced two Parents' Choice award-winning albums, Kid in the City (2009) and Shining Like a Star (2011.) Her 2014 CD, In a Heartbeat, is a collection of heartfelt, upbeat children's songs that, true to Laura's folk-pop roots, are filled with acoustic instrumentals.

The event is free and open to the public. Funding is provided by the Merrill Harris memorial fund of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation.

For more information on library events for children and families, contact Rock Island Library at 309-732-READ (7323), visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, or follow the library's Facebook and Twitter sites.

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04 Sep 2015

Grassley Requests Update in Drawn-Out Investigation of Drowning Death

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is requesting an update on the ongoing investigation into the drowning death of a 20-year-old Iowan while in police custody more than a year ago.

Brandon Ellingson of Clive, Iowa, drowned on the Lake of the Ozarks while in the custody of the Missouri Highway Patrol on May 31, 2014.  To date, the criminal investigation into his death remains unresolved. While Grassley asked the U.S. Department of Justice to review the matter for violations of federal civil or criminal laws, few developments have emerged from the local investigation since a new special prosecutor was appointed in March.

"Whenever an individual's death is alleged to have been caused by law enforcement officers, the matter deserves a prompt, thorough, fair, and independent investigation," Grassley said in a letter today to Salem, Mo., City Attorney William Seay, the special prosecutor for the investigation.

In the letter, which was also sent to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Grassley is asking for the investigation's current status and expected timeline, as well as what efforts are being made to ensure transparency in the process.

Full text of Grassley's letter
04 Sep 2015

Statement by U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Paul Zukunft on Proposed Acceleration for Acquisition of U.S. Coast Guard Icebreakers

By Sarah M. janaro

"The President's announcement demonstrates that the United States is an Arctic nation and affirms the Coast Guard's role in providing assured access to the Polar Regions. We look forward to working with the Administration, Congress and the many other Arctic stakeholders to ensure these platforms meet our national security objectives well into the 21st century."

-End statement-

Background:

The Coast Guard has been the sole operator and custodian of the nation's polar icebreaking capability since 1965, providing assured access in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. National Arctic Region policy emphasizes the importance of the Arctic and the broad interests our nation has in the region and our icebreakers are a key component of our strategy there. The Coast Guard utilizes U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Healy and Polar Star to meet present day icebreaking needs in the Arctic and Antarctic.

The missions of U.S. polar icebreakers are to conduct and support scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctic; defend U.S. sovereignty in the Arctic by helping to maintain a U.S. presence in U.S. territorial waters in the region; defend other U.S. interests in polar regions, including economic interests in waters that are within the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) north of Alaska; monitor sea traffic in the Arctic, including ships bound for the United States; conduct other typical Coast Guard missions (such as search and rescue, law enforcement, and protection of marine resources) in Arctic waters, including U.S. territorial waters north of Alaska.

For the full White House Fact Sheet: President Obama Announces New Investments to Enhance Safety and Security in the Changing Arctic, go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/09/01/fact-sheet-president-obama-announces-new-investments-enhance-safety-and

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Date: Sep 2, 2015

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

Contact: Headquarters Public Affairs

04 Sep 2015

Grassley Named a Friend of Iowa Wind Energy

By Larry Flowers
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Sen. Chuck Grassley today was awarded the Dr. Harold D. Prior "Friend of Iowa Wind Energy" award by the Iowa Wind Energy Association in appreciation for his efforts in championing the wind industry.

"I'm honored to receive this award.  In Iowa, wind produces 28 percent of the state's electricity, ranking third in the United States.  The industry supports thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars in investment across Iowa and the nation.  It's a non-polluting, renewable resource.  Wind energy makes sense for America's future, and I'll continue to fight for it through my position in the U.S. Senate," Grassley said.

The Dr. Harold D. Prior "Friend of Iowa Wind Energy" award is an annual honor that recognizes outstanding leadership in moving the wind industry forward.

Grassley is the author of the wind energy tax credit enacted in 1992.  The incentive was designed to give wind energy the ability to compete against coal-fired and nuclear energy and helped to launch the wind energy industry.  In July, Grassley secured the inclusion of the wind energy tax credit in the tax extenders bill that passed through the Finance Committee.

The award was presented at the association's annual wind conference in Des Moines and accepted by Grassley's office on his behalf.

-30-

04 Sep 2015

Hillary Clinton at Annual Labor Day Picnic Des Moines Henry County Labor Council, AFL-CIO

By Lance Coles
Burlington, Iowa - The Des Moines Henry County Labor Council, AFLCIO, has received confirmation from the Clinton Campaign that Hillary Clinton will speak at their annual Labor Day Picnic on Monday, September 7th, 2015. The picnic begins at 4PM until 8PM. It is held at 40 & 8 Park.

The Des Moines / Henry County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will once again hold its annual Burlington Labor Day Picnic at the 40 & 8 Park (located directly behind the Bee's Stadium or Community Field), 27l2Mt. Pleasant St., Burlington, Ia. on September 7, 2015 (4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.).

This year we will again have a jump house and other family activities to try and make the picnic fun for everyone and all ages.  The picnic is one of the council's longest standing traditions. This year will be the second year where the local unions will compete to see who has the largest turnout of members at the event which entitles them to hold the Milt Branchini award for the year. This is a fun competition geared towards getting everyone involved.

Due to the large crowds expected for Hillary Clinton, the event itself will be FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

However, anyone wanting to stay for the food and activities can purchase tickets are priced at $5.00 for a single, $10.00 for family, and $100.00 for a block of 10 tickets. Many of our locals purchase the block of tickets and distribute them to their members so they may attend. Additional tickets may be purchased at the picnic as well.

Hillary Clinton has long been a champion for working families. However, her appearance at the picnic should not construe an endorsement from the labor council. The authority for making Presidential Endorsement remains with the National AFL-CIO and International Unions.

To learn more, please contact Ryan Drew, 319-759-3188 or email rdrew@local150.org or Jon Garst 319-759-3814 

 

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04 Sep 2015

ROCK ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO CHURCHES UNITED

By Rhonda Johnson

Churches United of the Quad City Area has received a $1,150.00 grant from the Rock Island Community Foundation, in support of Winnie's Place.

Winnie's Place is a shelter serving women (and their children) who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence.  Last year, Winnie's Place served a total of 102 women and 113 children residentially, provided 3263 lodgings, 8229 meals, and answered 887 crisis calls.

Churches United has a 53-year history of reaching out to our community.  Its 136 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area.  As well as Winnie's Place, Churches United operates 26 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites in the Quad City Area.  For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.

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04 Sep 2015

Jaycees of the Quad Cities Double the Punch for Pena's Boxing Club

By Rick Martin

(Quad Cities, IA) - When Al Pena announced that his beloved boxing club was being forced to move, it seemed like the Club was being dealt a knock-out punch.

For almost 50 years, the Davenport Boxing Club has been in the same downtown Davenport location. But in April this year the building where they rent space was sold leaving them looking for a new centrally located space for their youth boxing program.

While they have since found a home at the former Lincoln School in Davenport, their operating costs have skyrocketed. When the Jaycees of the Quad Cities heard about their predicament, they stepped in to support the Club with a $1,200 donation to help defray costs.

The Jaycees of the Quad Cities have an 80 year history of supporting youth in the Quad Cities - closely aligned with the Davenport Boxing Club's mission to build self-esteem and confidence in today's youth, inspiring them to develop positive attributes of character as responsible young adults.

The Boxing Club has a long-standing relationship with youth in the community but also with the Jaycees of the Quad Cities (formerly known as Davenport Jaycees). In the 1980's the Jaycees hosted two National Silver Glove Level tournaments in 1983 and 1984 which served as the chapter's primary fundraising vehicle.

Because of this relationship, the Jaycees of the Quad Cities and the Jaycee Foundation teamed up to double the donation to assist Coach Pena and his team.

"This donation not only allows us to keep the gym open and running but also helps funds for trips and equipment. Traveling, the kids see new places and gain a better understanding of different levels of competition as well as different environment surroundings," said Coach Pat Pena.

Pena's Boxing Club was founded by Coach Pat Pena's father Alvino who was an active member of the Jaycees. He was awarded the Walter Busey Award for Community Service in the 1980s by the Davenport Junior Chamber for his work so the partnership today was an extension of previous relationships and members.

Community donations like this are made possible because of the year-round efforts of the Jaycees. Individuals and groups interested in volunteering with Jaycees of the Quad Cities should contact info@jayceesqc.org or call (563) 484-0041.

About Jaycees of the Quad Cities: Jaycees aim to build personal and professional relationships by working together on projects to strengthen and grow the Quad-Cities community. The Quad Cities chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the state of Iowa and has grown to include young professionals from both sides of the Mississippi River. They pride themselves on blending social opportunities with service - like planning the annual Bridal Expo and the Brew Ha Ha that raise funds for charitable initiatives.

About the Davenport Jaycees Foundation: The Davenport Jaycees Foundation is an affiliated group that consists of past Presidents and leaders who continue to have a vested interest in the success of our organization. This group mentors and endows our chapter. The Davenport Jaycees Foundation provides additional financial resources to large chapter projects, and is responsible for owning and maintaining the hall. The Davenport Jaycees Foundation meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month.

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