25 Jan 2010

"Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" Weekend Is Another Success

By Rick Martin

Quad Cities - The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) announced today that the ninth annual "Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" weekend was a success for all involved.  The event was promoted through news stories along with television, radio and newspaper advertising.

Each year, the QCCVB holds its annual "Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" weekend to promote tourism to residents and visitors to the Quad Cities.  During this year's event, the QCCVB promoted discounted prices and activities for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend with a special coupon booklet.  Almost 20 local hotels/motels offered special rates and packages for the weekend.   Almost 30 area attractions, businesses, stores, spas, and restaurants offered discounts.

Due to this effort and the response by Quad Cities' area residents and visitors, over 300 hotel rooms were booked specifically for the promotion, topping 2008 reservation numbers.

Other businesses also reported an increase in business.  The Moline Public Library increased their attendance of their Winnie the Pooh program on Saturday by three times over last year.  The John Deere Pavilion reported almost 1,500 people on Saturday for their free Kid's Craft Day.  Exact numbers are still coming in from the Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre, but well over 1,000 people toured the exhibit halls this weekend.

"We are extremely pleased with this year's results for Be a Tourist Weekend, and we thank our community and visitors for supporting tourism in the Quad Cities," said Jessica Waytenick, QCCVB Public Relations & Marketing Manager.  "Be a Tourist Weekend has become an annual event that people really look forward to, and it also comes during a great weekend and during a time of year when tourism is traditionally down in our area.  It provides a nice local weekend getaway and highlights all the great things there are to see and do in our area."

According to Ms. Waytenick, again this year's the coupon booklets were a big hit, and the over 5,600 visitors to the Be a Tourist Weekend web page at www.visitquadcities.com downloaded 9,591 coupons from the site.

There are a lot of great attractions, events, and activities for residents to take advantage of right here in the Quad Cities.  Visit the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau's website at www.visitquadcities.com or stop by any of the Visitor Information Centers for a free 2010 Visitors Guide.  The Visitor Centers are located at:

·       Mississippi Valley Welcome Center, Exit 306, I-80 and U.S. 67, 900 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, IA.  Hours:  8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.

·       RiverStation, 1601 River Drive, Moline, IL. Hours:  8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm Saturday.

·       Union Station, 102 S. Harrison, Davenport, IA.  Hours:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

###

25 Jan 2010

Rock Island Police Chief Wright Agrees to Stay During Hiring Process

By Linda Rutten

January 20, 2010

City Manager, John Phillips announced today that he has asked Police Chief John Wright to continue serving as Police Chief for up to three additional months while the search for his replacement is underway. Phillips said, "Chief Wright has graciously agreed to extend the date of his retirement for up to three additional months".

Chief Wright announced his retirement late last year with an effective date of January 29th, 2010. He would now extend the date through April 30th, 2010 or earlier if his replacement can begin before that date.

Phillips said asking Chief Wright to continue to serve was his first preference, due to the number of projects and issues the City and the department currently face. These include the 2010- 2011 City budget, negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police and Command Officers, Safer Community Task Force and review and discussion of downtown security issues.

Chief Wright said, "I have had a wonderful career with the Rock Island Police Department and if I can help out by staying a little longer, I am glad to do it".

Phillips further announced an online survey on the City's website that seeks the views of citizens on the most important characteristics, skills and experience for the City's next Police Chief. The survey can be accessed on the City of Rock Island's website, www.rigov.org.

25 Jan 2010

Governor Quinn Sign Law to Create "Gateways to Opportunity" Program

By Rick Martin

Program Ensures Students Benefit from Highly Qualified Educators

CHICAGO - January 21, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that creates the "Gateways to Opportunity" program, which will award credentials to educators who go above and beyond in making sure they are able to provide the highest quality of education for Illinois' young minds.

"Today's students will be tomorrow's workforce, which is why it is critical that our children get top quality educations," said Governor Quinn. "By making sure our educators have learned the latest skills and techniques, we can accelerate children down the path of learning at an early age."

"Gateways to Opportunity" is a professional development system that aims to enhance children's learning by improving the quality of services they receive in learning environments, increasing positive outcomes, and expanding the availability of coursework and training available to educators.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) will administer the program and award "Gateways to Opportunity" credentials, as symbols of professional achievement, to educators who have completed approved college or university programs or who have compiled a portfolio that documents education and experience. "Gateways to Opportunity" also provides educators access to scholarships and wage supplements so that they can continue their own educations and professional development.

Also under the new law, children who attended a non-public preschool, a non-public kindergarten, were taught kindergarten by a certified teacher or will be 6-years-old on or before Dec. 31 of the upcoming school year may attend first grade once they have successfully passed evaluations to determine their readiness.

House Bill 806, sponsored by Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), goes into effect immediately.

###

25 Jan 2010

HARKIN: $4.8 MILLION IN EMERGENCY LIHEAP FUNDING COMING TO IOWA

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Funding will provide winter heating assistance to low income Iowans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Iowa has been awarded $4,847,522 through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The emergency contingency funding will help eligible low-income Iowans meet home energy costs, and is in addition to the $67.8 million Senator Harkin secured for the state in Fiscal Year 2010 from the LIHEAP block grant.

"Winter can be a desperate time for people in need, and this has been a particularly brutal winter in Iowa," Senator Harkin said. "This funding will help thousands of low income households, especially those with young children and elderly, make it through the season."

On January 7, 2010, Senator Harkin joined a bipartisan group of 48 senators in sending a letter to the President urging him to release the emergency LIHEAP funding.  The full text of the letter can be found here.

In 2008, 95,234 Iowan households received LIHEAP assistance - one of the highest numbers on record.  A nationwide survey of households receiving LIHEAP aid found that 42 percent of recipients went without medical or dental insurance and 32 percent went without food for at least one day.

25 Jan 2010

AARP Iowa Announces 2010 State Legislative Priorities

By Ann Black
DES MOINES, Jan. 20, 2010 - Advocating for more affordable, accessible and quality health and long-term care, and financial security for older Iowans are AARP's key areas of focus for Iowa's 83rd General Assembly, which convened Monday, Jan. 11. Specific legislation AARP state staff and volunteers will be focusing on includes:

*       Protecting critical Medicaid funding
*       Protecting funding for identified unmet home and community needs of older Iowans
*       Protecting the quality of long-term care in Iowa's nursing homes and other institutional settings
*       Working to implement cost-effective ways to improve Iowa's health care system, such as improving Iowa's chronic care delivery through steps like creating a statewide diabetic registry and regionalizing IowaCare - Iowa's system for providing care for low income and under-insured Iowans
*       Addressing Iowa's impending nurse shortage
*       Providing sensible consumer protections from extreme predatory lending practices

"In this tough economic climate, AARP will be working diligently to protect our most vulnerable citizens and ensure that Iowa's human needs are met at this critical time," said Bruce Koeppl, AARP Iowa State Director.  "With increasing demand on state Medicaid services due to the economic downturn, it is imperative leaders protect critical Medicaid funding," said Koeppl. 

For every dollar Iowa cuts in Medicaid, the state loses $1.68 in federal matching funds.  Medicaid not only provides a safety net to the increasing number of people suffering the hardships of job loss, disability and lack of access to insurance, it also provides essential economic benefits to local communities.  Medicaid cuts cause a ripple effect with lost jobs, and lost revenue to providers and other businesses, as well as tax revenue for state and local governments.

AARP sets its annual state legislative priorities consistent with national policies approved by the association's Board of Directors.  Priorities are based on the needs of Iowa residents as expressed in survey of members across the state, and information gathered at AARP-sponsored forums and events throughout the year. 

To get involved with AARP in contacting your legislators or learning more about AARP's efforts during the legislative session, call the AARP Iowa State Office toll-free at 1-866-554-5378 or visit www.aarp.org/ia.
# # #
21 Jan 2010

Corps Seeks Agricultural Lease Applications at Lake Red Rock, Red Rock Dam Project

By Rock Island Corps of Engineers

Rock Island, Illinois ? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking applications for seven leases for agricultural purposes, with a total of 458 acres. The leases are for a five-year term. Applications will be evaluated based upon the highest annual rental proposed.

 

Application packages and information can be obtained at the Lake Red Rock and Red Rock Dam Park Manager's Office, phone 641-828-7522, or by writing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Real Estate Division, P.O. Box 2004, Rock Island, Ill. 61204-2004, or by calling (309) 794-5955.


Applications will be opened at 2p.m. on March 1 at the Rock Island District Headquarters in the Clock Tower Building on Arsenal Island, Rock Island, Ill.

# # #

21 Jan 2010

Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest at Thunder Bay

By Rick Martin

A Benefit Supporting the American Red Cross on Tuesday, February 16th from 5-8pm

Mardi Gras Rajun Cajun Fest will be in full swing on Fat Tuesday, February 20th. This ticketed event raises much-needed funds for the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities.

Local chefs from Thunder Bay, The Machine Shed, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, Biaggi's, Black Watch Room, Blue Cat Bew Pub, Heritage Woods Senior Living Communities & Lighthouse, Mo' Betta BBQ, Park Vista Retirement Living, Riply Street Bar & Grille, The Button Factory, and Zbest Café, will be creating sample portions of Cajun style appetizers, entrée's and desserts. They will also be competing in a People's Choice Award, which will be voted on by those in attendance. All proceeds from this event go directly to the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities.

The event is open to the public and will be held Tuesday, February 16th from 5pm -8pm at Thunder Bay Grille, Davenport. Tickets are $20 or 2 for $35 in advance and are available for purchase at Thunder Bay Grille (located I-80 and Brady St, Davenport), or the American Red Cross prior to the event. Due to limited space, tickets are only available by advanced purchase. Don't miss out on your chance to taste some of the best Cajun creations around!

For more information contact Thunder Bay at 563-386-2722.

# # #

21 Jan 2010

HARKIN ANNOUNCES NEARLY $6 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT DOLLARS FOR IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

By Kate Cyru

Funding will Grow Iowa's 'Green' Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that $5,997,000 will be coming to Iowa Workforce Development to train people for jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.  This Department of Labor State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grant will help dislocated workers, unemployed individuals and incumbent workers learn the technical and occupational skills necessary to obtain industry recognized credentials.

"Iowa has one of the best workforces in the nation and it is important that we continue to do all we can to keep and improve our state's competitive advantages.  The green energy sector is creating good jobs in Iowa and today's funding will teach people the skills necessary to be a part of this growing industry," said Harkin.  "In addition to creating jobs, the renewable energy sector is bringing down energy costs, reducing our dangerous reliance on foreign fuels and helping prevent global climate change."

"The State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants will help workers gain access to good jobs, while supporting the sort of statewide energy efficiency strategies that play a crucial role in building the green economy of the 21st century," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

According to the Department of Labor, the Iowa Energy Sector Partnership will use this funding to implement a state? driven green workforce development plan with prioritized training needs, as identified by the State Green Jobs task force.  The project will develop a statewide sector plan for the emerging energy economy that will focus on sustainable jobs in the energy sector and train workers with portable skills.  Training will be provided for both new and incumbent workers.

Today's funding comes through the Department of Labor and was authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Nationwide, 34 similar grants were announced today, with Iowa receiving close to the maximum any state could receive under this award. Harkin secured these funds through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, which wrote the Recovery Act.

21 Jan 2010

HOUSE FILE 2030 HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR TRUE BUDGET REFORM TO PROTECT PROPERTY TAX PAYERS

By Zach Bader
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Jan. 20, 2010 - Lawmakers sent legislation to the Governor yesterday requiring school districts to use their cash reserves before levying to raise taxes on property owners. While House File 2030 may delay property tax increases in some districts, it will not address the shortfall in state aid caused by Iowa's across-the-board budget cuts, which will result in higher property taxes according to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).
"Until Iowa enacts real budget reform, our government will continue to balance the state budget on the backs of property tax payers," says Lang. "Reform is necessary for a long-term stable and predictable budget."
To improve the state's budgeting process, Farm Bureau members are asking decision makers to establish an affordable state budget that will: 1) fund Iowa priorities and lessen the potential shifts in property taxes; 2) ensure that the state's emergency funds are at a level sufficient to protect priorities when revenues are declining; 3) create fiscal responsibility by not using one-time resources to fund on-going expenditures; and 4) protect property tax payers when across-the-board cuts are enacted.
While all property owners will see increased taxes as a result of the state's across-the-board cuts, some will feel the pain immediately. Preliminary data from fiscal year 2009 shows that 133 school districts in the state will not be able to cover the void left by Iowa's 10 percent across-the-board budget cut late last year. Those 133 districts face $115 million in possible property tax increases, according to an analysis by the IFBF.
In a related move, the state legislature decided to postpone setting allowable growth for 2012 until next year. "The legislature's decision to wait until next year to set allowable growth for 2012 makes sense, given the uncertainty surrounding the budget process and today's economy," says Lang.
-30-
21 Jan 2010

New Process Simplifies State Financial Aid Process for Students

By Heather Doe
The Iowa College Student Aid Commission announced today the launch of the new online Iowa Financial Aid Application, making the Iowa-administered financial aid process easier for students.  The application, which can be accessed through the statewide community web portal, www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov, allows students to complete one application for multiple state-administered programs.

Now is the time for students planning to attend college in the fall to file for financial aid.  It is important that they know about the deadlines and new process for filing for state financial aid in order to ensure they receive the most funding possible.

The attached word document contains more information on the Iowa Financial Aid Application.

If you have any questions, please contact me by telephone at 515-725-3417 or by email at heather.doe@iowa.gov.

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar