Gov. Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow to honor those who perished in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

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(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, Board of Regents President Craig Lang, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Administrator Mark Schouten, and University of Iowa President Sally Mason today released the following statements upon learning of the decision by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership to reaffirm the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) previous decisions to replace the University of Iowa's Hancher Voxman Clapp and Art Building East facilities.

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds issued the following joint statement: "We are pleased that this long-standing Federal policy dispute has been settled, as resolution was long-overdue. DHS leaders have reaffirmed FEMA's previous commitments to the State and the University of Iowa.  Thankfully, common sense has prevailed. We appreciate the Iowa congressional delegation's active involvement in this issue and FEMA leadership's openness to discuss our concerns throughout their policy dispute with the DHS Office of Inspector General."

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds continued:  "We recently wrote Secretary Napolitano (See the letter) and encouraged other Federal officials via phone to make a final decision before the October meeting of the Board of Regents. It is unfortunate that this Federal bureaucratic squabble dragged-on for so long, but now the University of Iowa can finally move closer to a full recovery from the historic 2008 floods by expediting the replacement of these important facilities."

Board of Regents President Craig Lang stated the following: "We are pleased that the University of Iowa can now move ahead with certainty to replace these damaged buildings.  The support of Iowa's congressional delegation and Governor Branstad has been crucial and we are so thankful for their continued advocacy.  Finally, the leadership and persistence at the University of Iowa has enabled students within the arts to achieve their academic goals under adverse circumstances and within temporary facilities.  The opportunity to replace these facilities is long overdue."

University of Iowa President Sally Mason said: "The students, faculty and staff of the University of Iowa are grateful for the strong and continuous support of our congressional delegation, the Governor, State Legislature and the Board of Regents.  This final action on our replacement buildings clears the way for construction - and we are ready.  Our students and campus can now move forward with certainty that they will have the facilities they need."

 

Mark Schouten, Administrator of the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, stated the following: "I am thankful that FEMA's previous guidance to replace these facilities has been upheld. Replacing these facilities outside of the flood plain is in the best interest of tax payers.  This decision also avoids potentially serious and expensive complications that would have flowed from repairing buildings that have sat vacant for over four years, including mold removal and foundation stabilization measures."

 

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(Sept. 17, 2012; Des Moines, IA) - The Governor's STEM Advisory Council Executive Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Agenda items include updates on the STEM Scale-Up Applications, review and discussion of the top six pressing STEM recommendations from the Council and discussion of a draft budget for FY2012.

Originating from Des Moines, Iowa, the meeting is open to the public and media.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 

Meeting location: Grimes State Office Building

ICN Room, 2nd Floor

400 E. 14th Street

Des Moines, IA  50319

9:00 a.m.               Governor's STEM Advisory Council Executive Committee meeting begins

Agenda Items

11:00 a.m. Meeting Adjourns

 

For more information, please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.

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(DES MOINES) - On the 11-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds are reminding Iowans of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters.

 

"The anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is an opportunity to encourage Iowans to take steps now to prepare themselves, their families and their communities for any emergency," said Branstad.

 

Governor Branstad has proclaimed September as Family Preparedness Month in Iowa. Preparedness Month was created in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in an effort to educate the public on how to prepare for emergencies.

 

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD), Safeguard Iowa Partnership (SIP) and Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA) are partnering to encourage Iowans to take a Pledge to Prepare by taking just one simple step to be more prepared for emergencies. The pledge can be found at www.beready.iowa.gov, www.safeguardiowa.org or www.iowaema.com.

 

"We hope that taking the Pledge to Prepare will encourage Iowans to think about what they will need to do if they are in an emergency situation," said Reynolds.

 

In addition to the evident benefits of being better prepared, those who take the pledge may be eligible to win prizes by entering the Pledge to Prepare contest. Individuals, families and groups are invited to record and submit a video showing how they are taking the pledge. Videos must be submitted by Sept. 20. HSEMD, SIP and IEMA will choose the top five videos and ask the public to select their favorite in an online vote Sept. 24-28.

 

Iowans who don't submit a video may still enter their Pledge to Prepare in a random drawing. Pledges may be submitted online or via FAX through Sept. 30. Winners for the contest and drawing will be announced Oct. 1. Target has joined HSEMD, SIP and IEMA in this effort and will provide gift cards and a NOAA weather radio as prizes for the contest and drawing. SIP is also providing emergency preparedness kits to contest and drawing winners.

 

For more information on Family Preparedness Month and the Pledge to Prepare contest and drawing, visit www.beready.iowa.gov, www.safeguardiowa.org or www.iowaema.com.

 

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds released the following statements to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks:

"We must never forget the terrible atrocities of that fateful day, and we must continue to promote this great experiment that is America. Iowans answered the call of duty on 9/11, and have every day since. As our Iowa military service members so bravely responded with their determination, I hope all Iowans will take time today to remember the sacrifices of our service members and their families." - Gov. Terry E. Branstad

"Today we remember those who perished in the deliberate, violent attack on our nation. The terrorists hoped to tear a hole in the fabric of our ideals, but instead Americans responded with a strengthened resolve as a united country. I encourage all Iowans to take a moment, remember those we lost, and pledge their time and energy to make this country a better place for all who reside within its borders." - Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow to honor those who perished in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

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(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen today announced a series of community conversations featuring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and economic development that will take place across the state in September and October.

The community conversations are designed seek feedback from Iowans about what priorities the Governor's STEM Advisory Council should focus on as the STEM initiative continues to build across Iowa.

"We are determined to provide Iowa's young people with engaging STEM education opportunities, no matter where they live," said Reynolds, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "That will help assure more students are well equipped to be knowledgeable citizens and to someday begin college or career training prepared for success. It also will help assure a stronger STEM employee pipeline for Iowa's businesses and industries."

All parents, grandparents, educators, business and civic leaders, legislators and other Iowans are invited to attend the hour-long, town hall style meetings.

"We are in the process of rolling out STEM programs through our scale-up initiative and these community conversations are a way to foster STEM relationships between local businesses, the regional STEM networks and area schools," said Allen, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council.

The Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership whose overarching goal is creating greater student achievement in STEM subjects and a stronger STEM workforce.

"STEM jobs are projected to be among the fastest growing and best paying. Iowa's economy also will benefit if more young people are ready for STEM jobs. Employers routinely tell us they have difficulty filling STEM jobs that pay well because applicants lack the right skill set," said Branstad.

The following STEM Community Conversation events are open to the public:

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012

9:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Tama County STEM Community Conversation

Reinig Center

1007 Prospect Dr.

Toledo, IA

11:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Black Hawk County STEM Community Conversation

University of Northern Iowa - Center for Energy and Environmental Education - Main Lobby

1227 W 27th St.

Cedar Falls, IA

Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012

9 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Greene County STEM Community Conversation

Greene County Community Center

204 W Harrison St.

Jefferson, IA

10:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Boone County STEM Community Conversation

DMACC Boone Campus - Auditorium

1125 Hancock Dr.

Boone, IA

12:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Marshall County STEM Community Conversation

Emerson Innovation Center, Fisher Technology

301 S 1st Ave.

Marshalltown, IA

Monday, Sept. 17, 2012

10 a.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Polk County STEM Community Conversation

Drake Legal Clinic Courtroom

2400 University Ave.

Des Moines, IA

1:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Warren County STEM Community Conversation

Simpson College - McNeil Hall - Pioneer Conference Room

701 North C St.

Indianola, IA

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012

1:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Union County STEM Community Conversation

Southwestern Community College - Instructional Center Room 180

1501 W Townline St.

Creston, IA

4 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Taylor County STEM Community Conversation

Bedford High School - Auditorium

906 Penn St.

Bedford, IA

Friday, Oct. 5, 2012

9 a.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Emmet County STEM Community Conversation

Iowa Lakes Community College - Wind Energy Facility

2021 7th Ave. S

Estherville, IA

2 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Webster County STEM Community Conversation

Iowa Central Community College - Bioscience and Health Services Auditorium (BHS105)

330 Ave. M

Fort Dodge, IA

Monday, Oct. 8, 2012

12:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Muscatine County STEM Community Conversation

Muscatine Community Schools Administrative Center - Conference Room

2900 Mulberry Ave.

Muscatine, IA

3:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Des Moines County STEM Community Conversation

Greater Burlington Partnership - Winegard Board Room

610 N 4th St., Suite 200

Burlington, IA

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012

2 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Linn County STEM Community Conversation

The Hotel at Kirkwood Community College - Ballroom

7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW

Cedar Rapids, IA

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad on Friday appointed Joel Dalrymple as judge to the 2A Judicial District.  He also appointed Gregg Rosenbladt as judge to the 1B Judicial District.

Dalrymple, of Waterloo, received his law degree from Drake University and is currently serving as First Assistant Black Hawk County Attorney.  Dalrymple was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Thomas Bower to the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Rosenbladt, of Mason City, received his law degree from the University of Iowa and is currently serving as a District Associate Judge in 2A.  Rosenbladt was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stephen Carroll.

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(DES MOINES) -  The Office of Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced a meeting of the Iowa Public Information Board on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012 at 1 p.m.

Members of the media are encouraged to visit the Iowa Public Information Board webpage: https://governor.iowa.gov/news/iowa-public-information-board/ for future information, agendas, meeting notices, and minutes of the board.

The meeting is open to the public and media.

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012

 

1 p.m. Iowa Public Information Board Meeting

Governor's Office - Large Conference Room

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

 

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(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that they will hold 14 education town hall meetings. The governor and lt. governor are holding the upcoming town halls across the state, continuing the discussion and soliciting feedback from Iowans on education reform policies, as part of preparation for the 2013 legislative session.

The following events are open to the public:

 

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012

10:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Pocahontas County Education Reform Town Hall @ Pocahontas High School's Vocal Music Room, 205 Second Avenue NW, Pocahontas, IA

5:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Kossuth County Education Reform Town Hall @ Algona High School's Theatre, 600 S. Hale, Algona, IA

 

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012

8:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Hancock County Education Reform Town Hall @ Garner-Hayfield High School's Auditorium, 605 Lyon St., Garner, IA

10:15 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Wright County Education Reform Town Hall @ Belmond-Klemme Junior-Senior High School's Luick Auditorium, 411 10th Avenue NE, Belmond, IA

12:00 Noon Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Humboldt County Education Reform Town Hall @ Humboldt High School's Auditorium, 1500 Wildcat Road. Humboldt, IA

2:00 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Hamilton County Education Reform Town Hall @ City Hall, 400 Second St., Webster City, IA

 

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012

5:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Cedar County Education Reform Town Hall @ Tipton Middle School's Gymnasium, 725 West 7th St., Tipton, IA

 

Friday, Aug. 24, 2012

8 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Jones County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Lawrence Community Center, 600 E. Main St., Anamosa, IA

9:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Jackson County Education Reform Town Hall @ Maquoketa High School's Gymnasium, 600 Washington St., Maquoketa, IA

1:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Delaware County Education Reform Town Hall @ the West Delaware High School Auditorium, 605 New St., Manchester, IA

 

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012

10 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Wapello County Education Reform Town Hall @ Ottumwa High School's Auditorium, 501 E. 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA

1 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Muscatine County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Muscatine Community School Administration Center, 2900 Mulberry Ave., Muscatine, IA

5 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Polk County Education Reform Town Hall @ Stilwell Junior High'sAuditorium, 1601 Vine St., West Des Moines, IA

 

Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012

4 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Pottawattamie County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Abraham Lincoln High School Auditorium, 1205 Bonham Ave., Council Bluffs, IA

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