DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2011)(readMedia)-- Norita Solt of Bettendorf won first place and a $50 cash award in the Dinner with Mrs. Clark's competition judged Saturday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Christine Montalvo of Windsor Heights took second place, and Scott Andreas of Ankeny earned third place.

Cooks were challenged to use at least ½ cup of Mrs. Clark's juice in a main dish.

Entries were judged on taste, creative use of juice and appearance.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that 93% of the children that participated in College Savings Iowa's annual State Fair survey see getting a college education as a necessary step to achieving their career aspirations. "Iowa children are already planning for their futures," stated Fitzgerald. "This survey demonstrates how important it is for families to start planning and saving early to help make college a reality for their children."

"Every year we ask children visiting the fair what they want to be when they grow up and if they will need to go to college to achieve their career goals. Needless to say, we are always amazed by the responses they offer," Fitzgerald stated. Fifteen percent are planning on becoming teachers, with another 13% hoping to become veterinarians. Health care-related fields came in third this year with 11% of the responses, and professional athlete ranked fourth with 9%. "One little girl plans to go to college to become a princess, but not before having a great time a time at the State Fair."

In addition to the questions about career and college goals, the survey also asks children to identify their favorite thing to see or do at the State Fair. "Rides were definitely the favorite with kids this year," Fitzgerald said. Fair food was second on the list, with the Butter Cow and farm animals tying for third place. "Kids are especially fond of the big slide."

"Families that save and invest for their child's college education will be better prepared to meet the challenge of paying for it when the time arrives, and College Savings Iowa is here to help," added Fitzgerald. Anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. This year Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,865 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income. * To learn more about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2011)(readMedia)-- Norita Solt of Bettendorf took home the blue ribbon in Bruce Piper's Apricot Pie contest judged Saturday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Shelby McCreedy of Atlantic placed second, and Cynthia Murphy of Des Moines took third. Joyce Larson of New Market earned an honorable mention.

For the contest, entrants baked a two crust apricot pie with no other fruit or nuts. The pies were judged on flavor, general appearance, consistency of filling, crust and creativity.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

AZUSA, CA (08/16/2011)(readMedia)-- Bettendorf, IA resident and Azusa Pacific University student Matthew Shawn Atha made the academic Deans' List at APU. Atha is honored for a spring 2011 academic standing of 3.5 or better grade-point average. Atha is A Political Science Major, who is joined by more than 1,575 students receiving the same honor.

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical, Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education. With 53 undergraduate majors, 37 master's degrees, 21 credentials, 7 doctoral programs, and 5 certificates, the university offers its more than 9,200 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Matthew-Atha-of-Bettendorf-Makes-the-Grade-at-Azusa-Pacific/2947108.

STORM LAKE, IA (08/15/2011)(readMedia)-- Buena Vista University junior, Austin Baker from Blue Grass, has been selected as a UPS Scholar and recipient of a scholarship through the Iowa College Foundation, an organization which raises funds for its 23 member independent colleges in Iowa.

The Iowa College Foundation, a Foundation of Independent Higher Education (FIHE) affiliated state association, distributed $62,100 in UPA Scholarship funds to its 23 member colleges in Iowa fro the 2011-2012 academic year.  FIHE awared more tne $1.5 million in scholarships from its UPS Educational Endowment Fund to private institutions of higher learning across the nation.  These scholarships are awarded annually to students selected as UPS Scholars.

The UPS Educational Foundation Endowment Fund, which is held and administered by FIHE, was initiated through endowment gifts from the UPS Foundation totaling $4 million and is now valued at $35 million.  Since its inception, this fund has awarded over $46 million in scholarship support to over 15,000 students nationwide.

In announcing this year's scholarships, Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation, said, "A college degree opens the doors to countless opportunities.  UPS takes great pride in our long-standing partnership with FIHE and in our support of thousands of students over the years who have been able to pursue an education from our nation's private colleges."

Baker is majoring in psychology and criminology and criminal justice at BVU.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/Buena-Vista-University-Student-Austin-Baker-Selected-as-UPS-Scholar/2945253

 

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2011)(readMedia)-- This evening at the Indiana State Fair there was a weather-related tragedy during the Sugarland concert. As a result, the Sugarland/Sara Bareilles show planned for Sunday, August 14 at the Iowa State Fair will not take place as scheduled. There has been no decision if the concert will be rescheduled so ticketholders should retain their tickets.

Most importantly, our hearts and prayers go out to all people involved in the Indiana State Fair concert tragedy.

The Iowa State Fair will continue to release updates about the status of rescheduling the Sugarland show. Please check the Fair's websitewww.iowastatefair.org for important information.

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DES MOINES, IA (08/12/2011)(readMedia)-- The giant pumpkin grown by Dan Carlson and Marc Peterson of Clinton tipped the scales at 1,295 pounds to claim the top spot and a $1,300 prize in the Big Pumpkin Contest judged Friday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Steve Krug of Amana took second place and $750 with a pumpkin weighing in at 1,163 pounds. While growing large pumpkins for over a decade, this was Krug's first State Fair competition.

Don Young of Des Moines captured third place and $550 with a pumpkin weighing 1,024 pounds.

Fourth place and $350 was won by 78-year-old first-time entrant Teresa Beck of Onawa for her 970 pound pumpkin.

Complete results below:

1) Dan Carlson and Marc Peterson, Clinton; 1,295 pounds

2) Steve Krug, Amana; 1,163 pounds

3) Don Young, Des Moines; 1,024 pounds

4) Teresa Beck, Onawa; 970 pounds

5) John Shepherd, Charlotte, 800 pounds

6) Michael Otto, Newtown, Mo., 727 pounds

7) Patrick Beck, Onawa, 716 pounds

8) Martin Schnicker, Mt. Pleasant, 510 pounds

9) Joe Cristoforo, Mt. Pleasant, 375 pounds

10) Doug Smith, Mt. Pleasant, 247 pounds

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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ST. LOUIS, MO (08/10/2011)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth Jane Gibson of Pleasant Valley, IA (52767), was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2011 semester at Washington University in St. Louis. Gibson is a graduate of Pleasant Valley Cmty High School in Pleasant Valley, IA, and is enrolled in the university's College of Arts & Sciences.

To qualify for the Dean's List in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Washington University is counted among the world's leaders in teaching and research, and it draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 110 nations. The total student body is nearly 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

The approximately 3,400 faculty teach in seven schools: Arts & Sciences, Brown School, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Law and School of Medicine. Twenty-three Nobel laureates have been associated with Washington University, with nine doing the major portion of their pioneering research there.

The university offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Elizabeth-Jane-Gibson-of-Pleasant-Valley-named-to-Dean-s-List-at-Washington-University-in-St-Louis/2933520.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/10/2011)(readMedia)-- Seven members of the Illinois Air National Guard's 183rd Fighter Wing, 217th Engineering Installation Squadron in Springfield were awarded Bronze Star Medals while serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from September 2010 through July 2011. Six of the Airmen received their medals during a ceremony at the 183rd Fighter Wing Aug. 6. The seventh Airmen will receive his medal at a later date. All seven members were key decision makers who had pivotal roles not only for themselves but for all 80 combined unit members who deployed.

"Receiving the Bronze Star is quite an honor," said Lt. Col. James Loux of Springfield, the 217th commander. "It represents the challenges our members faced from a long deployment and a deployment to a combat area."

Loux received a Bronze Star Medal for his service as the deployed commander of 80 Airmen during their first mobilization as Joint Expeditionary Tasked Airmen.

The Joint Expeditionary Tasking supporting the U.S. Army was comprised of Air Force members from three different Air National Guard units from around the United States. The team formed a cohesive group of engineers, cable and electronics teams and management teams based out of Bagram and Kandahar Airfields in Afghanistan. The primary mission while deployed was to install the centralized, strategic fiber optic network at 15 sites in support of the Technical Control Facility program. In addition, the team worked on various communication projects, including both engineering and installations, at more than 27 forward operating bases in Afghanistan.

Capt. Christopher Treff, of Mascoutah, received a Bronze Star Medal for his service as the lead engineer for all northern tier forward operating bases. He designed five technical control projects and more than 20 outside plant projects. He provided engineering expertise to the command staff for all projects within the combined joint operations area.

Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Keyfauver, of McHenry, received a Bronze Star Medal for his service in managing more than 90 communication projects from engineering to installation at more

than 20 separate sites in Afghanistan. The joint effort included teams of two to 10 Army technicians at various sites.

Senior Master Sgt. James Wynn, of Chicago, received a Bronze Star Medal for his service as the team chief for the first technical facility installation. He led a nine-man team who completed an $8 million project at Spin Buldak, a forward operating base in Afghanistan. In addition he installed 14,000 feet of copper and 46,000 feet of fiber, bringing 17 buildings online to the Afghan network.

Master Sgt. William Barnes, of Riverton, received a Bronze Star Medal for his service in deploying all 80 members in to and out of the theater of operations. He moved equipment, personnel and resources to 27 locations within Afghanistan. His efforts required constant communication with the host nation trucking, military and civilian airlift, and heavy equipment units and operators. He successfully shipped more than 2 million pounds of material, tools, equipment, vehicles and personnel within theater of operations.

Master Sgt. Scott Reynolds, of Chatham, received a Bronze Star Medal for his service as the supply material manager. He provided all logistical support for more than 50 members who deployed from Kandahar, Afghanistan. He ensured all members were fully outfitted, equipped and billeted.

Master Sgt. Michael Brennecke of Fenton, Mo., will receive a Bronze Star Medal for his service in support of the logistics management team. He was key in the engineering of 23 C4 infrastructure projects throughout the theater of operations. Brennecke will receive his medal at a later date since he was unable to attend the ceremony.

Under Loux's command, the unit completed more than 90 command and control communications projects at 27 locations throughout Afghanistan.

Individual photos of each Airman are available upon request. Please email ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil.

U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Shaun Kerr, 183rd Fighter Wing/(Left to right) Master Sgt. Scott Reynolds of Chatham, Master Sgt. William Barnes of Riverton, Senior Master Sgt. James Wynn of Chicago and Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Keyfauver of McHenry, stand beside the 183rd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Michael Meyer, just before receiving their Bronze Star Medals during a presentation, Aug. 6 at the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield.

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QUINCY, IL (08/10/2011)(readMedia)-- WHO:

• Illinois Army National Guardsman 1st Sgt. John DuPont of Quincy, with Company C, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Springfield.

WHAT:

• Visitation, funeral and gravesite services

WHEN/WHERE:

• Visitation services, Aug. 11, 4 to 7 p.m., Madison Park Christian Church, 4700 Broadway, Quincy.

• Funeral services, Aug. 12, 10 a.m., Madison Park Christian Church, 4700 Broadway, Quincy.

• Gravesite services, Aug. 12, immediately following the funeral service, Illinois Veterans Home, 1707 N. 12th St., Quincy.

WHY:

• As an Illinois Army National Guard medic, DuPont deployed overseas twice and served on several shorter medical missions.

• DuPont deployed to Iraq with Company C, 205th Medical Battalion in North Riverside from 2005 to 2006 and to Kuwait with the 708th Medical Company in North Riverside from 2007 to 2008.

• He also served in Germany, Nicaragua, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Guyana for medical missions that were each approximately a month long.

 

For a high-resolution photo, please contact the Public Affairs Office via email at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mi

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