07 Oct 2015

USDA Announces $3 Million in Funding for Critical Agriculture Production Research

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced nearly $3 million in grants to address critical issues affecting agriculturally-important plants and animals. The science developed from these grants will provide timely assistance and have an immediate impact for the agriculture community. The awards were made under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative's (AFRI) Critical Agricultural Research and Extension (CARE) program, and addresses priority areas of the 2014 Farm Bill.

"It is essential to promote partnerships between researchers, extension experts, and producers to ensure the success of American agriculture," said Sonny Ramaswamy, NIFA director. "The CARE program is centered on the swift identification of problems, creation of solutions, and prevention of interruptions or issues that impact farmers' ability to provide a safe and abundant food supply for our nation."

Fiscal year 2014 is the first year NIFA has made awards under the CARE program. Examples of what these grants will focus on include a project from the University of Georgia that is researching disease management practices for blueberries, particularly addressing the currently unknown life cycle time of the damaging Exobasidium leaf and fruit spot disease. An Extension project from Montana State University will be working directly with cattle producers to adopt sagebrush grazing techniques for their cattle that create a sustainable environment for the greater sage-grouse. Fiscal Year 2014 grants include :

  • University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $149,399
  • University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $149,580
  • University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $149,925
  • University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, $149,884
  • Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., $149,995
  • Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., $149.988
  • Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $149,655
  • Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $149,899
  • Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont., $149,924
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Neb., $148,203
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Neb., $148,209
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Neb., $150,000
  • Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $150,000
  • North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $149,800
  • Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa., $150,000
  • South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $149,999
  • University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, Tenn., $150,000
  • University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $141,807
  • Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $149,837
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisc., $149,992

AFRI is NIFA's flagship competitive grants program and was established under the 2008 Farm Bill. The AFRI Foundational Program addresses six priority areas to continue building a foundation of knowledge in fundamental and applied food and agricultural sciences critical for solving current and future societal challenges. The six priority areas include : plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition and health; renewable energy, natural resources and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities.

NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension and seeks to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. To learn more about NIFA's impact on agricultural science, visit nifa.usda.gov/impacts or follow us on Twitter: @usda_nifa #NIFAimpacts.

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07 Oct 2015

"Modern Art and Ancient Faith" conference

By Rev. Ken Golden
Sovereign Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Davenport, IA will be hosting a "Modern Art and Ancient Faith" conference at the Figge Art Museum, Davenport on 11/14/15 from 7-9 pm. The presentation will focus on appreciating and understanding modern art from a Christian perspective.  Rev. Ken Golden, organizing pastor of Sovereign Grace OPC, will be the speaker.  He holds a Masters in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY.
07 Oct 2015

Edward S. Curtis: One Hundred Masterworks

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (October 9, 2015) - Edward S. Curtis: One Hundred Masterworks will be on view at the Figge Art Museum beginning Saturday in the third floor gallery. The exhibition features a selection of 100 images of the Native American people of the United States taken by renowned photographer Edward S. Curtis.

 

In 1900, Edward Curtis (born in 1868) set out on a monumental quest to make an unprecedented, comprehensive record of the North American Indian. He traveled to Alaska, the Southwest and the Great Plains in search of his subjects. Over the next 30 years he produced more than 40,000 photographs of Native peoples. The culmination of his project resulted in a 20-volume, 20 portfolio set of handmade books entitled: The North American Indian?one of the most ambitious publishing projects in American history.

With an approximate cost of $35 million in today's dollars, Curtis' effort involved more than 100 assistants, artisans, salespeople and support staff, and required the collaboration of an estimated 10,000 Native Americans who posed or otherwise assisted the photographer. The project bankrupted him and ruined his health, and he died in obscurity in 1952, but today his work is considered a masterpiece of photography and a priceless record of Native American culture.

Visitors to the One Hundred Masterworks exhibition will have the opportunity to view well-known and rare images of Native Americans that range from portraits, including notables such as Red Cloud, to traditional scenes and ceremonies. Included are platinum prints, goldtones, cyanotypes and the more common photogravures, drawn from the largest existing collection of Curtis' work. The photographs are increasingly prized for their artistic value and present a historical record of enormous and irreplaceable importance.

One Hundred Masterworks will be on display October 10, 2015-January 17, 2016 and is sponsored by The Hunt and Diane Harris Family Foundation.

The Edward S. Curtis: One Hundred Masterworks book by collector, curator and Curtis authority Christopher Cardozo will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.

COMPANION EVENTS:
Opening Reception 

Friday, October 9

5:30 p.m. Members' Reception

7 p.m. Curator Talk

Members are invited to partake in light appetizers in the lobby to celebrate the opening of the exhibition. All are welcome at 7 p.m. to listen to collector, curator and Curtis authority Christopher Cardozo speak.

 

Documentary Film

7 p.m. Thursday, November 5

Language Healers tells the story of Native peoples striving to revitalize their languages and explores the importance of Native languages and cultures to Alaskans.

 

Talk

7 p.m. Thursday, November 19

Jane Simonsen, PhD, will present her research on Native American visual culture as it relates to the exhibition.

 

Family Day

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016

 

Docent-led Tours

1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17

1:30 p.m. Sunday, October 18

Free with museum admission

 

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members, and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
07 Oct 2015

Oktoberfest Dinner Dance

By Janet Brown-Lowe
Please help support the German organizations in our area:

 

The German American Family Club will present their Oktoberfest Dinner Dance this Saturday, October 10th at the Elk's Club ( 4400 W Central Park ) in Davenport. Dinner served from 5:00-7:00 and the dance begins at 7:00. For more information please call Joe at (309) 234-5340.
07 Oct 2015

Davenport Zither Ensemble to perform Free at the Homestead Church Museum

By Executive Director
This Sunday at the Homestead Church

The Amana Heritage Society will host a concert by The Davenport Zither Ensemble of the German American Heritage Center at the Homestead Church Museum, 4210 V Street,  on Sunday, October 11 at 2:00 PM.

The Davenport Zither Ensemble has been playing together for thirteen years.  Beginning with four zither players, under the able guidance and direction of Donald Ockelmann, the ensemble has had a simple mission statement: "To encourage and grow new zither players."  They have continued this mission with their zither-to-loan program and currently have ten zither players, making them the largest community zither group in the United States.

The ensemble practices every Saturday at the German American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa, where they also perform several concerts a year.  They enjoy coming to the Amana Colonies to share some German favorites as well as some American standards.

The concert is free and open to the public.  Free will donations will be accepted.  For further information contact the Amana Heritage Society at 319-622-3567or amanaheritage@southslope.net.

07 Oct 2015

Nova Singers Fall Concert

By Nova Singers
ENCORE! Audience Favorites

To open their 30th Anniversary Season, Nova Singers presents a program of audience favorites, featuring American folk songs and spirituals, English madrigals, Romantic gems and a sampling of world folk songs.  Come enjoy Duruflé's Ubi caritas, Brahms' Schaffe in mir Gott , O! Susanna, Amazing Grace, Shenandoah, Ain'a That Good News!, and the most dramatic and exciting of Moses Hogan's spirituals, Elijah Rock and Battle of Jericho.  Nova Singers will be joined by students from Northeast High School and North Scott High School as part of our educational outreach program, Project Sing!.  In addition, all former members of Nova Singers have been invited back to join the ensemble for the final three pieces of the program, creating a Nova Alumni Choir.  A special reception will follow the Galesburg concert.

Saturday, October 10

7:30 PM                            


Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, Galesburg

Sunday, October 11

4:00 PM

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 

Davenport

07 Oct 2015

Smiddy Urges Community Action During Bullying Prevention Month

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is urging residents, local leaders and area schools to work together to prevent bullying as part of National Bullying Prevention Month, recognized in October.
"Too often, students feel unsafe or intimidated at school, keeping them from important experiences that will help them live up to their full potential," Smiddy said. "As a father, it's important to me that our schools are a place where all children can feel safe to learn and grow."
National Bullying Prevention Month encourages community members to partner with parents, teachers and students to reduce bullying in our schools. Participants are urged to reach out to isolated students, stand up for those who are being picked on and create positive messages and anti-bullying videos.
Last year, Smiddy sponsored a new law requiring schools to implement a comprehensive policy to prevent bullying. As more and more incidents occur on social media, Smiddy also pushed to require schools to include protocols for dealing with cyber-bullying.
"New legislation can help bring the issue of bullying to statewide attention, but addressing this challenge will require legislators, educators, parents and community members to work together," Smiddy said. "Everyone in our communities is responsible for the safety of our children, so if you see something that you find concerning, speak up. Together we can reduce bullying."
Bullying can affect people in very serious ways. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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07 Oct 2015

New USDA Fact Sheets Illustrate State-by-State Benefits of Trans-Pacific Partnership

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a series of fact sheets illustrating how the newly reached Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement can boost the U.S. agriculture industry, supporting more American jobs and driving the nation's rural economy. Created by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the fact sheets graphically depict how each state and individual commodities stand to benefit from increased agricultural trade with the 11 other TPP countries.

Trade ministers from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam concluded TPP negotiations on Oct. 5 in Atlanta, Ga. Trade with these countries accounted for 42 percent of U.S. agricultural exports in 2014, contributing $63 billion to the U.S. economy.

"Increased demand for American agricultural products and expanded agricultural exports as a result of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will support stronger commodity prices and increase farm income. Increased exports will support more good paying export-related jobs, further strengthening the rural economy," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "All of this activity benefits rural communities and keeps American agriculture on the cutting edge of global commerce. The TPP agreement will contribute to the future strength of American agriculture and helps to ensure that the historic agricultural trade gains achieved under President Obama since 2009 will continue."

The United States runs an agricultural trade surplus which benefits farmers, ranchers, and all those who live, work and raise families in rural America. Agricultural trade supports more than one million American jobs. TPP will remove unfair trade barriers and help further the global expansion of American agricultural exports, particularly exports of meat, poultry, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds, cotton and processed products.

The information released today illustrates benefits for key commodities and all 50 states. Learn more about TPP and its benefits to the agricultural economy at http://www.fas.usda.gov/tpp. Here is just a snapshot of how the TPP would boost exports of some U.S. food and agricultural products:

Beef and Veal

Japan's beef tariff, currently as high as 50 percent, will be reduced to nine percent. Japan will eliminate duties on 75 percent of tariff lines, including processed beef products. Vietnam will eliminate tariffs and Malaysia will lock tariffs in at zero percent.

Pork

Japan will eliminate duties on nearly 80 percent of tariff lines, including processed pork. Remaining tariffs will be cut and the "Gate Price" system significantly altered. Nearly all Malaysian tariffs will be locked in at zero percent and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs.

Fruits

Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs on all fresh and processed fruits, including citrus.

Vegetables

Malaysia and Vietnam will immediately eliminate all tariffs, and Japan nearly all tariffs, on fresh and processed vegetables. All three countries will eliminate tariffs on potatoes and potato products.

Rice

Japan, which excluded rice from its prior trade agreements, will establish a new, duty-free quota for U.S. rice. Malaysia and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs.

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07 Oct 2015

Iowa Supreme Court Justices to Meet with Area Students

By Steve Davis

Des Moines, October 6, 2015– On Thursday, October 15, members of the Iowa Supreme Court will meet with students from six high schools and one college to discuss the Iowa judicial system and the role of the courts. The justices will visit high school students in Newton, Grinnell, Monroe, Bondurant, Saylor Township, and Williamsburg, and meet with college students on the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Newton Campus.

High school visit schedule for Thursday, October 15

8:30 a.m. Chief Justice Cady Grinnell High School

8:58 a.m. Justice Hecht PCM High School

9:05 a.m. Justice Appel Bondurant-Farrar High School

9:45 a.m. Justice Mansfield Newton High School

9:45 a.m. Justice Wiggins Saydel High School

10:00 a.m. Justice Waterman Williamsburg High School

11:00 a.m. Justice Zager DMACC real time reporting students, Newton Campus

In addition to the school visits, the supreme court will hold a special session in Newton on Wednesday evening, October 14, at 7:00 p.m., in the Newton High School Center for Performance, 800 East 4th Street South, Newton. During the special session, the court will hear oral arguments in one case. The oral arguments are open to the public. A public reception with the justices in the Newton High School cafeteria will follow the oral arguments.

Special session

Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at 7:00 p.m.

Newton High School Center for Performance

800 East 4th Street South

Newton, Iowa

 

The Iowa Supreme Court will hear lawyers argue in one case:

Hutchison, et al. v Warren County Board of Supervisors, et al.:

Former employees of Warren County contend the Warren County Board of Supervisors violated Iowa's "open meetings law," Iowa Code chapter 21, when individual supervisors met separately with the county administrator, serving as a go-between, to deliberate a proposed restructuring of the county workforce. The district court determined there was no open meetings violation because there was no gathering of a majority of supervisors. A question before the supreme court is whether "walking quorums" or "serial communications" constitute a "gathering" within the definition of "meeting" in Iowa's open meetings law.

Public reception

There will be a public reception in the Newton High School cafeteria following the oral arguments.

 

For more information about the oral arguments

Attorneys' briefs for the case and a guide to oral arguments are posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at:

http://www.iowacourts.gov/About_the_Courts/Supreme_Court/Offsite_Oral_Arguments_Newton

Note to news media

News media are invited to attend the oral arguments. Court rules apply regarding still camera, video camera, and audio recording devices used during the oral arguments. Information on expanded media coverage is available on the Iowa Judicial Branch Website at: http://www.iowacourts.gov/For_the_Media/Expanded_News_Media_Coverage/

Chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules regarding cameras and other electronic devices in courtrooms is available on the Iowa Legislature website at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/CR/LINC/04-30-2014.chapter.25.pdf .

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07 Oct 2015

The First Girls Getaway Weekend in the Amana Colonies

By David Rettig

November 6-8, 2015

 

AMANA, Iowa- Join us in the historic Amana Colonies for Girls Getaway Weekend November 6-8! There's a unique, hands on experience waiting for women of all ages during this first annual Girls Getaway celebration! Great sampling, shopping and relaxation!

Activities will begin Friday, November 6th, at 4pm and will go through Sunday, November 8th. Businesses will be featuring products and special services all weekend long.

Local B&B's will be offering special packages so ladies can get the most out of their weekend stay. Activities are dispersed throughout the seven villages including food, beer, and wine sampling, a Fall Fiber Show, Theater Performances, a Vintner's Dinner, a Vendor Fair, and pampering. Most of the local restaurants are offering special dining options. There is something to please everyone's tastes and hobbies.

For more information about Girls Getaway Weekend, visit amanacolonies.com or call 319-622-7622. And for complete list of upcoming events and festivals, visit amanacolonies.com.

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