29 Sep 2015

USDA Helps Rural Businesses Create Jobs and Increase Economic Opportunities

By USDA Office of Communications

PINE RIDGE, S.D., Sept. 29, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today awarded nearly $20 million through 385 grants to help support the start-up or expansion of rural small businesses.

"These grants will strengthen the economic fabric of our rural small towns and communities by providing capital to small and emerging businesses," Vilsack said today during a visit to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

USDA is awarding the grants through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. Recipients may use the funds to provide technical assistance, training and job-creation activities.

The Value Added Agriculture Development Center, based in Pierre, S.D., is receiving a $49,500 grant to teach local businesses in Oglala Lakota County, which is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, how to commercially process and successfully market buffalo meat.

In April 2015, the Obama Administration designated the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation one of eight new Promise Zones. Promise Zones are high-poverty communities where the federal government partners with local leaders to increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, reduce violent crime, enhance public health and address other community-identified priorities.

While Secretary Vilsack was in South Dakota, he highlighted USDA's work to expand economic opportunities for Native Americans and rural residents throughout the state. For example, he announced that the Oglala Sioux Tribe is receiving a $1.85 million grant to construct a storage building and cell for a solid waste landfill.

Other RBDG recipients include Boyne City, Mich., which been selected to receive a $30,000 grant to provide equipment for an incubator kitchen for local foods. The Town of Princess Anne, Md., is receiving a $21,400 grant to buy furnishings and equipment for the historic Washington Hotel.

Funding of each award announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

USDA's Rural Business Development Grant Program is one of several that support rural economic development. Since the start of the Obama administration, USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service has helped 85,000 rural businesses.

The City of Luverne, Minn., population 4,800, is an example of a small town USDA has helped. Luverne used a $99,000 USDA grant in FY 2013 to establish a revolving loan fund to provide affordable financing for downtown businesses. City leaders wanted to help downtown merchants upgrade their shops and eateries so they could attract more visitors and economic activity. Like many cities across the country, Luverne had lost shoppers to the region's larger towns and big box stores. So far, 13 businesses have been helped as a result of USDA's grant.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

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29 Sep 2015

St. Paul Faith & Life Series speaker 2015: Leslie Hunter

By Ann McGlynn

Davenport, Iowa - Leslie Hunter, chaplain and religious studies instructor at Holy Family School in Chicago, is St. Paul Lutheran Church's 2015 Faith & Life Series speaker. Hunter will present twice on Sunday, October 11, at St. Paul, 2136 Brady St., Davenport. The event is free and open to the public. His book will be for sale in the Book Corner.

His presentations will be:

  • In the Grip of Grace: Sunday morning learning hour, 10:45 a.m.

  • ...By Our Love: Community-wide lecture, 7 p.m.

Each fall, the St. Paul congregation hosts the community-wide Faith & Life Series. The church brings persons of national stature to the Quad Cities - sparking new ideas about what it means to live faithfully. Previous presenters have included Greg Boyle, an urban priest and advocate for youth; Joan Chittister, a Catholic visionary and social advocate; and Bill McKibben, an environmentalist.

Leslie Hunter was born and raised in Chicago in an abusive household. The 17th time he moved was when he went to college. But no matter where he lived, he always knew how to find his way to Holy Family Church in the Cabrini-Green housing project area of Chicago.

At that church, Leslie preached his first sermon at the age of 15. "The whole congregation supported me, they applauded me. I was surrounded by people who said 'of course you're going to college. You can do this.'"

As a student at Concordia University Chicago, Leslie began his work at the church. He graduated with a degree in psychology, and served as parish minister and youth pastor at Holy Family. He led a program, Boys in the Hood, for boys and men age 7-young adult.

Leslie's tools of ministry are sermons, raps, short stories, and spoken word poetry. He now spends his days at Holy Family School, leading chapel and teaching kids about the Bible, Christianity, and other world religions. He travels around the country and speaks at various church, convention, and community functions.

He and his wife Elizabeth, who writes for The Lutheran magazine, have two young sons.
29 Sep 2015

Mikayla Fritz Achieves Next Level of Nursing Program

By Amy McFadden

DANVILLE , IL (09/28/2015)(readMedia)-- Lakeview College of Nursing recently held a ceremony in order to recognize students who have achieved a specific level within their bachelor's degree nursing program.

Mikayla Fritz of Moline, IL, received a White Coat and Level II Nursing Pin during the celebration. Fritz attends the College's Charleston Campus.

The White Coat/Level Pinning Ceremony demonstrates the student's commitment to compassionate and humanistic care and in some cases marks the beginning of clinical practice.

The event was made possible by a grant received through Gold-AACN White Coat Ceremony for Nursing. The White Coat Oath and Nightengale Nursing Pledge were recited and a symbolic flame was lit during the ceremony. Lakeview's faculty assisted with the donning of the white coats and pinning of each student.

Mary (Mimi) S. Skinner, MSN, RN-BC, CNOR Clinical Educator, was the guest speaker at the event. She addressed the students on their role in the nursing profession. Skinner currently works as a clinical educator and resuscitation education initiative (REdI) program director at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, IL.

Lakeview College of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree. It is a single-purpose, private institution that has specialized in nursing education in the Danville, IL area since 1894. Lakeview began offering a cooperative program with Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, in the fall of 2001.

29 Sep 2015

Reminder - STEM Teachers Night Out - Wed, 30Sept at Moline High School (Free)

By Quad City Engineering & Science Council (QCESC)

Free event for area Iowa & Illinois STEM Teachers, School Administration & key STEM Stakeholders to collaborate and share information & ideas and see local STEM education facilities. Free pizza and pop will be provided by the QCESC for meeting attendees.

The meeting will be hosted at Moline High School where they have over 230 students this year enrolled in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses along with supporting FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Teams.
Program will include an overview on the QCESC STEM support plans for 2015-2016 including:  STEM students events, STEM Teacher of the Year Awards, STEM Scholarships. In addition, insights on the QC STEAM Festival and an overview on the Next Generation Science Standard will be provided.
An optional tour will be available after the formal program.

To attend, you only need to pre-register by 9:00 AM on Wed, Sept. 30 to insure we have enough food.  If you are not able to attend at 600 P.M., you are still welcome to join us when you can make it.

  • Saturday, October 3rd "CORNcon" 8am-6pm at St. Ambrose University, McCarthy Hall, Davenport, Iowa
    Link to flyer
    For Adults and Kids
    Adults: QC Security Conference
    Kids: Kids Hacker Camp for ages 7-17
    REGISTER at: www.corncon.net
  • Nov. 7 Quad Cities STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Festival.
    Interactive style conference for youth in grades 3-8 from 8:00 AM - Noon at Western Illinois University Quad City Campus.
    Link to further information
29 Sep 2015

Jordan Catholic School Walk-a-thon

By Janine Parr

Jordan Catholic School's annual walk-a-thon will be held on Friday October 2nd from 1:00-3:00pm, with a rain date of October 5th.

Students have been collecting pledge donations with a school goal of $13,000.

The fun starts at 1:00 pm in the school gym with Alleman High School Cheerleaders, music, and the announcement of top collecting families! AND if we reach our goal, Principal Joan Leonard will KISS A PIG!!!

Students will begin walking along the route at approximately 1:30. Hy-vee will provide a hydration station set up along 18th Avenue directly in front of the store. Children will be dressed in brightly colored Jordan W-A-T t-shirts. This is a great photo op!

29 Sep 2015

Gov. Branstad signs executive order to combat bullying

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(CEDAR RAPIDS) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad joined Lt. Governor Reynolds today and signed Executive Order 86 during a dedication ceremony at Arthur Elementary School in Cedar Rapids.  The ceremony dedicated a "Buddy Bench" to recognize the bullying prevention work of Isaac Taylor, a middle school student who has been working to raise money to install Buddy Benches on at least 17 additional school playgrounds in the Cedar Rapids area to foster friendship.

For three years, Governor Branstad, First Lady Chris Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds have worked to put in place policies that ensure every student feel safe and respected at school.  Executive Order 86 established a new office for bullying prevention at the University of Northern Iowa Center for Violence Prevention.  The full text of Executive Order 86 can be found here.

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29 Sep 2015

New #WomenInAg Infographics Show Impact of Women in Agriculture in Every State

By Alvyn Kiel, Office of Communications
From the classroom to the farm to the boardroom, women in agriculture are helping to pave the way for a better future. As leaders, it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of women are educated, encouraged and empowered to take on the challenges of meeting the world's growing food, fuel and fiber needs. To celebrate and honor the contributions of women in agriculture, USDA is releasing a series of state-by-state infographics detailing the impact women have on agriculture in each state and across the country. Be sure to share these infographics on social media or print them to help tell the story of women in ag in your state!

Over the past few months, we've also been featuring the powerful stories of women in agriculture on the USDA blog. By following the #womeninag tag on the USDA blog, you can read first-person accounts from women like Carissa Koopmann Rivers, a fifth generation cow/calf rancher from Sunol, California, Casey Cox, the Executive Director of the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, and Dr. Jewel Hairston, the Dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University.

To coincide with the release of the new infographics, each day this week, we'll feature advice and stories from women in agriculture at various stages in their lives and careers. Be sure to check back on the USDA blog later today for our first of five #womeninag blogs this week, featuring Katy Coba, the Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

To learn more and connect with other women leaders in agriculture all across the country, we encourage you to join our women in ag mentoring network. Join the conversation by emailing AgWomenLead@usda.gov and be sure to check out #womeninag on Twitter and on the USDA blog, our #womeninag Storify, and this video message from Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden.

29 Sep 2015

Lawmakers: Relinquishing Oversight of Internet Naming Service may be Unconstitutional

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - A bicameral group of lawmakers is questioning the constitutionality of the Department of Commerce's plans to transition critical Internet infrastructure systems away from U.S. government stewardship and oversight.  In a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Darrell Issa asked whether the plan would result in the transfer of government property, which could violate Article IV, Section 3 of the Constitution.

At issue are key components of the Internet's infrastructure, collectively known as the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, which enable the efficient operation of the Internet. Included is the management of the root zone file, which was developed by taxpayer-funded Department of Defense researchers, and which remains designated as a "national IT asset" by the U.S. government. Article IV, Section 3 of the Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to transfer government property. If this file?or other government-developed components of the Internet?are determined to be the property of the government, then transferring their control to a nongovernmental entity without congressional consent, as the Department of Commerce has proposed, may violate the Constitution.

The Commerce Department's contracts with the organizations that administer Internet name and address system policies explicitly state that the root zone file is "the property of the U.S. government," and changes cannot be made to the file without government approval.  Congress has also passed legislation blocking federal funding for efforts to relinquish stewardship of the domain name system, including the root zone file.

To ensure that Congress is informed of any government property that may be transferred without its approval, the lawmakers asked GAO to study the government property implications of the Department of Commerce's proposal. They also asked GAO to determine whether the agency has the legal authority to conduct such a transfer to a nongovernmental entity without congressional approval.

Text of the letter
29 Sep 2015

Preserving and Restoring Our Water, Soil and Lands.

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Last week, we saw how strategic investments in conservation and habitat restoration can have a big impact for our nation's ecosystems.

We were pleased to announce that?thanks to collaboration across 11 western states?the greater sage-grouse no longer requires protection under the Endangered Species Act. This exciting news was made possible through close collaboration with federal and state partners, as well as over 1,100 farmers & ranchers who used USDA and other federal programs that provide financial assistance for conservation practices and habitat preservation.

Watch a video explaining why this historic announcement sets the groundwork for a 21st century approach to conservation.

Thanks for tuning in last week, and stay tuned next week as we shift our focus to the promise of rural America, and the #RuralMade economy.

Late Blight: A Ripening Issue for Central Pennsylvania Farmers

Perhaps there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Many farmers in central Pennsylvania would aptly agree to this notion after experiencing above average amounts of rainfall this summer.

Forest Service waives fees in support of the nation's largest volunteer effort on public lands

As the fall season slowly matriculates and the autumn equinox makes its debut, volunteers are encouraged to give back by participating in the annual National Public Lands Day.

Wisconsin Farm Serves as an Example for How Conservation Benefits Agricultural Operations

Some people are born to farm. Others grow to love it. Greg Nettekoven was born into a farm family, and he and his wife, Karon, have grown to love farming.

New Perspectives on the Dynamics of Dry Lands

Vast acreage of dry lands may evoke images of a desolate, scorched desert that is uninhabitable to humans. But the arid and semi-arid dry lands of about half of both the United States' and the world's land surfaces actually are complex ecosystems made up variously of grasses, shrubs, agriculture, and even urban dwellers.

Southern Plains Climate Hub Helps Land Managers Build Resilience to Climate Variability

The U.S. Southern Plains states have always been known for their wild weather. Stories of the volatile climate of this region abound.

Minnesota Farmers Restore Coldwater Stream in Driftless Area

Pine Creek wanders through prairies and rocky bluffs, and forests and pastures, including the land where Ryan Pulley raises beef in southeastern Minnesota. Pine Creek is beautiful - fed by limestone springs and home to freshwater trout.

Forest Service Funds Landmark Climate Change Study

Preparing for the effects of climate change, the U.S. Forest Service has taken the lead in a new report that highlights actions taken by federal agencies to adapt to a changing climate.

Unprecedented Collaboration to Save Sage-Grouse is the Largest Wildlife Conservation Effort in U.S.

Today marks an historic win for conservation and communities in the West and for the United States.

Helping Farmers Adapt to a Changing Climate through Regional Vulnerability Assessments

Just over a year after the establishment of the USDA Climate Hubs, we are keeping our promise of "developing the next generation of climate solutions" through regional vulnerability assessments.

Maryland Dairy Farmers Work to Improve the Health of Estuaries Producing high quality, nutritious milk may be a top priority for Coldsprings Farm, but it is not the farm's only accomplishment.
29 Sep 2015

Fire Prevention Week October 4-10: Illinois Group Stresses Fire Safety, Hosts Fire Service Awards Luncheon

By Philip Zaleski

Mount Prospect, IL - With national Fire Prevention Week (FPW) occurring from October 4-10, the nonprofit Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) encourages Illinois residents to practice fire safety and prevention throughout the entire year.

The theme for 2015 FPW is "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep." According to the National Fire Protection Association, which sponsors FPW, roughly half of home fire deaths result from overnight fires when most people are asleep. Smoke alarms alert residents of a fire so they can safely escape. Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by half.

"This year's Fire Prevention Week message is a great reminder to homeowners that smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of a home," says IFSA Executive Director Philip Zaleski. "And it's important to make sure smoke alarms are tested monthly and have their batteries replaced twice each year to make sure they are functioning properly."

Zaleski notes that a good reminder to change smoke alarm batteries is when homeowners change their clocks to "spring forward" an hour when Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins in the spring and "fall back" when it ends in the fall.

For information about smoke alarms and FPW, the IFSA recommends visiting FirePreventionWeek.org.

Fire Prevention Week Luncheon & Awards

As part of its annual outreach during FPW, the IFSA is hosting the 75th annual Fire Prevention Week Luncheon on Thursday, October 8, from 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Illinois Fire Sprinkler Coalition and will be held at Bobak's Signature Events (6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge, Ill.). Last year's event attracted over 500 members of the Illinois fire service.

In addition to the luncheon, the event also highlights and honors those who have gone above and beyond in fire safety and burn prevention. The IFSA will present the following recognition awards:

Corporate Responsibility Award: Nicor Gas

Life Safety Award: Alan Isberg (retired Fire Marshal, Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District), Rebecca Merten (Public Health Administrator, Effingham County), Orland Fire Protection District

Special Recognition Award: Kathy Supply (formerly of Loyola Medicine), Wayne Luecht Memorial Award: Larry Matkaitis (former Illinois State Fire Marshal)

In addition, keynote speaker and retired ComEd employee Dave Schury will speak about an electrical explosion that inflicted burns to 30 percent of his body in 2000 and his advocacy for burn survivors and workplace safety. Schury is the founder of the From Tragedy to Triumph Foundation, which has raised and donated over $120,000 in college scholarships to young burn survivors in Illinois.

Over the past 12 months, the IFSA Board of Directors accepted nominations for the following awards. The Board is pleased to announce the recipients:

Corporate Responsibility Award: Nicor Gas

This award is given to a corporation that has responsibly gone above and beyond the norm by providing fire safety or burn prevention education to the public. For nine years running, Nicor Gas has provided natural gas safety education through its Gas Safety Program at dozens of fire departments across northern Illinois, which is then distributed to consumers.

Life Safety Award:

This award is given to an organization, department or individual that has achieved a pattern of excellence in bringing life safety into the lives of others.

Alan Isberg (retired Fire Marshal, Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District). Isberg is one of three winners as a result of his passion and commitment to making life safer for members of his fire department and his community. He hosted CPR classes for over 1,000 students, developed public education programs reaching tens of thousands of civilians, and created a safe community through strict adherence to fire and life safety codes.

Rebecca Merten (Public Health Administrator, Effingham County). Merten put together a persistent effort to thwart off a proposed ordinance to legalize fireworks in Effingham County. She questioned those on the County Board, who employ her and who were in favor of the ordinance, and stood up for the safety of the citizens of Effingham County. She even hosted a press conference on behalf of the Illinois Rural Health Association to speak about the dangers of fireworks. Although the ordinance ultimately passed, her efforts were not in vain as the ordinance was much more in line with the state's law on fireworks.

Orland Fire Protection District.  The fire district continues the success of its annual Kid's Fire & Life Safety Camp, exposing school-aged children to safety lessons dealing with potential hazards around their homes and schools. The half-day camp, which runs for four consecutive days, provides fun and entertaining ways for children to learn the safety message.

Special Recognition Award: Kathy Supple.  This award is given to individuals who have established a pattern of excellence through a fire safety or burn prevention program that they developed and have shared with other public educators.  Formerly with Loyola Medicine and serving on the IFSA Board of Directors for the last five years, Supple has promoted IFSA's mission of fire safety and burn prevention through public education.

Wayne Luecht Memorial Award: Larry Matkaitis.  This award is granted to an individual who has established a pattern of excellence through a fire safety or burn prevention program that has benefited the public outside of his or her jurisdiction. It must be a person who has excelled in his or her duties while leading the fire service to recognize public education as an important tool, and is judged by peers to possess the qualities and superior work ethic that others strive to emulate. Matkaitis had a significant impact on fire safety and burn prevention throughout the state of Illinois during his tenure as State Fire Marshal. He worked diligently to enforce life safety codes and was courageous in his attempt to establish a requirement for fire sprinklers in new homes even though he faced powerful opponents.

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS FIRE SAFETY ALLIANCE: Since 1982, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been promoting and disseminating fire safety and burn prevention materials and resources. The IFSA also hosts a variety of support programs for burn survivors including the Young Adult Summit, Family Day, and Camp "I Am Me," a unique weeklong camp for children who have experienced severe burn injuries. For more information, visit www.IFSA.org.

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