16 Sep 2015

USDA, DOI, and OMB Urge Congress to Fix the Fire Budget

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2015 - On the heels of a notification Monday from USDA to Congress of the need to transfer an additional $250 million to cover wildfire suppression costs for the remainder of the year, Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, and the White House Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan sent a joint letter to Congress requesting they act to change the way the nation pays for wildfire costs so that we can continue to adequately invest in forest and rangeland restoration, and make lands less vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire and more resilient.

Since 2000, fire seasons have grown longer, and the frequency, size and severity of wildland fires has increased. The cost of the U.S. Forest Service's wildfire suppression reached a record $243 million in a one-week period during the height of suppression activity last month. With a record 52 percent of the Forest Service's budget dedicated to fighting wildfire, compared to just 16 percent in 1995, the Forest Service's firefighting budget has been exhausted, forcing USDA to transfer funds away from forest restoration projects that would help reduce the risk of future fires, in order to cover the high cost of battling today's blazes. Monday's transfer was the third this year bringing the total to $700 million.

While the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are able to suppress or manage 98 percent of fires with allocated funds, catastrophic megafires burn through the agency's financial resources. One to two percent of fires consume 30 percent or more of total actual annual fire suppression dollars.

"Restoring resilient forests helps to protect against future fire outbreaks and is vital to minimizing long-term costs to lives, private and public properties, and to struggling rural economies. Under the current budget structure we are forced to abandon these critical restoration and capital improvement projects in order to suppress these few but extreme fires" Vilsack said. "The President's budget solution, similar to the proposed Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, takes a common sense approach and treats these events like other natural disasters."

The Forest Service transferred funds in seven of the last 14 years, while in six of the last 14 years, DOI had to transfer funds.

The costs of wildfire preparedness and suppression now account for 76 percent of the DOI wildfire management program budget and, as in the case of the Forest Service, reduce the amounts of funds available for fuels management and restoration efforts. These activities are essential for reducing risks of catastrophic fires, increasing the resiliency of lands to recover from fire, and to protect communities and infrastructure.

"The rising costs of fighting wildfires come at the expense of other programs that reduce the risk of catastrophic fires, increase the ability of our lands to recover from fire, and help protect communities and infrastructure," said Jewell. "The President's budget and a bipartisan group in Congress recognize this and have a commonsense solution -- treat catastrophic wildfires like the natural disasters they are. Congress can stop this perpetual downward spiral that each year increases fire risk, and jeopardizes critical resources that support prevention and recovery efforts."

The Administration proposes that DOI and the Forest Service would be able to access a discretionary disaster cap adjustment after the amount spent on fire suppression exceeds 70 percent of the 10-year average. This is mirrored in the proposed bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act (WDFA) which is budget neutral and also has broad stakeholder support.

This approach allows the agencies to invest additional resources in forest and rangeland restoration and management. In the case of the Forest Service, it would increase acres treated by 1 million acres annually and increase timber outputs by 300 million board feet annually. In the Department of the Interior, it would increase the number of acres treated annually by 500,000 acres and help protect public lands such as the sage steppe ecosystem.

The letter points out that the alternative House-passed Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015, H.R. 2647 is incompatible with the Federal government's natural disaster management needs because it does not address the long-term shift in the Forest Service's budget and the escalating percent of the Forest Service budget devoted to fire suppression.

"We urgently need to address the runaway growth of fire suppression at the cost of other critical programs - instead of leaving our agencies and the States scrambling to plug budget gaps while they are literally putting out fires," Donovan said. "There is bipartisan support for the President's proposal to change the way we budget for fire suppression. The time to act is now."

Climate change has led to fire seasons that are now on average 78 days longer than in 1970. The U.S. burns twice as many acres as three decades ago and Forest Service scientists believe the acreage burned may double again by mid-century. USDA, DOI and OMB are asking for a fix in time for the challenges that lie ahead. Both the President's budget proposal and WDFA provide real support to the long-term impacts of increasing wildfires.

Below is the text of the letter.

The Honorable Maria Cantwell

Ranking Member

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

United States Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Cantwell:

With more than 8.5 million acres burned already, the 2015 fire season is proving to be disastrous in terms of the loss of firefighter lives, homes and structures, and natural resources. Unfortunately, the season is far from over. In fact, just yesterday the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Forest Service (Forest Service) announced it will transfer an additional $250 million of funding from non-fire accounts to pay for firefighting through the end of the Fiscal Year (FY). The $250 million is in addition to the $450 million the agency has been forced to transfer since August to fund firefighting.

In early August, the Forest Service released a report showing that over one-half of its budget is now spent on firefighting and other fire-related activities, up from one-sixth in 1995. By 2025, the agency conservatively forecasts that it will spend two-thirds of its budget on wildfires. This shift in resources from non-fire programs to firefighting has enormous implications on all agency activities, including recreation, research, watershed protection, rangeland management, and, importantly, forest restoration. This Administration placed a very high priority on increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration on the National Forests to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire, and increased both acres treated and timber outputs significantly since 2008. However, the Forest Service's ability to increase the level of forest treatments is limited by the growing proportion of the agency's budget spent on firefighting and related activities.

Similarly, in the U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior), the growing costs of wildfire preparedness and suppression now account for 76 percent of the wildfire management program budget, and are reducing the amounts available for fuels management and restoration activities by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These treatments are essential for reducing risks of catastrophic fires, for increasing the resiliency of lands to recover from fire, and protecting communities and infrastructure.

The Forest Service and Interior agencies set their firefighting budget based on their average costs of fighting fires over the last 10 years. Due to longer fire seasons resulting from climate change, increased fuel loads in our forests and on our rangelands, and the expense associated with protecting lives and homes along an expanding wildland urban interface, the 10-year average keeps rising and will continue to rise. As a result, unless Congress changes its budgeting strategy for fire suppression in the Forest Service and Interior, firefighting suppression as a proportion of the agencies' budgets will continue to increase.

In addition to this long-term shift of resources towards wildfire operations, in difficult fire years each agency has to transfer additional funds from non-fire programs to fund firefighting, as mentioned above, further exacerbating the problem. With respect to the Department of the Interior, this occurred in six of the last 14 years. For the Forest Service, such funding transfers happened in seven of the last 14 years. Since August the Forest Service has transferred $700 million.

To solve the fire budget problem in the long term, Congress should take two actions. First, Congress must allow the firefighting spending to be scored as an adjustment to discretionary spending caps in bad fire seasons, in keeping with the treatment of other Federal disaster response activities, instead of transferring resources from non-fire programs, including timber sale and forest restoration projects, research and monitoring efforts, recreation and wildlife activities, and trail and visitor facility maintenance. Second, Congress must do this in a way that does not harm the agencies' ability to invest in fuels management and forest and rangeland restoration to make these lands less vulnerable and more resilient to catastrophic wildfire. Both of these actions are consistent with how the Nation treats other natural disasters.

President Barack Obama's FY 2015 and FY 2016 budget requests addressed both problems. Under the Administration's proposal, if the Forest Service and Interior are appropriated 70 percent of the 10-year average, they would be authorized to access a discretionary disaster cap adjustment. This approach allows the agencies to invest additional resources in forest and rangeland restoration and management. In the case of the Forest Service, it would increase acres treated by 1 million acres annually and increase timber outputs by 300 million board feet annually. At Interior, it would increase the number of acres treated annually by 500,000 acres and help protect public lands such as the sage steppe ecosystem.

The President's approach includes the bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act (WDFA), H.R. 167 (which was introduced by Representatives Mike Simpson and Kurt Schrader), and S. 235 (which was introduced by Senators Ron Wyden and Mike Crapo) has broad and diverse stakeholder support. This legislation provides for an adjustment to discretionary spending caps and addresses the long-term shift of resources to firefighting from other critical programs that support forest and rangeland management. Unfortunately, the fire budget provisions passed by the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee only address fire transfers. Without taking a holistic approach to response and recovery, as done with other disasters to improve resiliency, suppression costs will continue to increase.

Further, we do not believe that Congress should modify the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a means to address the escalating costs of wildfire. The House-passed Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015, H.R. 2647, would create resource uncertainty for disaster response efforts by reallocating funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund to Federal firefighting activities. In doing so, the bill would undermine the Federal Government's ability to adequately budget for, and fund responses to, other natural or man-made disasters such as the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Additionally, H.R. 2647 would undermine financing for State and Tribal public infrastructure disaster recovery projects.

The President's budget request and WDFA both take advantage of the fact that Congress has already budgeted effectively for natural disaster response. With the dramatic growth in wildland fire over the last three decades and an expected doubling again by mid-century, it only makes sense that Congress begin treating catastrophic wildfire as the natural disaster that it is.

Sincerely,

Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior

Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture

Shaun Donovan, Director of the Office of Management and Budget

16 Sep 2015

RIVERSSANCE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL, 28 Years of fine art, food and music!

By Michele Darland

Riverssance Festival of Fine Art is celebrating its 28th year as the premier fine arts festival of the Quad Cities, showcasing over 100 of the top artists from throughout North America. Riverssance is located on a scenic hill overlooking the Mississippi River in the historic Village of East Davenport. Riverssance will feature a free children's art tent, wine tasting, gourmet food booths and live regional music booked by the River Music Experience. Riverssance is an event under the MidCoast Fine Arts umbrella which is a leading Quad City non-profit organization focused on stimulating our community's economic vitality through the support of regional visual arts and artists.

In conjunction with the festival, each year, the Harley (Harlequin) Award is given in recognition of an individual(s) or organization that has demonstrated a lasting commitment to the promotion and the advancement of the visual arts and artists in the Quad Cities area. However, this year, we remain silent in honor of our long-time friend, promoter of arts and patron, Bruce Carter, he is missed dearly by the Quad Cities art community and especially by the Riverssance committee members. With Bruce's insight and recommendations, he helped the Riverssance committee choose the past award recipients and he presented the Harley to award winners every year on stage during the festival.

This year's commemorative tee shirt design is by artist Stephen Stieninger, of Altoona, Iowa, "I've always been intrigued by hot air balloons, so thought that this might be a good image for this show. It speaks to another time, with the wind and the sun providing the power to carry the ship to far-flung places. Judging by the number of wind turbine components being transported down I-80, perhaps wind is becoming more of an alternative all the time. Most of my work deals with portraits from the late 19-century, and this fits right in!"

Riverssance Festival of Fine Arts is this weekend, September 19th and 20th, Lindsey Park, in the Village of East Davenport. With so many schools and communities reducing their art dollars for education this Festival is one way to continue to promote and provide accessibility to fine arts to everyone. Additionally it is a wonderful event for our community. Admission is $4 per person with children under 12 free. New this year is a two day pass for $6, the pass allows you to come to Riverssance both Saturday (10a - 5p) and Sunday (10a - 4p) - what an inexpensive way to support the arts!!

If you have questions or would like more information on the artist or the festival, please contact me at 563-529-0382 or mdarland@sedonatek.com.

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16 Sep 2015

More news from the Iowa State Fair 9/15/2015

By Mindy Williamson

Milking Shorthorns Impress Judges at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Lazy M Farm of Stitzer, Wis. showed the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Females in the Milking Shorthorn Dairy Cattle show judged August 14 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

The Stitzer, Wis. farm also claimed the Champion Premier Exhibitor and Reserve Champion Premier Breeder honors.

Elron Farms of Lost Nation nabbed the Champion Premier Breeder and Reserve Champion Exhibitor honors.

The Premier Breeder Award is given to the competitor who earns the most points for animals bred and exhibited by the entrant or others during the day's show. The Premier Exhibitor Award is given to the exhibitor who accumulates the most points based upon the day's placings.

Additional results below (name, hometown and animal identification):

Spring Heifer Calf -- March 1 - May 31, 2015

1) Edgebrook Jerseys, Montour, Edgebrook Pirelli Lady's Pride, 3/16/2015, 840003129745751

2) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Zues Layla EXP ET, 3/3/2015, 840003125829044

3) Cost Farms, Long Grove, Cost Peri Precious, 3/2/2015

4) Gibbs Holsteins, Epworth, Lazy-M Patriot, 3/3/2015, 840003125829047

5) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Clancy Georgia, 3/11/2015, 840003125829059

6) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Nitro Treasure, 3/23/2015, 68317959

7) Ridge View Farm, Lancaster, Mo., Lazy M RR Zeus Calico, 3/15/2015, 840003125829062

8) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Stars Cherry Exp, 3/2/2015, 68317690

9) Cherrywood Farm, Ackley, Cherrywood EL Ronny Cyclone, 3/3/2015, 3014309059

10) Henkeseen Holsteins, Luana, Lazy M RR Zeus Brelynn, 3/18/2015, 840003125829073

11) Cherrywood Farm, Ackley, Cherrywood EL Ronny Lady, 3/5/2015, 3014309059

Winter Heifer Calf -- Dec. 1, 2014 - Feb. 28, 2015

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Liriano Allegra EXP, 12/10/2014, 840003125828975

2) Ridge View Farm, Lancaster, Mo., Lazy M Mega Electro, 1/1/2015

3) Justamere Farm, Wayland, Gold Mine G CTie Desiree, 1/16/2015, 68317509

4) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Nitro Sundaze Exp, 12/15/2014, 68317960

5) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Patriot Jasmine ET, 12/2/2014, 840003125828944

6) Green Knoll Farms, McGregor, Cherrywood Maggie, 1/15/2015, Applied For

7) Henkeseen Holsteins, Luana, Henkeseen Zumba Rose Petal-EXP, 1/10/2015, 68317208

Fall Heifer Calf -- Sept. 1 - Nov. 30, 2014

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., North Stars Penelope EXP ET, 9/3/2014, 840003125828909

2) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Gold Mine S Sandy 233 Exp P, 9/14/2014, 68317059

3) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Star Patriots Eva, 9/18/2014, 68316810

4) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Stars Mars, 9/5/2014, 68316808

5) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Lariano Perfect EXP, 9/2/2014, Pending

Summer Yearling Heifer -- June 1 - Aug. 31, 2014

1) Cherrywood Farm, Ackley, Innisfail Lad Cherry Lady, 6/13/2014, 68316811

2) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Get Me Some Of That ET, 6/3/2014, 840003012136637

3) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Jekyll Zada, 7/25/2014, 840003012136692

4) Green Knoll Farms, McGregor, Po-Cop Mega Fire EXP, 6/9/2014, 68316602

5) Green Knoll Farms, McGregor, Elron PI Razzle, 6/4/2014, 68317427

6) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Star Parties Pickles Exp, 6/3/2014, 68316806

7) Royal View Farm, Keosauqua, Royalview Abby Favorite Exp, 7/13/2014, 68317580

8) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point, Woodcrest Adventure Riley, 6/1/2014, 68317365

9) Green Knoll Farms, McGregor, Innisfail MKO Stella Rosa EXP, 6/10/2014, 68317429

10) Mysha Herd, St. Anthony, Mysha Meredith Snowwhite, 6/3/2014

Spring Yearling Heifer -- March 1 - May 31, 2014

1) Mysha Herd, St. Anthony, Mysha Big Time Neveda, 3/8/2014, 68316742

2) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Star Prestos Gem Exp, 3/1/2014, 68315403

3) Justamere Farm, Wayland, Justamere Brooke Exp, 5/21/2014, 68316584

4) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point, Woodcrest Legend Surprise, 3/26/2014, 68315357

Winter Yearling Heifer -- Dec. 1, 2013 - Feb. 28, 2014

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Liriano Ally EXP, 12/7/2013, 840003012136459

2) Justamere Farm, Wayland, Justamere Molly, 12/28/2013, 68315006

3) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point, Woodcrest Legend Saffire, 12/7/2013, 68315358

Fall Yrlg. Heifer (not in milk) -- Sept. 1 - Nov. 30, 2013

1) Mysha Herd, St. Anthony, Mysha - WO McKinley, 9/3/2013, 68314448

2) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Lariano Peri EXP, 10/23/2013, 840003013670100

3) Cherrywood Farm, Ackley, Cherrwyood Nitro Lady, 9/6/2013, 68314499

4) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point, Woodcrest Nitro Rose, 10/2/2013, 68314516

5) Green Knoll Farms, McGregor, Green Knoll SPK Pearl, 9/3/2013, 68315323

Junior Best Three Females

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis.

2) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn.

3) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point

Junior Two Year Old Cow -- March 1 - Aug. 31, 2013

1) Gibbs Holsteins, Epworth, Gibbs Liriano Carper Exp ET, 6/3/2013, 68314801

2) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Star Jacks Cocoa, 6/4/2013, 68314322

3) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Nitro Wow, 5/3/2013, 840003013670099

4) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Stars Stella 142 EXP, 6/21/2013, 68314324

5) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point, Woodcrest Adam Sassy P, 5/1/2013, 68314514

Senior Two Year Old Cow -- Sept. 1, 2012 - Feb. 28, 2013

1) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Willow ET, 9/10/2012, 68313624

2) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Cyclone Dixie, 9/1/2012, 840003010357165

3) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point, Rovin Kin Ruby Z Reserve, 12/1/2012, 68312481

4) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., BubbleGum, 12/31/2012

5) Royal View Farm, Keosauqua, Mysha-WO-RLL nghty or nc Exp Et, 12/1/2012, 68312244

6) Byers Dairy Farm, Milo, Byers Turbo Sonya, 1/30/2013

7) Royal View Farm, Keosauqua, Mysha-WO-MH Liriado Exp Et, 9/3/2012, 68313024

Junior Three Year Old Cow -- March 1 - Aug. 31, 2012

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Innisfail - WO Mega Ladyluck ET, 6/12/2012, 840003010356945

2) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Mega Arizona, 7/19/2012, 840003010357106

3) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Stars Mega Jalapena, 4/10/2012, 68311604

4) Royal View Farm, Keosauqua, Mysha - WO - MH Lirianna Exp Et, 6/4/2012, 68311952

5) Green Knoll Farms, McGregor, Innisfail PR Lady 224, 3/12/2012, 68312297

Senior Three Year Old Cow -- Sept. 1, 2011 - Feb. 29, 2012

1) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Megadeth Waveland EXP-ET, 9/5/2011, 68311081

2) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn., North Stars Jewlery, 11/22/2011, 68309791

3) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Megadeth Wind EXP ET, 12/8/2011, 68311082

4) Innisfail Farm, Auburn, Calif., Innisfail Pr Lady 204 Exp, 1/15/2012, 68311089

5) Royal View Farm, Keosauqua, Edgebrook Lir Lady 2 Exp Et, 12/19/2011, 68310722

6) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Megadeth Wrigley EXP, 9/5/2011, 68311080

Cow Four Years Old -- Sept. 1, 2010 - Aug. 31, 2011

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Michaels Lothario Ginger, 12/2/2010, 68308545

2) Green Knoll Farms, McGregor

3) Royal View Farm, Keosauqua, RoyalView OT Scarlet Ohara, 3/1/2011, 68308382

Cow Five Years Old -- Sept. 1, 2009 - Aug. 31, 2010

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Michaels Liriano Damoose EXP, 7/2/2010, 68307265

2) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Kings Winnie ET, 3/2/2010, 68306317

Aged Cow -- Before Sept. 1, 2009

1) Byers Dairy Farm, Milo, Innisfail St Lady 859 Exp, 9/2/2008, 68303582

2) Byers Dairy Farm, Milo, Innisfail Jo Emily 7042 Exp, 6/5/2007, 468166

3) Byers Dairy Farm, Milo, Innisfail Jo Lady 821, 4/16/2008, 68301259

4) Royal View Farm, Keosauqua, Mysha CD Raspberry, 6/30/2009, 68304718

5) Justamere Farm, Wayland, Justamere Susan, 6/10/2008, 68302023

6) Cherrywood Farm, Ackley, Easter Brook Bombay Marian, 1/19/2009, 68302950

Best Three Head

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis.

2) Elron Farms, Lost Nation

3) North Star Milking Shorthorns, Braham, Minn.

4) Justamere Farm, Wayland

5) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point

Best Four Head

1) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis.

2) Elron Farms, Lost Nation

3) Byers Dairy Farm, Milo

4) Royal View Farm, Keosauqua

5) Justamere Farm, Wayland

6) WoodCrest Farm, Strawberry Point

Junior Champion Female & Reserve

Champion) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., 442

Reserve) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., 420

Honorable Mention) Mysha Herd, St. Anthony, 470

Intermediate Champion Female & Reserve

Champion) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Innisfail - WO Mega Ladyluck ET

Reserve) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Megadeth Waveland EXP - ET

Honorable Mention) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Lazy M Mega Arizona

Senior Champion Female & Reserve

Champion) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Michaels Liriano Damoose EXP

Reserve) Byers Dairy Farm, Milo, Innisfail Jo Emily 7042 Exp

Honorable Mention) Byers Dairy Farm, Milo, Innisfail St Lady 859 Exp

Grand Champion Female & Reserve

Grand) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Innisfail - WO Mega Ladyluck ET

Res. Grand) Lazy M Farm, Stitzer, Wis., Michaels Liriano Damoose EXP

Honorable Mention) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Elron Megadeth Waveland EXP- ET

# # #

Everly Farm Sweeps Iowa State Fair Baby Doll Sheep Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Schoelermans Babydoll House of Everly took top honors in the Baby Doll Sheep show judged August 20 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. The farm was awarded the Champion and Reserve Champion Ram and Champion and Reserve Champion Ewe banners along with first place in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

Grammas Babydolls of Clark, S.D. took second place in the Premier Exhibitor contest and Michelle Harland of Nevada took third.

Additional results below (name, hometown and animal identification):

Yearling Ram

1) Michelle Harland, Nevada, Top Of The Town Downs 1405, 2/14/2014, 13254

2) Sheepfields Babydoll Southdowns, Wellsville, Kan., Sheepfields 635 Astro, 4/8/2014, 13115

Color Yearling Ram

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 17 Hershey, 3/1/2014, 13162

2) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 16 Cookie, 2/20/2014, 13161

3) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2501 RR, 3/25/2014, 13230

Fall Ram Lamb

1) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2720 RR, 12/30/2014, 14012

February Ram Lamb

1) Michelle Harland, Nevada, Top Of The Town Downs 1510, 2/22/2015, 14020

Color Ram Lamb -- All Ages

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 1528, 2/20/2015, 13914

2) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2684, 2/2/2015, 13935

3) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2668, 1/1/2015, 13935

4) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 1525, 2/15/2015

Pair of Ram Lambs

1) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D.

2) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly

Yearling Ewe

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 14 Snowflake, 1/28/2014, 13159

2) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 15 Cream, 2/20/2014, 13160

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada, Top Of The Town Downs 1408, 2/23/2014, 13256

4) Michelle Harland, Nevada, Top Of The Town Downs 1410, 2/28/2014, 13257

5) Sheepfields Babydoll Southdowns, Wellsville, Kan., Sheepfields 601 Stan, 4/8/2014, 13116

Color Yearling Ewe

1) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2415, 1/30/2014, 12938

2) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2414, 1/30/2014, 12937

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada, Top Of The Town Downs 1402, 2/15/2014, 13259

Pair of Yearling Ewes

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly

2) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D.

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada

January Ewe Lamb

1) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2690, 1/31/2015, 13746

February Ewe Lamb

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 1529, 2/21/2015

2) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 1526 Honey, 2/19/2015

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada, Top Of The Town Downs 1502, 2/17/2015, 14017

4) Michelle Harland, Nevada, Top Of The Town Downs 1506, 2/21/2015, 14018

March & After Ewe Lamb

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 1546, 3/1/2015

2) Sheepfields Babydoll Southdowns, Wellsville, Kan., Sheepfields 682 Fleecia, 3/7/2015, 14037

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada, Top Of The Town Downs 1509, 3/1/2015, 14019

4) Sheepfields Babydoll Southdowns, Wellsville, Kan., Sheepfields 681 Pandona, 3/12/2015, 14038

Color Ewe Lamb -- All Ages

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 1523 Sweetheart, 2/14/2015

2) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2722, 12/30/2014, 14013

3) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly, Schoelerman 1527 Ginger, 2/19/2015, 13916

4) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D., Fuller 2747, 3/11/2015, 13946

Pair of Ewe Lambs

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly

2) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D.

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada

Pair of Lambs

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly

2) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D.

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada

Young Flock

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly

2) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D.

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada

Flock

1) Schoelerman's Babydoll House, Everly

2) Grammas Babydolls, Clark, S.D.

3) Michelle Harland, Nevada

# # #

Iowans Win Top Honors in State Fair Shorthorn Cattle Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Rosemary Thompson of Gilman exhibited both the Grand Champion Bull and the Champion Iowa Bull in the Shorthorn Cattle Show judged August 22 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Braden Gabrielson of Belmond took home the Grand Champion Female and Champion Iowa Female Banners.

Landon Bolin of Dunlap exhibited the Reserve Champion Female and Mitchell Family Shorthorns of Waverly earned the Reserve Champion Bull banner.

Studer Shorthorns of Creston earned the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor awards.

Complete results below (names, hometowns, animal identification):

SHORTHORN

Shorthorn Plus Female -- After Sept. 1, 2013

1) Amanda Peterson, Hampton, SYMN Sadie, 5/6/2015

Shorthorn Plus Female -- After Sept. 1,2013

1) Berg Shorthorns, Osage, P Bergs Pams Plus 3127, 4/15/2015

2) Fusion Cattle, Metamora, Ill., FUZN Tiana 511, 4/28/2015

3) Fusion Cattle, Metamora, Ill., FUZN Miss Mojo 512, 4/16/2015

4) Delanie Erwin, New Virginia, PAHA Miss Elsa, 4/2/2015

Shorthorn Plus Female -- After Sept. 1, 2013

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, DSF Party Gal 102C, 3/2/2015, ar4219726

2) 6B Farms, Parkersburg, 6B Black Nan, 3/25/2015, pending

3) Mallory Bakley, Osceola, JDJ's Gin, 3/5/2015, *xAR63259

Shorthorn Plus Female -- After Sept. 1, 2013

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, DSF Sasha, 2/25/2015, AR63255

2) 6B Farms, Parkersburg, 6B Miss Jet, 2/23/2015, Pending

Shorthorn Plus Female -- After Sept. 1, 2013

1) Clark Farms Shorthorn, Pleasantville, K-Kim Mona Lisa 102B, 9/22/2014, AR62899

Shorthorn Plus Female -- After Sept. 1, 2013

1) Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, Sull Red Knight Magic, 6/11/2014, AR62876

2) Avery Bennett, Richland, WJMW SAPPHIRE MIRAGE ET, 5/27/2014, *xAR62338

Shorthorn Plus Female -- After Sept. 1, 2013

1) Abi Henderson, Ogden, Generally Fancee, 2/14/2014, *xAR60740

2) Jaylee Happe, Cherokee, UDE EVA 139 ET, 4/12/2014, *xAR62458

3) Macy Adamson, Creston, DSF SASHA 21B, 2/2/2014, AR60232

4) Ryan Thompson, Gilman, CYT Priscilla 402B, 2/27/2014, AR61109

Shorthorn Plus Female -- After Sept. 1, 2013

1) Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, Sull Might Tamale 4104, 1/24/2014, AR61279

Late Spring Heifer Calf -- After May 1, 2015

1) Loyd Shorthorn Cattle, New London, Loyds Jasmine 0915, 5/1/2015, 4220286

2) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, MTS REVIVAL 101C, 5/11/2015, 4219603

Early Spring Heifer Calf -- March 1 - April 30, 2015

1) Berg Shorthorns, Osage, P Bergs Bootycall, 4/25/2015, Pending

2) Rachel Puckett, Goose Lake, PP Lucky Sunshine, 4/26/2015, 4219228

3) Loyd Shorthorn Cattle, New London, Loyds Sophia 0715, 4/22/2015, 4220287

Early Spring Heifer Calf -- March 1 - April 30, 2015

1) Berg Shorthorns, Osage, P Bergs Strawberry 15, 4/10/2015, Pending

2) Rachel Puckett, Goose Lake, RP Sol 4R15, 4/14/2015, 4219091

3) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton, WAB Lucy, 4/4/2015, X4217623

4) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, JLS Queen Starlight, 4/12/2015, 4219697

5) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, JLS Pride Minnie, 4/9/2015, 4219161

Early Spring Heifer Calf -- March 1 - April 30, 2015

1) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart, Gilman's Sweet Lady 545 ET, 3/17/2015, *4218999

2) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, DSF Minnie Pearl 51C, 3/15/2015, 4218148

3) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton, WAB Patty, 3/17/2015, X4217622

Early Spring Heifer Calf -- March 1 - April 30, 2015

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, DSF Maple 48C, 3/10/2015, 4218752

Junior Heifer Calf -- Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2015

1) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage, Bergs Rosy Pride ET, 2/16/2015, x4217470

2) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart, Gilman's Vintage 510C, 2/18/2015, *X4218637

3) Haywood Cattle Co., Union, SLH ROAN RUBY 2015, 2/8/2015, X4218238

4) Brenda Cousins, Blairsburg, BRC Eli's Velvet Lady, 2/28/2015, x4219615

Junior Heifer Calf -- Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2015

1) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage, Bergs Ruby Pride et, 1/29/2015, x4217469

2) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart, Gilman's Fool 503C, 1/26/2015, *X4218843

3) Carter Barkema, Alexander, BARK DAMALI 1501, 1/17/2015, CM629080

4) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, DSF Country Dancer 8C, 1/17/2015, 4218121

5) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, DSF Queen 9C, 1/19/2015, 4218122

6) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart, Gilman's Party Doll, 1/22/2015, *X4218634

Junior Heifer Calf -- Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2015

1) Mitchell Family Shorthorns, Waverly, DRM Sweet Deception 502, 1/7/2015, 4217427

2) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, DSF Cinerella 6C, 1/16/2015, 4218119

3) Bates Shorthorns, Mount Pleasant, TB Angelique 5903, 1/3/2015, 4219326

4) Haywood Cattle Co., Union, SLH COUNTRY GRIL 1501, 1/14/2015, X4218239

Winter Heifer Calf -- Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2014

1) Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, Sull Roses at Knight, 11/9/2014, 4217071

2) Wasinger Cattle Company, Winnebago, Minn., DVW Zena's Journey 1214, 12/1/2014, 4217577

3) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, MTS BEAUTY 54B, 11/10/2014, 4219602

Senior Heifer Calf -- Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2014

1) Dalton Shanks, Colfax, CYT Destiny's Best 4205 ET, 10/21/2014, 4215898

2) Mitchell Family Shorthorns, Waverly, CYT Great Revival 4204 ET, 10/3/2014, 4217262

3) Reanna Obrecht, Harlan, O-Dale Cumberland 281, 10/25/2014, X4216978

4) Haywood Cattle Co., Union, SLH BJ'S ROAN BEAUTY 1416, 10/15/2014, X4214006

Senior Heifer Calf -- Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2014

1) Schrag Shorthorns, Marion, S.D., SS Chasing Dreams 4210, 9/18/2014, 4217511

Summer Yearling Female -- July 1 - Aug. 31, 2014

1) Rose Cattle, Amboy, Minn., DSF Beauty 114B, 7/3/2014, 4214349

2) Herman's Flatland Shorthorns, Osage, Flatlands Special Egg, 7/19/2014, x

3) Herman's Flatland Shorthorns, Osage, Flatlands Beacons Light, 9/29/2014, x

Late Spring Yearling Female -- May 1 - June 30, 2014

1) Delanie Erwin, New Virginia, SS Carmele 4102, 6/4/2014, *x4211835

2) Chanda Sunderman, College Springs, BMTS Velvet 147B, 6/5/2014, X4214757

Late Spring Yearling Female -- May 1 - June 30, 2014

1) Kane Adgerter, Marion, S.D., SS Myrtle Bo Monday, 5/1/2014, 4211826

2) Rolling Hills Cattle, Blakesburg, MCF Miss Uncle 4-2NB, 5/4/2014, *s4215391

3) Taylor Hofstatter, lowpoint, Ill., FUZN Layla 420, 5/2/2014, x4212620

4) Herman's Flatland Shorthorns, Osage, Flantlands, 5/11/2014, x

5) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton, WAB Crimson, 5/18/2014, X4208795

Early Spring Yearling Female -- March 1 - April 30, 2014

1) Bradan Gabrielson, Belmond, CYT Jane Flower 41117 ET, 4/25/2014, 4210116

2) Trent Hofstatter, low point, Ill., FUZN Augusta's Ruby 421, 4/14/2014, x4212613

3) Loyd Shorthorn Cattle, New London, Loyds Phoebe Too 0414, 4/11/2014, *X4210104

4) Ryleigh Obrecht, Harlan, Sull Crystel's Scarlet ET, 4/4/2014, 4213951

5) Briar Klaver, Woolstock, SULL Cherri Jubilee, 4/16/2014, X4211409

6) C&M Shorthorns, Letts, MB Thors Maxine 432, 4/19/2014, X4214356

Early Spring Yearling Female -- March 1 - April 30, 2014

1) Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, Sull Co's Martha 4101, 3/5/2014, 4211929

2) Mollie McCulloh, DeWitt, AVG Roset 114, 3/31/2014, X4215461

3) Schrag Shorthorns, Marion, S.D., SS Myrtle Bo Marie, 3/12/2014, 4211829

4) Whitney Reever, Glidden, Gilman's Sweet Lady 412B ET, 3/2/2014, X4210192f

5) C&M Shorthorns, Letts, DSC Demand Luck, 3/17/2014, X4213938

6) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton, WAB Emily, 3/4/2014, *X4208792

Junior Yearling Female -- Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2014

1) Amelia Schantz, Winnebago, Minn., DVW Rose Bud 234, 2/3/2014, 4208927

2) Parker Fitzpatrick, Churdan, SLH BJ's Country Girl, 2/7/2014, X4208482

Junior Yearling Female -- Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2014

1) Landon Bolin, Dunlap, SULL Rose Mary's Way ET, 1/6/2014, *x4211424

2) Mitchell Family Shorthorns, Waverly, DRM Sweet Beauty 402 ET, 1/9/2014, 4206606

3) Brooke Puckett, Goose Lake, SULL Crystal's Lucy Lu ET, 1/4/2014, *x4211923

Senior Yearling Female -- Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2013

1) Kara Gillespie, Nodaway, Elmo's Nellie Belly, 12/16/2013, 4214176

2) Alysa Hofstatter, Low Point, Ill., RFC Margies Jessica 225, 12/25/2013, x4205356

Cow/Calf

1) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart, Gilman's Party Doll 301A/ Calf DOB: 1/22/15, 1/16/2013, *X4196387

2) Symens Shorthorns, Hampton, FUZN Pioneer Queen 231/CALVES DOB: 5/28/15, 5/23/2012, 5/23/12

3) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, JLS VENTURES STARLIGHT(WITH CALF 04/12/2015), 2/18/2013, 4198020

4) Brenda Cousins, Blairsburg, BRC Eli's Lil Lady/ CALF DOB 2/28/15, 2/4/2012, *X4187632

Cow/Calf

1) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton, DSF Flossie, 2/23/2010, x4163929

2) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton, MTS Roseleaf/Calf DOB: 3/17/15, 3/11/2010, X4165319

3) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, SS REVIVAL 101 ET(WITH CALF 05/11/2015), 1/4/2011, 4180224

Group of Two Females

1) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage

2) Mitchell Family Shorthorns, Waverly

3) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart

4) Studer Shorthorns, Creston

5) Studer Shorthorns, Creston

6) Berg Shorthorns, Osage

7) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart

8) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton

9) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton

Shorthorn Plus Bull -- After January 1, 2013

1) JVM Cattle Company, Pella, JVM Monster 575C, 5/7/2015, pending

Shorthorn Plus Bull -- After January 1, 2013

1) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, JLS LITTLE JAKE, 3/21/2015, AR63488

Shorthorn Plus Bull -- After January 1, 2013

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, Studers Combo, 1/19/2015, AR63374

2) Bates Shorthorns, Mount Pleasant, TB Sam Starr 5352, 2/16/2015, ar63515

Shorthorn Plus Bull -- After January 1, 2013

1) Clark Farms Shorthorn, Pleasantville, K-Kim Absolute 105B, 9/25/2014, AR63429

Late Spring Bull Calf -- After May 1, 2015

1) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, MTS REVIVAL 35, 5/3/2015, 4219610

Early Spring Bull Calf -- March 1 - April 30, 2015

1) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage, Bergs Kristoff, 3/20/2015, pending

Junior Bull Calf -- Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2015

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, Studer's Crunch Time, 2/1/2015, A218709

2) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, Studer's chauffeur 29C, 2/10/2015, 4218714

3) Loyd Shorthorn Cattle, New London, Loyds Avenser Too, 2/25/2015, 4220285

Junior Bull Calf -- Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2015

1) Rosemary Thompson, Gilman, GCS Prince Charming, 1/16/2015, 4217758

2) Mitchell Family Shorthorns, Waverly, Mitch's Water Boy 503, 1/17/2015, 4218949

3) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, Studer's CY, 1/28/2015, 4218708

4) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart, Gilman's Abundant 502C, 1/25/2015, *X4218844

Winter Bull Calf -- Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2014

1) 6B Farms, Parkersburg, Oakview Abilene 433P, 11/13/2014, x4217865

2) Herman's Flatland Shorthorns, Osage, Flatlands Jackpot, 11/9/2014, x

3) 6B Farms, Parkersburg, JA Ruff Neck HL 4241, 11/6/2014, x4215660

4) Herman's Flatland Shorthorns, Osage, Flatlands Red Truth, 11/17/2014, x

Senior Bull Calf -- Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2014

1) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage, Bergs Olaf, 9/7/2014, x4217110

2) O-Dale Farms, Harlan, O-Dale Profit, 10/29/2014, *s4216976

3) Clark Farms Shorthorn, Pleasantville, CFS Ogallala, 10/21/2014, 4219923

Early Spring Yearling Bull -- March 1 - April 30, 2014

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, Studers Public Notice 56B, 3/15/2015, 4207891

Group of Two Bulls

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston

2) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage

3) Studer Shorthorns, Creston

4) Herman's Flatland Shorthorns, Osage

Super Cow Class

1) Berg Shorthorns, Osage

2) Studer Shorthorns, Creston

3) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart

4) Mitchell Family Shorthorns, Waverly

5) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton

Best Six Head

1) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage

2) Studer Shorthorns, Creston

3) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart

4) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton

Champion & Reserve Shorthorn Plus Female

Champion) Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, Sull Might Tamale 4104

Reserve) Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, Sull Red Night Magic

Champion & Reserve Spring Heifer Calf

Champion) Berg Shorthorns, Osage, P Bergs Bootycall

Reserve) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart, Gilmans Sweet Lady 545 ET

Champion & Reserve Junior Heifer Calf

Champion) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage, Bergs Ruby Pride ET

Reserve) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage, Bergs Rosy Pride ET

Champion & Reserve Senior Heifer Calf

Champion) Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, Sull Roses at Knight

Reserve) Schrag Shorthorns, Marion, S.D., SS Chasing Dreams 4210

Champion & Reserve Intermediate Female

Champion) Kane Adgerter, Marion, S.D., SS Myrtle Bo Monday

Reserve) Rolling Hills Miniature Herefords, Blakesburg, MCF Miss Uncle 4-2NB

Champion & Reserve Junior Female

Champion) Bradan Gabrielson, Belmond, CYT Jane Flower 41117 ET

Reserve) Sara Sullivan, Dunlap

Champion & Reserve Senior Female

Champion) Landon Bolin, Dunlap, Sull Rose Marys Way ET

Reserve) Mitchell Family Shorthorns, Waverly, DRM Sweet Beauty 402 ET

Champion & Reserve Cow/Calf

Champion) Gilman Shorthorns, Stuart, Gilmans Party Doll 301A w/ calf 1/22/15

Reserve) Evergreen Corner Shorthorns, Chariton, DSF Flossie

Champion & Reserve Shorthorn Plus Bull

Champion) Clark Farms Shorthorn, Pleasantville, K-Kim Absolute 105B

Reserve) JVM Cattle Company, Pella, JVM Monster 575C

Champion & Reserve Junior Bull Calf

Champion) Rosemary Thompson, Gilman, GCS Prince Charming

Reserve) Mitchell Family Shorthorns, Waverly

Champion & Reserve Senior Bull Calf

Champion) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage, Bergs Olaf

Reserve) 6B Farms, Parkersburg, Oakview Abiline 433P

Champion & Reserve Junior Bull

Champion) Studer Shorthorns, Creston, Studers Public Notice 56B

Premier Breeder

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston

Premier Exhibitor

1) Studer Shorthorns, Creston

Champion & Reserve Spring Bull Calf

Champion) Berg Stock and Grain Farms, Osage, Bergs Kristoff

Reserve) Long Family Shorthorns, Vinton, MTS REVIVAL 35

# # #

16 Sep 2015

Augustana College Illinois Ranks Among College Factual's Top 150 Best Colleges for Your Money

By Bill Phelan

Nationwide Rankings Focused on Outcomes-Based Data

TROY, NY (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Augustana College Illinois has been ranked 114 among the top 150 best colleges for your money nationwide by College Factual (www.collegefactual.com), a trusted resource that uses customizable tools and outcomes-based rankings systems to guide students through the college selection process.

In addition to Augustana College Illinois's ranking as an institution delivering top value for your educational dollar, the school has also ranked well in several other categories. All of these reflect Augustana College Illinois's high quality of education as compared to other schools on the list, which includes both research universities and liberal arts colleges. A number of outcomes-based factors were used to determine these rankings, including how well the institution retains and graduates students, the average loan debt per student, the boost in expected earnings, the percentage of full-time teachers, and the average student loan default rate.

These rankings include :

Most Focused for Biological and Biomedical Sciences - # 24 of # 1384
Best Value for Biological and Biomedical Sciences- # 20 of # 740

You can view all of Augustana College Illinois's rankings here: http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/augustana-college-illinois/rankings/badges/.

"We publish a variety of college rankings to get students and parents focused on key factors they need to consider when choosing a school," says Bill Phelan, CEO of College Factual. "How long it will it take you to graduate? 4 or 6 years? What will your expected earnings be, and how does that compare? What's the risk of student loan default? These are tough questions any prospective student should be asking and we highlight these factors throughout our ranking process."

With a focus on providing sought-after data and unique decision-making tools, College Factual puts the college rankings process in the hands of students and parents and not those of institutions or national publications.

College Factual's ranking system is based on a series of algorithms that include information from the Department of Education, nationally mandated data reporting for institutions, and Payscale.

For more information about College Factual's rankings, visit www.collegefactual.com or contact media@collegefactual.com.

16 Sep 2015

Eleven Wartburg students accepted into the Teacher Education Program

By Emily Christensen

WAVERLY, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Eleven Wartburg College students have been accepted into the Teacher Education Program.

Those students accepted include :

Courtney Belk, a American and World History Education major from Bettendorf

Allison Coe, a music therapy and music education major from Dixon

Students must demonstrate effective reflective components in teaching, pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam and complete several other requirements to be considered for the program.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program allows students to begin professional education courses in their field.

Wartburg, a four-year liberal arts college internationally recognized for community engagement, enrolls 1,661 students. Wartburg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and named after the castle in Germany where Martin Luther took refuge disguised as a knight during the stormy days of the Reformation while translating the Bible from Greek into German.

16 Sep 2015

News from the Iowa State Fair 9/15/2015

By Mindy Williamson

FFA Meat Goats Impress Judges at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Iowa FFA members showed their prized goats in the FFA Meat Goat show judged August 20 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Champion Market Goat: Kolton Malone, Winfield

Reserve Champion Market Goat: Chance Deppe, Bellevue

Champion Does: Gavin Meyer, Wilton

Reserve Champion Does: Kaylin Burr, Lone Tree

Champion Buck: Jason Miller, Bloomfield

Reserve Champion Buck: Riley Brown, Corydon

The Grand and Reserve Champion Market Goats, along with 14 other livestock champions, were auctioned in the prestigious Sale of Champions on Saturday, August 22. The event was sponsored by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, a non-profit organization established to encourage the pursuit of agriculture-related careers by Iowa's youth.

# # #

Top 4-H Horses Compete at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- 4-H members from across the state competed in the 4-H Horse and Pony competition judged August 13 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Champion English Walk/Trot (Grades 5-8): Grace Strief, Cascade

Reserve Champion English Walk/Trot (Grade 5-8): Jordan Rydl, Boone

Champion English Walk/Trot (Grades 9-12): Kirsten Snyder, Grimes

Reserve Champion English Walk/Trot (Grades 9-12): Calista Carr, Epworth

Champion Junior Hunter Under Saddle: Grace Strief, Cascade

Reserve Champion Junior Hunter Under Saddle: Grace Christensen, Audubon

Champion Senior Hunter Under Saddle: Jalyn Brownell, Westgate

Reserve Champion Senior Hunter Under Saddle: Calista Carr, Epworth

Champion Junior Hunt Seat Equitation: Grace Christensen, Audubon

Reserve Champion Junior Hunt Seat Equitation: Nicole Hintz, Carlisle

Champion Hunt Seat Equitation Sr.: Audrey Lester, Solon

Champion Junior Western Horsemanship: Makenna Pidgeon, New London

Reserve Champion Junior Western Horsemanship: Madison Strief, Cascade

Champion Senior Western Horsemanship: Cheyanne Hunt, Wapello

Reserve Champion Senior Western Horsemanship: Jennie Greene, Crawfordsville

Champion Miniature Horse Halter: Katlyn Kreutz, Wellman

Reserve Champion Miniature Horse Halter: Austin Stalder, Washington

Champion Halter Mare: Mallory Fisher, Marshalltown

Reserve Champion Halter Mare: Kourtney Condon, Barnum

Champion Halter Gelding: Stetson Spees, Fairfield

Reserve Champion Halter Gelding: Madison Burke, Dewitt

Champion Halter Pony: Bailey Bailey Godwin, Grand Junction

Reserve Champion Halter Pony: Julia Deppe, Waverly

Champion Junior Ranch Horse Western Pleasure: Josiah Cole, Altoona

Reserve Champion Junior Ranch Horse Western Pleasure: Carley Kintzle, Epworth

Champion Senior Ranch Horse Western Pleasure: Calyx TenHaken, Joice

Reserve Champion Senior Ranch Horse Western Pleasure: Maggie Dale, Lisbon

Champion Pole Bending: Bailey Ard, Sioux City

Reserve Champion Pole Bending: Tristan Travis, Creston

Champion Barrel Racing: Caitlyn Clair, Carlisle

Reserve Champion Barrel Racing: Morgan Buxton

Champion Flag Racing: Jacey Goodale, Rudd

Reserve Champion Flag Racing: Taciana Bilek, Clinton

Champion 2/3 Year Old Wester n Pleasure: Zena Davis, Denison

Reserve Champion 2/3 Year Old Western Pleasure: Abby DeWitt, Asbury

Champion Miniature Horse In-Hand Trail: Georgia Nisly, Kalona

Reserve Champion Miniature Horse In-Hand Trail: Hannah Borst, Adel

Champion Pony Pleasure: Gabrielle Marty, Solon

Reserve Champion Pony Pleasure: Ashley Reuman-Ball, Hills

# # #

Ribbons Awarded at Iowa State Fair Draft Pony Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Draft ponies earned honors during the show judged August 20 through 22 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Draft Pony Ladies Cart -- 48" & Under

1) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

2) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

3) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

4) Crystal Creek Farm, Prole

5) Kim Hols, Runnells

Draft Pony Cart -- 45"- 48"

1) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

2) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

3) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

4) Crystal Creek Farm, Prole

Draft Pony Team -- 38"- 45"

1) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

Draft Pony Team -- 45"- 48"

1) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

2) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

Draft Pony Unicorn Hitch -- 48" & Under

1) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

2) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

Four Draft Pony Hitch -- 48" & Under

1) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

2) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

Six Draft Pony Hitch -- 48" & Under

1) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

Draft Pony Youth Cart -- Driver 10 & Under

1) Kim Hols, Runnells

2) Kim Hols, Runnells

Draft Pony Youth Cart -- Driver 11-18 Years

1) Crystal Creek Farm, Prole

2) Kim Hols, Runnells

Draft Pony Youth Team -- Driver 18 & Under

1) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

Draft Pony Halter - Mare

1) Kim Hols, Runnells

Draft Pony Halter - Gelding

1) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

2) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

3) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

4) Wolf Farm, Farnhamville

# # #

Honors Awarded in English Society Horse Show at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- The English Society Horse Show took place August 18 through 20 in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Five-Gaited Open

1) Judy Gauger, Marengo

Five-Gaited Iowa Owned

1) Judy Gauger, Marengo

Five-Gaited Stake

1) Judy Gauger, Marengo

Three-Gaited Open

1) Green Wood Stables, Indianola

Three-Gaited Iowa Owned

1) Clif Paulsen, Cedar Falls

2) Green Wood Stables, Indianola

Three-Gaited Stake

1) Clif Paulsen, Cedar Falls

2) Green Wood Stables, Indianola

Three-Gaited Pleasure -- 17 & Under

1) Jennifer DeRoos, Urbandale

2) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

3) Clif Paulsen, Cedar Falls

4) Green Wood Stables, Ankeny

Three-Gaited Pleasure -- 18 & Over

1) Gretchen Stanislav, Granger

2) Delaney Morris, Norwalk

Three-Gaited Pleasure Stake

1) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

2) Jennifer DeRoos, Urbandale

3) Gretchen Stanislav, Granger

4) Clif Paulsen, Cedar Falls

Pleasure Model

1) Kelsi Keith-Rusch, Ottumwa

2) Clif Paulsen, Cedar Falls

3) Green Wood Stables, Ankeny

Five-Gaited Pleasure Horse

1) Deanne Mundt, Urbandale

Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake

1) Deanne Mundt, Urbandale

Country Pleasure English -- 17 & Under

1) Ron Beckman, West Burlington

2) Green Wood Stables, Norwalk

3) Tina Sherman, Marengo

Country Pleasure English -- 18 & Over

1) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

2) Kelsi Keith-Rusch, Ottumwa

3) Sara Eaton, Des Moines

4) Green Wood Stables, Norwalk

5) Terri Rocca, Iowa City

Country Pleasure English Stake

1) Ron Beckman, West Burlington

2) Sara Eaton, Des Moines

3) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

4) Terri Rocca, Iowa City

5) Tina Sherman, Marengo

Country Pleasure Western -- 18 & Over

1) HEARTLAND STABLES, Des Moine

2) Lesley Stucker, Johnston

3) Kim Herron, De Soto

4) Sandra Swalla, Newton

Country Pleasure Western Stake

1) HEARTLAND STABLES, Des Moine

2) Kim Herron, De Soto

3) Lesley Stucker, Johnston

4) Sandra Swalla, Newton

Country Pleasure Model

1) Marcia Pothoven, Pella

Fine Harness Iowa Owned

1) Julie Phillips, West Des Moines

Fine Harness Stake

1) Julie Phillips, West Des Moines

Park Pleasure

1) Sally Graf, Clive

2) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

Park Pleasure Stake

1) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

2) Sally Graf, Clive

Park Open

1) Susan Aschenbrenner, Urbandale

2) Ed Rhoads, Waverly, Ohio

3) Mary O'Keefe, Cumming

4) Kelsi Keith-Rusch, Ottumwa

Park Stake

1) Ed Rhoads, Waverly, Ohio

2) Mary Okeefe, Cumming

3) Kelsi Keith-Rusch, Ottumwa

Saddle Seat Equitation -- 17 & Under

1) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

2) Ron Beckman, West Burlington

Saddle Seat Equitation Stake

1) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

2) Ron Beckman, West Burlington

Hackney Pony Single

1) Heavenly Acres, Dysart

Hackney Pony Single Stake

1) Heavenly Acres, Dysart

Hackney Harness Pony Single

1) Rise & Shine Stables, Altoona

Hackney Harness Pony Single Stake

1) Rise & Shine Stables, Altoona

Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving

1) Heavenly Acres, Dysart

2) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

3) Clif Paulsen, Cedar Falls

4) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

5) Judith McDonough, Douds

Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Stake

1) Doug Anderson, Eldridge

2) Judith McDonough, Douds

3) Clif Paulsen, Cedar Falls

4) Heavenly Acres, Dysart

Roadster Pony Single - Open

1) Rise & Shine Stables, Altoona

2) Judith McDonough, Douds

Roadster Pony Single - Amateur

1) Rise & Shine Stables, Altoona

2) Judith McDonough, Douds

Roadster Pony Stake

1) Rise & Shine Stables, Altoona

2) Rise & Shine Stables, Altoona

3) Judith McDonough, Douds

Morgan Gelding at Halter

1) Mary and Lyle Borg, Pella

2) Mary and Lyle Borg, Pella

3) Judy Gauger, Marengo

Morgan Grand & Reserve Grand Champion

Grand) Mary and Lyle Borg, Pella

Res. Grand) Mary and Lyle Borg, Pella

Morgan Open Pleasure Driving

1) Mary and Lyle Borg, Pella

2) Judy Gauger, Marengo

3) Kenneth Ranney, Nora Springs

Morgan English Pleasure

1) Judy Gauger, Marengo

2) Tina Sherman, Marengo

Morgan Western Pleasure

1) Mary and Lyle Borg, Pella

2) Judy Gauger, Marengo

3) Kenneth Ranney, Nora Springs

Morgan Registered Hunter Pleasure

1) KENNETH RANNEY, Nora Springs

Arabian Halter

1) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

2) Ann Wallace, Ogden

3) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

4) Dream Catchers Farm Inc., Redfield

5) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

6) Vivkie Kempf, Keswick

Arabian/Half Arab. Hunter Pleasure - Open

1) Courtney Hoferman, Des Moines

2) Matthias Arabians, West Des Moines

3) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

4) Ann Wallace, Ogden

5) Lori & Rachel Feikema, Norwalk

6) Natalie Chere Patterson, Norwalk

Half Arabian Halter

1) Matthias Arabians, West Des Moines

2) Natalie & Heather Clement, Altoona

3) Dawn & Rick Ackerson, Indianola

4) Dawn & Rick Ackerson, Indianola

Arabian/Half Arab. Western Pleasure -- 17 & Under

1) Emmerson Burson, Norwalk

2) Misty or John Steingrabe, Prairie City

3) Misty or John Steingrabe, Prairie City

4) Natalie Chere Patterson, Norwalk

Arabian/Half Arab. Western Pleasure -- 18 & Over

1) Dawn & Rick Ackerson, Indianola

2) Angela Sommers, Norwalk

3) Courtney Hoferman, Des Moines

4) Misty or John Steingrabe, Prairie City

5) Vivkie Kempf, Keswick

6) Misty or John Steingrabe, Prairie City

Arabian/Half Arab. Country English Pleasure - Open

1) Emmerson Burson, Norwalk

2) Natalie & Heather Clement, Altoona

3) Nina Ung, Prole

4) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

5) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

6) Dream Catchers Farm Inc., Redfield

Arabian/Half Arab. Native Costume - Open

1) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

2) ERIN RUNDE, Kensett

3) Dream Catchers Farm Inc., Redfield

4) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

5) Dawn & Rick Ackerson, Indianola

Arabian/Half Arab. Western Pleasure Stake

1) Angela Sommers, Norwalk

2) Courtney Hoferman, Des Moines

3) Emmerson Burson, Norwalk

4) Dawn & Rick Ackerson, Indianola

5) Misty or John Steingrabe, Prairie City

Open Western Pleasure -- 17 & Under

1) Emmerson Burson, Norwalk

2) Misty or John Steingrabe, Prairie City

3) Misty or John Steingrabe, Prairie City

4) Natalie Chere Patterson, Norwalk

Open Eng/Hunt Seat Walk-Trot Pleasure -- 17 & Under

1) Natalie & Heather Clement, Altoona

2) Green Wood Stables, Norwalk

3) Nina Ung, Prole

Open Hunt Seat

1) Beth Doggett, Ottumwa

2) Natalie Chere Patterson, Norwalk

3) Lori & Rachel Feikema, Norwalk

4) Matthias Arabians, West Des Moines

5) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

Open Country English Pleasure

1) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

2) Terri Rocca, Iowa City

3) Green Wood Stables, Norwalk

4) Natalie & Heather Clement, Altoona

5) Green Wood Stables, Norwalk

6) Nina Ung, Prole

Open Western Pleasure -- 18 & Over

1) HEARTLAND STABLES, Des Moine

2) Courtney Hoferman, Des Moines

3) Angela Sommers, Norwalk

4) Lesley Stucker, Johnston

5) Dawn & Rick Ackerson, Indianola

6) Susan Aschenbrener, Urbandale

Open Novice English Pleasure

1) Delaney Morris, Norwalk

2) Green Wood Stables, Ankeny

3) Kelsi Keith-Rusch, Ottumwa

4) Dream Catchers Farm Inc., Redfield

5) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

Open Lead Line -- 6 & Under

Ribbon) Mary and Lyle Borg, Pella

Ribbon) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

Ribbon) Mary and Lyle Borg, Pella

Ribbon) Rise & Shine Stables, Altoona

Ribbon) ERIN RUNDE, Kensett

Ribbon) Judy Gauger, Marengo

Ribbon) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

Open Western Walk-Trot -- 17 & Under

1) Angela Sommers, Norwalk

2) Emmerson Burson, Norwalk

3) ERIN RUNDE, Kensett

4) Kim Herron, De Soto

Open Walk-Trot Western Pleasure -- Adult

1) Vickie Kempf, Keswick

Open Pleasure Driving

1) Wendy Finch-Levis, West Des Moines

2) Marcia Pothoven, Pella

3) Mary O'Keefe, Cumming

4) Stephanie GilChrist, Adel

Open English Pleasure

1) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

2) Wendy Finch-Levis, West Des Moines

3) Kelsi Keith-Rusch, Ottumwa

4) Tina Sherman, Marengo

5) Stephanie GilChrist, Adel

6) Deanne Mundt, Urbandale

Open English Pleasure Stake

1) Renae Van Zomeren, Leighton

2) Deanne Mundt, Urbandale

3) Kelsi Keith-Rusch, Ottumwa

4) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

5) Tina Sherman, Marengo

Open Pleasure Driving Stake

1) Wendy Finch-Levis, West Des Moines

2) Mary Okeefe, Cumming

3) Stephanie GilChrist, Adel

4) Marcia Pothoven, Pella

Open Hunt Seat Stake

1) Courtney Hoferman, Des Moines

2) Matthias Arabians, West Des Moines

3) Natalie Chere Patterson, Norwalk

4) Stephanie Barnard, Perry

5) Beth Doggett, Ottumwa

6) Lori & Rachel Feikema, Norwalk

# # #

Boer Goat Exhibitors Win Big at Iowa State Fair Show

DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Ribbons and banners were awarded at the Boer Goat Show judged August 23 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

COMMERCIAL DOES

Commercial Goat, class 1

1) Zeke Kauzlarich, Knoxville

2) Deppe Bros., Maquoketa

3) Harwood Farm, West Point

4) Harwood Farm, West Point

5) Break of Dawn Boer Goats, Lorimor

6) Harwood Farm, West Point

7) Nishna Valley Boer Goats, Atlantic

8) Lane Elmquist, Audubon

9) Break of Dawn Boer Goats, Lorimor

10) Scurr Bros. Boer Goats, Grinnell

Commercial Goat, class 2

1) Deppe Bros., Maquoketa

2) D&M Show Goats, Atalissa

3) Jay Lampe, Fort Madison

4) D&M Show Goats, Atalissa

5) Goretska Livestock, Corydon

6) Nishna Valley Boer Goats, Atlantic

7) K2 Ranch, Runnells

8) Andrew VanAernam, Exira

9) C & C Livestock, Wiota

Commercial Goat, class 3

1) Break of Dawn Boer Goats, Lorimor

2) Jay Lampe, Fort Madison

3) Goretska Livestock, Corydon

4) K2 Ranch, Runnells

Commercial Goat, class 4

1) K2 Ranch, Runnells

2) Goretska Livestock, Corydon

3) Girl & The Goat Farm, Badger

4) Girl & The Goat Farm, Badger

Grand Champion & Reserve Commercial Doe

Grand) Zeke Kauzlarich, Knoxville

Res. Grand) K2 Ranch, Runnells

FULL BLOOD BUCKS

Buck Kid -- 0 to Under 3 Months

1) JCRN Boer Goats, Grinnell

Buck Kid -- 3 to Under 6 Months

1) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

2) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

3) Lucky J Family Goats, Bloomfield

4) Kristy Adey, Altoona

5) Nick Pitlick, Jordan, Minn.

6) Bridgeport Boer Goats, Promise City

7) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

8) PJ Boer Goats, Knoxville

9) C&J Scholl Farms, Anita

10) Windy Knoll Boers, Kamrar

11) PJ Boer Goats, Knoxville

Buck Kid -- 6 to Under 9 Months

1) Harman Farms, Hull

2) Harman Farms, Hull

3) Austin Bergstrom, Mallard

4) C&J Scholl Farms, Anita

5) Break of Dawn Boer Goats, Lorimor

6) Trickman Boer Goats, Grinnell

7) Wylde Green Acres, Polk City

8) Girl & The Goat Farm, Badger

Buck Kid -- 9 to Under 12 Months

1) Diemer's Boer Goats, Hawkeye

2) JCRN Boer Goats, Grinnell

3) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

4) River Bottom Boer Goats, Riverside

5) Wylde Green Acres, Polk City

6) B&D Farms, Atlantic

Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion

Grand) Harman Farms, Hull

Res. Grand) Diemers Boer Goats, Hawkeye

FULLBLOOD/PUREBRED DOES

Doe Kid -- 3 to Under 6 Months

1) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

2) Nick Pitlick, Jordan, Minn.

3) JCRN Boer Goats, Grinnell

4) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

5) Diemer's Boer Goats, Hawkeye

6) Diemer's Boer Goats, Hawkeye

7) Ken-Mor Farms, Winfield

8) Kristy Adey, Altoona

9) Country River Farm, New Richland, Minn.

10) Groth Boer Goats, Zumbrota, Minn.

Doe Kid -- 6 to Under 9 Months

1) Lil Dudes Show Goats, Eddyville

2) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

3) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

4) Diemer's Boer Goats, Hawkeye

5) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

6) Madison Duncan, Gilman

7) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

8) H & H Show Goats, Eddyville

9) Weowna Boer Goat Farm, Indianola

10) Weowna Boer Goat Farm, Indianola

Doe Kid -- 9 to Under 12 Months

1) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

2) Emily Glosser, Ottumwa

3) Honey Hollow Boer Goats, Guernsey

4) Harman Farms, Hull

5) Emily Glosser, Ottumwa

6) Bridgeport Boer Goats, Promise City

7) H & H Show Goats, Eddyville

8) JCRN Boer Goats, Grinnell

9) JCRN Boer Goats, Grinnell

10) Wickys Rockin Boer Goats, Curlew

11) Groth Boer Goats, Zumbrota, Minn.

Yearling Doe -- 12 to Under 16 Months

1) River Bottom Boer Goats, Riverside

2) Weowna Boer Goat Farm, Indianola

3) Levi Collins, Knoxville

4) Shelby Dooley, Promise City

Yearling Doe -- 16 to Under 20 Months

1) River Bottom Boer Goats, Riverside

2) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

3) Nick Pitlick, Jordan, Minn.

4) Zeke Kauzlarich, Knoxville

5) Ryan 4 Sisters, Goodhue, Minn.

6) Ken-Mor Farms, Winfield

7) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

8) H & H Show Goats, Eddyville

9) Harman Farms, Hull

10) Shelby Dooley, Promise City

Yearling Doe -- 20 to Under 24 Months

1) Bridgeport Boer Goats, Promise City

2) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

3) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

4) PJ Boer Goats, Knoxville

5) Diemer's Boer Goats, Hawkeye

6) Weowna Boer Goat Farm, Indianola

7) Wickys Rockin Boer Goats, Curlew

8) 5R Farms, Earlham

9) McCormick Farms, Indianola

Two Year Old Doe -- 24 to Under 36 Months

1) Weowna Boer Goat Farm, Indianola

2) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

3) Wickys Rockin Boer Goats, Curlew

4) Ryan 4 Sisters, Goodhue, Minn.

Aged Doe -- 36 Months Plus

1) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

2) Harman Farms, Hull

3) Wickys Rockin Boer Goats, Curlew

4) Wylde Green Acres, Polk City

Junior Division Champion & Reserve

Champion) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

Reserve) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

Yearling Division Champion & Reserve

Champion) River Bottom Boer Goats, Riverside

Reserve) Bridgeport Boer Goats, Promise City

Senior Division Champion & Reserve

Champion) Weowna Boer Goat Farm, Indianola

Reserve) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion

Grand) River Bottom Boer Goats, Riverside

Res. Grand) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

OPEN MARKET

Open Market Wether, class 1

1) Finnegan Family, Walker

2) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

3) Sydney Klimesh, Calmar

4) Deppe Bros., Maquoketa

5) H & H Show Goats, Eddyville

6) Andrew VanAernam, Exira

7) Diversified Farms, Centerville

8) Mineart Farms, Earlham

Open Market Wether, class 2

1) Finnegan Family, Walker

2) Iehl Farm, Central City

3) Finnegan Family, Walker

4) Edler Simmentals, Gladbrook

5) Regel Boer Goats, Hawkeye

6) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

7) Hollow Tree Farm, Bethany, Mo.

8) Edler Simmentals, Gladbrook

9) 5R Farms, Earlham

Open Market Wether, class 3

1) Deppe Bros., Maquoketa

2) Sydney Klimesh, Calmar

3) Deppe Bros., Maquoketa

4) River Bottom Boer Goats, Riverside

5) J and E Livestock, Kasson, Minn.

6) Westerkamp Boer Goats, Keosauqua

7) D&M Show Goats, Atalissa

8) Hanna Bedwell, New Virginia

9) Finnegan Family, Walker

10) Iehl Farm, Central City

11) Goretska Livestock, Corydon

12) Nishna Valley Boer Goats, Atlantic

13) Edler Simmentals, Gladbrook

14) Edler Simmentals, Gladbrook

15) Fly "N" V Family Farms, Runnells

16) Rockin McCoy Ranch, Libertyville

17) McArtor Farms, Mount Pleasant

Open Market Wether, class 4

1) H & H Show Goats, Eddyville

2) Jay Lampe, Fort Madison

3) Finnegan Family, Walker

4) Diversified Farms, Centerville

5) Break of Dawn Boer Goats, Lorimor

6) D&M Show Goats, Atalissa

7) McArtor Farms, Mount Pleasant

8) Fly "N" V Family Farms, Runnells

9) McArtor Farms, Mount Pleasant

10) Mineart Farms, Earlham

11) Fly "N" V Family Farms, Runnells

Open Market Wether, class 5

1) Goretska Livestock, Corydon

2) Ken-Mor Farms, Winfield

3) Diversified Farms, Centerville

4) Austin Bauer, Kenyon, Minn.

5) Finnegan Family, Walker

6) Andrew VanAernam, Exira

7) Rockin McCoy Ranch, Libertyville

Open Market Doe

1) J and E Livestock, Kasson, Minn.

2) Deppe Bros., Maquoketa

3) Nishna Valley Boer Goats, Atlantic

4) Ken-Mor Farms, Winfield

5) North Star Boer Goats, Pine Island, Minn.

6) Jay Lampe, Fort Madison

7) Andrew VanAernam, Exira

Champion & Reserve Open Market Wether

Champion) Goretska Livestock, Corydon

Reserve) H & H Show Goats, Eddyville

Champion & Reserve Open Market Doe

Champion) J and E Livestock, Kasson, Minn.

Reserve) Deppe Bros., Maquoketa

Grand Champion & Reserve Market Goat

Grand) Goretska Livestock, Corydon

Res. Grand) H & H Show Goats, Eddyville

PERCENTAGE BOER DOES

Doe Kid -- 3 to Under 6 Months

1) Shelby Dooley, Promise City

2) Nick Pitlick, Jordan, Minn.

3) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

4) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

5) Shelby Dooley, Promise City

6) Ken-mor Farms, Winfield

7) Levi Collins, Knoxville

8) Dakota Creek Farms, Stanhope

9) Groth Boer Goats, Zumbrota, Minn.

Doe Kid -- 6 to Under 9 Months

1) C&J Scholl Farms, Anita

2) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

3) Lil Dudes Show Goats, Eddyville

4) McCormick Farms, Indianola

5) 1963, Moorland

6) B&D Farms, Atlantic

7) C & C Livestock, Wiota

8) Austin Bergstrom, Mallard

9) K2 Ranch, Runnells

10) Groth Boer Goats, Zumbrota, Minn.

11) Ryan 4 Sisters, Goodhue, Minn.

12) K2 Ranch, Runnells

13) Scurr Bros. Boer Goats, Grinnell

14) K2 Ranch, Runnells

15) Wickys Rockin Boer Goats, Curlew

Doe Kid -- 9 to Under 12 Months

1) Harman Farms, Hull

2) Lucky J Family Goats, Bloomfield

3) Ken-Mor Farms, Winfield

Yearling Doe -- 12 to under 16 months

1) C & C Livestock, Wiota

Yearling Doe -- 16 to Under 20 Months

1) Lucky J Family Goats, Bloomfield

2) Zeke Kauzlarich, Knoxville

3) C&J Scholl Farms, Anita

4) Trevor Clemens, What Cheer

5) 1963, Moorland

6) C & C Livestock, Wiota

7) C&J Scholl Farms, Anita

8) Harwood Farm, West Point

9) 1963, Moorland

10) Groth Boer Goats, Zumbrota, Minn.

Yearling Doe -- 20 to Under 24 Months

1) Madison Duncan, Gilman

2) Trickman Boer Goats, Grinnell

Two Year Old Doe -- 24 to Under 36 Months

1) Ken-Mor Farms, Winfield

2) K2 Ranch, Runnells

3) C & C Livestock, Wiota

4) Girl & The Goat Farm, Badger

Aged Doe -- 36 Months Plus

1) River Bottom Boer Goats, Riverside

2) B&D Farms, Atlantic

Junior Division Champion & Reserve

Champion) Shelby Dooley, Promise City

Reserve) Nick Pitlick, Jordan, Minn.

Yearling Division Champion & Reserve

Champion) Lucky J Family Goats, Bloomfield

Reserve) Zeke Kauzlarich, Knoxville

Senior Division Champion & Reserve

Champion) River Bottom Boer Goats, Riverside

Reserve) Ken-mor Farms, Winfield

Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion

Grand) Lucky J Family Goats, Bloomfield

Res. Grand) Zeke Kauzlarich, Knoxville

PREMIER & HERDSMANSHIP

Premier Breeder

1) Lamoni Farms Boer Goats, Davis City

Herdsmanship Award

1) JCRN Boer Goats, Grinnell

# # #

16 Sep 2015

News from Senator Grassley's Office Sept. 15, 2015

By Grassley Press

Grassley, Johnson Seek Answers from Justice Departmenton Immunity, Proffer Policy, Investigations

WASHINGTON - Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson, chairmen of the Judiciary and the Homeland Security and Government Affairs committees, are seeking answers from U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch about whether the Justice Department would deem a proffer session as a waiver of a witness's Fifth Amendment rights and whether the department has an ongoing criminal inquiry related to the witness.

The letter to Lynch comes after the attorneys for Bryan Pagliano, the former State Department employee responsible for servicing the private server of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, indicated that if he were compelled to testify, he would invoke his Fifth Amendment rights. The attorneys then responded to a subsequent request from Grassley and Johnson for a private discussion, known as a proffer session, so the committees could better understand what Pagliano's testimony would be if he were immunized and compelled to testify. Pagliano's attorneys replied that, among other things, any proffer session on the part of Pagliano or his attorneys may create a risk that he will later be deemed to have waived his constitutional protections.

Grassley and Johnson said that while the Justice Department generally prefers not to talk about ongoing cases, the information they are asking for is critical to help their committees make an informed decision about whether or not to exercise their statutory authority to seek an immunity order to obtain Pagliano's testimony for congressional oversight purposes. The senators said that understanding the precise nature of the FBI's inquiry into the use of the non-government server that was used to send or receive classified content by Clinton, the Justice Department's view of Pagliano's role in that inquiry, and the impact of any potential immunity order are important considerations for the committees as well as the department.

The senators added that whether to compel Pagliano's testimony is an important decision that their committees are not taking lightly, and obtaining information from the Justice Department will help to inform that decision-making process.

A copy of the text of the letter to Lynch is here. The signed copy can be found here.

Grassley in Bipartisan Push Urging Administration to Address Currency Manipulation in Trade Talks

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is part of a bipartisan group of senators urging United States Trade Representative Michael Froman and U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to more aggressively address currency issues in the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. In a letter to Froman and Lew, Grassley and his fellow senators requested an update on the Administration's efforts to address currency issues and reiterated concerns regarding foreign countries devaluing their currency.

"As you know, we have long been concerned about currency issues, which directly impact the competitiveness of workers in our states and across the country. However, recently China devalued its currency by over 4 percent," Grassley and colleagues including Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) wrote.

"We fear these recent currency interventions could lead to a pattern of competitive devaluation within the Asia-Pacific that could hurt U.S. workers and exports for years to come," they continued.

The senators have repeatedly called for TPP negotiations to include strong provisions that address currency manipulation, which hurts U.S. auto exports and workers.

Along with Grassley, Portman and Brown, today's letter was also signed by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.).

The full text of the letter can be found below and here.

16 Sep 2015

Local Health Partners Release Findings from the 2015 Quad Cities Community Health Assessment.

By Nicole Carkner

The Quad City Health Initiative, Genesis Health System, UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Community Health Care, Inc., Rock Island County Health Department and Scott County Health Department, are pleased to share their findings from the 2015 Quad Cities Community Health Assessment. The assessment and associated documents are available for viewing and download at http://quadcities.healthforecast.net and on the websites of the study sponsors.

This Community Health Assessment is a systematic, data-driven approach to determining the health status, behaviors and needs of residents in the Quad Cities Area. The study is a follow-up to similar studies conducted since 2002. This study is innovative for its alignment of methodology between the local health providers and public health systems.

The 2015 Community Health Assessment included a telephone survey of over 900 individuals in Scott and Rock Island counties, extensive secondary data analysis and the gathering of input and priorities from local community leaders. With funding provided by Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health-Trinity, the partners hired Professional Research Consultants of Omaha, NE to conduct a survey, analyze data and provide a comprehensive report. Additional secondary data analysis, stakeholder meetings and issue prioritization were administered by staff at the Rock Island and Scott County Health Departments with input from Community Health Care. Quad City Health Initiative staff facilitated the assessment work across the partnering organizations.

The integrated process met the assessment reporting requirements of the Scott County and Rock Island County Health Departments as well as the assessment requirements for Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health-Trinity as established by the Affordable Care Act. The assessment was designed to have wide benchmarking potential at the state and national levels, as well as to Healthy People 2020 targets.

"As members of the Quad City Health Initiative, our health organizations have a long history of partnering together. This is our fourth comprehensive community health assessment conducted since 2002 and in each cycle we've honed a process that is efficient and respectful of community stakeholders' time while also being effective in providing critical data for our community health improvement partners," says Nicole Carkner, Executive Director of the Quad City Health Initiative.

"We were one of the first communities in our region to successfully integrate health system and public health assessment processes," says Nita Ludwig, Administrator for the Rock Island County Health Department. "The comprehensive assessment provides data for the entire Quad Cities region that can be used by our community partners to improve the health of all Quad Citians."

"Our assessment process provides the foundation for greater alignment in developing community health improvement plans and recognizes the critical role of all community sectors in creating a healthy community," continues Ed Rivers, Director for the Scott County Health Department.

The 2015 Quad Cities Community Health Assessment identified some improvements in community health status since the prior assessments. Notably, a higher percentage of children have visited a dentist or dental clinic in the past year and fewer adults now smoke. In addition, the Quad Cities also fares better than the national average on selected indicators such as the percentage of adults who have health care insurance, low-weight births, and the percentage of adults and children who have had routine check-ups in the past year.

The findings of this study will be used to inform decisions and guide future efforts to improve health status and quality of life in our area. Issues identified in prior studies, such as the percentage of adults who have one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, continue to be a concern. "These findings renew the importance of addressing and promoting healthy behaviors such as healthy eating and active living," says Ken Croken, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Genesis Health System. "Although the Quad City Health Initiative has been responding to many of these challenges through its Be Healthy QC projects, we welcome this opportunity to highlight the importance of creating a culture that supports health and wellness."

One of the overarching themes of the assessment is that lower-income residents in the Quad Cities experience notably poorer health status including physical and mental health. "We understand that lower-income residents tend to have a higher prevalence of chronic disease but greater difficulty accessing healthcare," says Tom Bowman, CEO of Community Health Care, Inc. "It is very important for our community to understand how societal issues such as income and education levels translate to health status."

Qualitative input from community stakeholders also identified access to mental health care as a continuing priority for the Quad Cities. "Our community is at the forefront of developing integrated health care," says Pat Shouse, Vice President Community Advocacy, UnityPoint Health-Trinity. "Behavioral health and physical health are linked and we understand that we need to have an integrated approach. By having our primary and behavioral health providers working together and coordinating care with each other, there is an opportunity to better identify and provide for the total health needs for people and for our community."

Questions on the 2015 Community Health Assessment may be directed to the Quad City Health Initiative which will be working with the study sponsors to improve health status and quality of life through ongoing projects and community assessments. Please see our website for more information: www.qchealthinitiative.org.

16 Sep 2015

Sept 17th. 2015 ISE. " The Battle of Vienna : September 11th. 1683" by Narveen Aryaputri.

By Narveen Aryaputri

Independent Scholars Evenings

Sept 17th. 2015

" The Battle of Vienna.September 11^th. 1683 "

The battle that changed the course of History.

ByNarveen Aryaputri

Narveen will be discussing the significance of the battle that changed the course of History in light of current events today.

? September 11, 1565 (Battle of Malta ~ bitter Muslim defeat)
? September 11, 1683 (Battle of Vienna ~ bitter Muslim defeat)
? September 11, 1697 (Battle of Zenta ~ bitter Muslim defeat)
? September 11, 2001 (WTC, Pentagon, ???)
? September 11, 2012 (Benghazi)
? September 11, 2015 (Iranian/Persian nuclear bomb guarantee)

MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE PRESENT GROWS FATALLY FROM THE IGNORANCE OF THE PAST." (Marc Bloch)

Narveen is a professional artist and essayist. She is the owner of The Moline Commercial Club © 1895 which she restored and is currently developing.

Her professional work is available online.

2^nd Floor of the Moline Commercial Club

1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline. Illinois.

7.00 p.m.

16 Sep 2015

2015 Davenport City Primary Election

By Roland Caldwell

Absentee/Early Voting Ballots Available in Auditor's Office

DAVENPORT - Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz announced today that absentee/early voting ballots for the Davenport City Primary Election are available at the Auditor's Office beginning on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

Voting in the Auditor's Office will be between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Auditor's Office is located in the fifth floor of Scott County Administrative Building, 600 West 4th Street in Davenport.

Mail in ballots can be requested in writing from the Auditor's Office. Official Absentee Ballot Request forms are available on the Auditor's page of the Scott County website (http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/auditor/early-voting). These forms must be printed and mailed back to the Auditor's Office for processing. Forms can also be requested by calling the Auditor's Office at 326-8631.

Mail-in ballots must be received in the Auditor's Office by 8:00 p.m. on election day or be post marked on or before October 5, 2015 for counting after election day. Pursuant to Iowa law ballots which are received after election day without the post mark of October 5, 2015 or earlier cannot be counted. Mail-in ballots can also be hand delivered to the Auditor's Office prior to 8:00 p.m. on election day.

The primary election will reduce the number of candidates for office to two per office for the regular city election on November 3, 2015. Currently there are four candidates for Mayor, five candidates for two Alderman-at Large seats, three candidates for Second Ward Alderman, three candidates for Fourth Ward Alderman and three candidates for Fifth Ward Alderman.

For more information contact the Scott County Auditor's Office at 563-326-8631.

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USDA, DOI, and OMB Urge Congress to Fix the Fire Budget

RIVERSSANCE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL, 28 Years of fine art, food and music!

More news from the Iowa State Fair 9/15/2015

Augustana College Illinois Ranks Among College Factual's Top 150 Best Colleges for Your Money

Eleven Wartburg students accepted into the Teacher Education Program

News from the Iowa State Fair 9/15/2015

News from Senator Grassley's Office Sept. 15, 2015

Local Health Partners Release Findings from the 2015 Quad Cities Community Health Assessment.

Sept 17th. 2015 ISE. " The Battle of Vienna : September 11th. 1683" by Narveen Aryaputri.

2015 Davenport City Primary Election

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