17 Aug 2015

News from the Iowa State Fair 8/14/2015

By Mindy Williamson

Friday, August 14 Iowa StateFair Highlights

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2015)(readMedia)-- The first Friday of the 2015 Iowa State Fair is one for the books. With so much adventure and excitement to experience, here's a brief recap of what you may have missed and what to expect.

The giant pumpkin grown by David Davis of Bloomfield easily bested the competition to win the Giant Pumpkin Contest judged Friday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Davis, who happens to be the Davis County Sheriff, collected $1,900 in prize money for his 1,235-pound pumpkin. Shawn Huess of Johnston claimed second place and $850 with a pumpkin weighing in at 782-pounds. Stephanie Barnes of Bondurant earned third place and $450 with a 747-pound entry. The Iowa State Fair giant pumpkin record of 1,323 was sent in 2010.

The winners of the 2015 Iowa State Fair biggest animal competitions have begun their State Fair residencies.

"Big Mac" the Biggest Boar is on display in the Swine Barn. He weighed in at 1,166-pounds. "Zeus," the 428.5-pound Big Ram, is greeting visitors to the Sheep Barn and "Sampson" the 2,893-pound Super Bull is enjoying the Fair in the Cattle Barn.

All three will remain at the Iowa State Fair through August 23.

The grossest cake creations took top honors in the Chuck E. Cheese's Ugliest Cake competition, judged Thursday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Cassedy Clifton of Ankeny took home first place in the General Junior category, and Hanna Bedwell of New Virginia won first in the intermediate division. For themed entries, Jadyn Niemeyer of Zering won first for the junior division, and Bedwell won the intermediate division.

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FFA Members Stomp Out Competition in Iowa State Fair Beef Championship

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2015)(readMedia)-- FFA exhibitors competed in the Performance Beef Show judged Wednesday prior to the start of the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Entries were open to purebred, grade or crossbred market steers.

Jacob Smith, of Newton was awarded Top Showman.

Complete results below:

Choice Retail Beef - Window A

Champion: Ted Hilgerson, Elkader

Reserve Champion: Luke Orr, Elkader

Champion Produce: Luke Orr, Elkader

Reserve Champion Produce: Ashely Vanderheiden, Wheatland

Lean-Lite Beef - Window B

Champion: Dylan Golinghorst, Walcott

Reserve Champion: Lucas Looney, Wheatland

Champion Produce: Shana Hilgerson, Elkader

Reserve Champion Produce: Trevor Stevenson, Wheatland

Hotel-Restaurant Beef - Window C

Champion: Dylan Golinghorst, Walcott

Reserve Champion: Jacob Smith, Newton

Champion Produce: Ray Kurt, Cascade

Reserve Champion Produce: Jacob Looney, Wheatland

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Lookalikes and Copycats Have State Fair Crowd Seeing Double

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2015)(readMedia)-- Fairgoers and judges saw double and triple at the annual Twins, Triplets and More contest judged Thursday on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Under 1 Most Alike

1) Anna and Brynn Kundel, Granger

2) Clinton and Judah Robinson, Altoona

3) Cash and Archer Janssen, New Virginia

Under 1 Least Alike

1) Ella and Emma Nolan, Waukee

2) Andrew and Mia Yeomar, Washington

3) James and Rosalie Mantz, West Des Moines

Age 1 Most Alike

1) Avril and Becca Shahan, Jefferson

2) Quinn and Kylie Mckillip, Ankeny

3) Keegan and Sebastian Jones, Altoona

Age 1 Least Alike

1) EllyAna and Gage Branson, Melcher-Dallas

2) Penn and Crue Phillips, Urbandale

3) Brenna and Gemma Bodin, Ankeny

Age 2 Most Alike

1) Tell and Ethan Saylor, Cambridge

2) Mary and Vivian Chaplin, Ankeny

3) Rachel and Veronica Rathjen, Urbandale

Age 2 Least Alike

1) Coe and Crew Carter, Urbandale

2) Jameson and Eden Ortner, Slater

3) Sawyer and Lydon Stephenson

Age 3 Most Alike

1) Ashlyn and Jillian Whitehead, Nevada

2) Emma and Audrey Nielsen, Des Moines

3) Brooke and Katie DeVries, Monroe

Age 3 Least Alike

1) Rayni and Rylan Lynch, Cumming

2) Henry and Ava Schaffer, Ankeny

3) Lincoln and Jordyn Schnell, Urbandale

Age 4 Most Alike

1) Bradie and Brenna Bruck, Boone

2) Jacob and Jaiden Briggs, Rockwell City

Age 4 Least Alike

1) Mason and Jackson Carter, Eldridge

2) Harper and Hadley Reed, Des Moines

3) Aiden and Caleb Heggen, Colfax

Age 5 and 6 Most Alike

1) Jenna and Nora Grovert, Shellsburg

2) Avery and Aubry Fisher, Humboldt

3) Ada and Erie Roberts, Urbandale

Age 5 and 6 Least Alike

1) Hayden and Harper Jansen, Urbandale

2) Logan and Lucas McNeeley, West Des Moines

3) Zachary and Issac Thurpe, West Des Moines

Age 7 and 8 Most Alike

1) Ethan and Evan Tollari, Altoona

2) Maxx and Jett Tyler, Des Moines

3) Aimee and Ashley Martin, Polk Cit

Age 7 and 8 Least Alike

1) Anna And Logan Vandell, Deland

2) Kerrigan and Jamesyn Guthrie, Altoona

3) Trey and Emma Cort, Carlisle

Age 9-11 Most Alike

1 )Jasmine and Georgia Padget, Keosaqua

2) Addison and Alex Zaehringier, Davenport

3) Bailey and Bella Buerger, Mitchellville

Age 9-11 Least Alike

1) Abigail, Brenna, and Callie Lindgren, Oskaloosa

2) Jillian and Tessa Kniep, Mt. Air

3) Evan, Kenna, and Launa, Rathmell, Washington

Age 12-17 Most Alike

1) Aricka and Alexis Oppman,Manly

2) Aida and Alma Alibasic, Des Moines

3) Natalie and Karlyn Parkins, Indianola

Age 12-17 Least Alike

1) Wyatt and Brianna Shannon, Milo

2) Abby and Zoee Buffalo, Tama

3) Paige and Peyton Migby, Carroll

Age 18 and Over Most Alike

1) Doug and Donal May, Woodburn and Osceola

2) Kyle and Kory Miller, Ankeny and Charteroak

3) Megan and Jessica Fooken, Minburn and Urbandale.

Age 18 and Over Least Alike

1)Patty Garland and Betty Judkins, Altoona and Pleasant Hill

2) Glen and Dawnlee Cosner, Des Moines and Osceola

3) Reba and Anna Zeller, Bode

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Iowan Artists Compete in Iowa State Fair Contests

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2015)(readMedia)-- Ribbons were awarded to artistic Iowans in the Creative Arts contest judged prior to the start of the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Entries are on display throughout the Fair in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Complete results below:

BASKETRY

Reed or Splint

1) Maribeth Woolsey, Cedar Falls

2) Terry Dickinson-Talone, West Des Moines

Naturals

1) Terry Dickinson-Talone, West Des Moines

2) Maribeth Woolsey, Cedar Falls

3) Delayne Segar, Fort Dodge

Twill

1) Maribeth Woolsey, Cedar Falls

2) Delayne Segar, Fort Dodge

Coiled

1) Terry Dickinson-Talone, West Des Moines

2) Delayne Segar, Fort Dodge

3) Miriam Armintrout, Des Moines

Other than Named/Multi Media

1) Dick Meuler, Runnells

2) Beverly Pennell, Iowa City

Youth Class

1) Keifer Bedwell, New Virginia

2) Hanna Bedwell, New Virginia

3) Sophie Bell, Keota

Honorable Mention) Ellie Bell, Keota

BEADWORK

Handmade Beads/Pendants

1) Lody Steward, Haverhill

2) Ellen Olson, Ames

Needle Constructed Jewelry

1) Lody Steward, Haverhill

2) Janet Luing, Panora

Non Jewelry

1) Maureen Mondt, West Des Moines

2) Lody Steward, Haverhill

3) Ashley Hemphill, Polk City

Stringing

1) Lody Steward, Haverhill

2) Kris Davis Johnson, Altoona

3) Betty Shipler, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Pamela Webster, Ames

Metal/Wire Work

1) Margaret Enright, Clear Lake

2) Janet Luing, Panora

3) Lynn Schoelerman, Des Moines

CERAMICS

Professional Glaze

1) Wynanda Ferguson, West Des Moines

Professional Stain

1) Wynanda Ferguson, West Des Moines

Nonprofessional Glaze

1) Kate Will, Des Moines

2) Audrey McKinney, West Des Moines

3) Anita Kading, Stuart

Nonprofessional Stain with Antique

1) Anita Kading, Stuart

2) Shannon Lewis, Iowa

Nonprofessional Drybrush

1) Shannon Lewis, Iowa

2) Catherine Burch, West Des Moines

Hand Thrown or Sculptured Pottery

1) Barb Vaske, Urbandale

2) Kate Will, Des Moines

3) Audrey McKinney, West Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Sophia Szakacs, Urbandale

Seasonal Decorational (other than Christmas)

1) Anita Kading, Stuart

2) Wynanda Ferguson, West Des Moines

Senior Citizen (65 or older)

1) Leroy Orth, Ames

2) Esther Hoehns, Des Moines

Technique not Mentioned

1) Wynanda Ferguson, West Des Moines

2) Taylor Manning, Waukee

3) Kate Will, Des Moines

Youth Class

1) Audrey McKinney, West Des Moines

2) Abigail Hale, Bondurant

3) Sophie Bell, Keota

Honorable Mention) Gavin Palek, Slater

OTHER CREATIVE ARTS & CRAFTS

Decorated Wreath or Swag

1) Cecelia A. Mesecher, Pleasantville

2) Leroy Orth, Ames

3) Ronda Wicks, Pleasantville

Honorable Mention) Hanna Bedwell, New Virginia

Iowa Theme Art

1) Andrea Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Ronda Wicks, Pleasantville

3) Diane Plunkett, Marshalltown

Honorable Mention) Kathy Urich, Des Moines

Dolls - Other than Porcelain or Sewn

1) Carol Brooks, Le Claire

2) CrookedCrik Craft, Dexter

3) Amanda Arthur-Struss, West Des Moines

Flower Arrangement - Dried or Silk

1) Leroy Orth, Ames

2) Paula Graham, Marshalltown

3) Cecelia A. Mesecher, Pleasantville

Holiday Decoration - Other than Christmas

1) Ed Harkema, Montezuma

2) Hanna Bedwell, New Virginia

3) Cecelia A. Mesecher, Pleasantville

Honorable Mention) Barb Miller, Prairie City

Christmas Decoration

1) Cecelia A. Mesecher, Pleasantville

2) Therese Shumacher, Readlyn

3) Marlene Youde, Polk City

Jewelry - Other than Beadwork

1) Dick Meuler, Runnells

2) Hallie Henely, Cedar Rapids

3) Steve Vincent, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Barb Vaske, Urbandale

Gourds

1) Carl Cooper, Granger

2) Julie Hanel, Ankeny

3) Shirley Howes, Des Moines

Leather Craft

1) Pamela Webster, Ames

2) Larry Emehiser, Cedar Rapids

3) Steven Kepford, Marion

Duct Tape

1) Pamela Webster, Ames

2) Miriam Armintrout, Des Moines

3) Sara Harper, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Tom Webster, Ames

Metal Work

1) Steve Vincent, Des Moines

2) Susan (Sue) Kirk, Davenport

3) David Lammers, Sioux Center

Miscellaneous

1) Dennis Bresson, Waterloo

2) JoDee Glover, Churdan

3) Nicole Schoelerman, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Steve Vincent, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Brian Howe, Granger

Honorable Mention) Carolyn Routledge, Adel

Youth Class

1) Jayden Graves, Runnells

2) Caroline Gehring, Toddville

3) Sophie Bell, Keota

PAPER CRAFTS

Photo Scrap Book Page - Fair Theme

1) Barbara O. Hoffman, Des Moines

2) Diane Plunkett, Marshalltown

3) Candis Culp, West Des Moines

Photo Scrap Book Page - Holiday Theme

1) Leanna Gerald, Des Moines

2) Diane Plunkett, Marshalltown

3) Heidi Ball, Glidden

Photo Scrap Book Page - Heritage Theme

1) Diane Plunkett, Marshalltown

2) Barbara O. Hoffman, Des Moines

3) Leanna Gerald, Des Moines

Photo Scrap Book Page - Unique Techniques

1) Carla Lane, Waukee

2) Leanna Gerald, Des Moines

3) Margaret Rockwell, Ankeny

Rubber Stamp Art - Paper

1) Sandra Kavanagh, Urbandale

2) Kathy Anthony, Pleasant Hill

3) Marlene Youde, Polk City

Rubber Stamp Art - Other than Paper

1) Heidi Ball, Glidden

2) Sandra Kavanagh, Urbandale

3) Marlene Youde, Polk City

Mini Book

1) Taylor Manning, Waukee

2) Marlene Youde, Polk City

3) Heidi Ball, Glidden

Quilling

1) Barbara O. Hoffman, Des Moines

2) Betty Shipler, Des Moines

3) Marlene Youde, Polk City

Paper Craft - Cutting/Folding/Decoupage

1) Marlene Youde, Polk City

2) Candis Culp, West Des Moines

3) Kathy Urich, Des Moines

Youth Class

1) Keifer Bedwell, New Virginia

2) Macy Snyder, Glidden

3) Rosie Penar, West Des Moines

STAINED GLASS

Original Design

1) Evelyn Garns, Van Meter

2) Rod Simpson, Ames

3) Lee Cox, Des Moines

Copper Foil

1) Kristi Zeransky, Redfield

2) Rod Simpson, Ames

3) Mike Kauzlarich, Des Moines

Lead

1) Rod Simpson, Ames

Mosaic & Fused Glass

1) Lee Cox, Des Moines

3-D (lamps, etc.)

1) Joseph Carson, Cambridge

2) Evelyn Garns, Van Meter

3) Rod Simpson, Ames

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Acts Advance in Second Day of Iowa State Fair Talent Search

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2015)(readMedia)-- Six talented Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 56th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 20, Friday, August 21, or Saturday, August 22.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the acts are:

Lydia Fisher, 12, Wapello, Tap Dance

CiCi Chiodo, 12, Des Moines, Musical Theater Dance

Ty Stephany, 10, Altoona, Piano Solo

Jurnee Harvey, 12, Corning, Acro Dance

Emma Vetter, 12, Wilton, Tap Dance

Addison Powell, 11, Albia, Jazz/Acro Dance

Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the competition. Two Sprout acts will be crowned champions every day of the semi-finals. The six winning acts will perform in the talent-packed championship set for Sunday, August 23, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor KCWI.

Each of the six Sprout Champions will receive a prize of $250 after the Championship Show. More than $16,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined. This year's contest is sponsored by Hy-Vee.

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14 Aug 2015

Pioneer Village Labor Day Weekend

By Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village

Sunday, September 6th and Monday, September 7th

11:00 am until 5:00 pm

Adult $2.00, Child $1.00

Food vendors, ice cream, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, rope making.

Johnny Cash music by Charlie & Holly.  Accordian music by John & Kay Retzl

Native American Presentation and a Wild West Show

Watermelon seed spitting contest, potato sack races, potato & ladle relays, kids crafts.

Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village

18817 - 290th Street, Long Grove, Iowa 52756  

563-328-3283

North of Scott County Park on 290th Street

14 Aug 2015

New Jersey has the Shore; Kentucky has the Derby; Iowa has the Fair.

By University of Iowa Press

History of the Iowa State Fair

The University of Iowa Press is proud to present our newest Iowa and the Midwest Experience series title, Carnival in the Countryside: The History of the Iowa State Fair, by Chris Rasmussen.

Praise for Carnival in the Countryside
"Chris Rasmussen's Carnival in the Countryside offers a fascinating saga of one of the most heralded midwestern institutions of our day: the Iowa State Fair and its famous butter cow. Beyond Hollywood's image of a young Pat Boone playing a strapping country boy adrift in Des Moines, beyond a nineteenth-century history that invites nostalgia for the family farm, the author puts the fair at the center of a critical debate over rural values versus urban ones, scandalous entertainments versus learning and enterprise, and the future of an Iowa that has managed to churn its disagreements into a proud independence of mind and spirit."--Karal Ann Marling,Blue Ribbon: A Social and Pictorial History of the Minnesota State Fair
14 Aug 2015

Smiddy Votes to Pass Federal Funds to Those in Need

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To reduce the pain resulting from the absence of a full year's state budget, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation on Wednesday passing over $4 billion of federal money to Illinois' most vulnerable residents.
"Much of the aid that many families need is available as a result of our partnerships with the federal government, and this funding shouldn't be held up due to Illinois' current budgeting problems," Smiddy said. "There is more work to be done to craft a fiscally responsible budget that helps those in need, but passing these federal dollars on to our most vulnerable will help reduce the suffering caused by the current budget dispute."
Smiddy voted to pass Senate Bill 2042, which spends $4.8 billion of federal funds on services in Illinois, including disaster relief, school funding grants, elder abuse prevention, community services for developmental disabilities, and domestic violence victim services. This bill is expected to receive the support of the Senate and the governor to become law.
Smiddy also approved an amendment that contained additional dollars to support heating and cooling assistance for low income families, home delivered meals for seniors, breast and cervical cancer screenings, support for veteran's homes and other vital services. Many of these programs have not been able to serve those in need as a result of Illinois' lack of a state budget. However, the governor and House republican members refused to support this money, and the final bill did not include it.
"The first step to any compromise is finding common ground, and I appreciate the collaboration we reached to release billions of dollars in federal money that many people depend on," Smiddy said. "In the process, however, many Illinoisans were still left by the wayside. People are in desperate need, and I will continue working to meet the basic needs of children, homebound seniors, cancer survivors and working families even if not everyone agrees they are a priority."
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14 Aug 2015

Grassley on Social Security's 80th anniversary

By Grassley Press

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the 80th anniversary of Social Security.  Grassley is the former chairman and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has legislative and oversight jurisdiction of Social Security.

"Generations of Americans have been protected against poverty, thanks in large part to this social safety net signed into law 80 years ago.  Social Security is one of the three legs of the retirement savings stool, along with personal savings and pensions.  Social Security's structure hasn't changed in 80 years, but the demographics have changed.  The worker to retiree ratio has declined significantly.  This presents a challenge, especially with baby boomer retirement.  Congress has an obligation to find bipartisan solutions to strengthen and improve Social Security for generations to come.  We also have an obligation to fight fraud.  Every dollar that goes to waste, fraud and abuse robs the program and beneficiaries."
14 Aug 2015

Former Congressman Jim Leach Joins Iowa Pays the Price

By Brad Anderson
Iowa Pays the Price bipartisan Steering Committee expands across the state
DES MOINES, Iowa - Today, "Iowa Pays the Price," a non-partisan organization highlighting the need to reform the issue of money in politics, is proud to announce former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach has joined the organization as a co-chair.  

Leach served as a Republican member of Congress from 1977 to 2007 and currently serves as a visiting professor of law at the University of Iowa.  Since leaving Congress he has expressed particular concern about the Supreme Court ruling referred to as "Citizens United" which he believes misreads American history and misunderstands our Constitutional heritage.  "In a linguistic gyration," Leach notes, "the Court holds that 'money' is 'speech' and that inanimate corporations have 1st Amendment rights to infuse in the political process unconstrained levels of funds.  Because the powers granted corporations by the Court now exceed the rights and capacities of individual citizens, the nature of the individual rights centered democracy that our founders envisioned and that successor generations refined is in transition," Leach contends.  "The case for reversing the corporatism that has taken hold and restraining the egregious role of money in politics is compelling.  'Iowa Pays the Price' is helping lead the way."

Iowa Pays the Price continues to gain momentum on both sides of the aisle across the state.  In addition to Congressman Leach's joining our organization we are pleased to announce our bipartisan, statewide steering committee made up of activists and leaders across Iowa who believe there is too much money in politics and the time has come for meaningful election reform.  

IOWA PAYS THE PRICE STEERING COMMITTEE:

•    Myrna Beeber (R-Guthrie): Myrna is a longtime GOP activist from Guthrie County. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Guthrie County GOP Central Committee and resides in Yale, IA.

•    Randall Ericksen (R-Buena Vista): Ericksen is longtime resident of Buena Vista County.  He currently serves as the County Chair for the Republican party.   Before retiring, he worked for a marketing firm as the political advisor for many local and national campaigns.

•   Laura Hubka (D-Howard): Laura is a Navy veteran and ultrasound technologist living in Riceville with her husband Kenny. Laura is Chair of the Howard County Democrats and Vice Chair of the Tri-County Democrats. She is also Co Chair of Iowa Veterans Outreach at Democratic National Committee.

•   Marlon Mormann (R-Polk): Mormann is a lifelong conservative Republican and 2012 precinct organizer for Mitt Romney.  Mormann earned his J.D. from the University of Nebraska and is a former unemployment judge who is now in private civil practice in Des Moines, Iowa

•    Penny Rosfjord (D-Woodbury): Penny is the chair of the Woodbury County Democrats and serves on the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee.  She is a medical secretary for Mercy Medical in Sioux City, where she lives with her husband Jim. 

•    Steve Sovern (D-Linn): Sen. Sovern has been a champion for campaign finance reform since his days in the Iowa Senate. Since that time, he has worked as a successful professional mediator. Sovern is involved in many organizations in his home city of Cedar Rapids.

•    John Stone (D-Cerro Gordo): John is the chair of the Cerro Gordo County Democrats. He is a lifelong resident of Mason City, where he has been involved in the community and in politics nearly his whole life.

•    David Yansky (R-Johnson): David is active in the political arena and is currently serving in the roll Co-Chair of the Johnson County Republicans and member of the Republican 2nd District committee. Dave is currently employed with a high tech firm in Cedar Rapids as a manager but with Diane also share a lucrative hobby that turned into a business - buying older homes in disrepair and rebuilding them into nice homes for families.  

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14 Aug 2015

September MRA Training Events

By Kathy Riley

MRA - The Management Association, 3800 Avenue of the Cities, Suite 100 in Moline, Illinois has several training events planned in September.

September 3 & September 17: 8 AM - 4 PM, Principles of Leadership Excellence Series: Module 3 - Culture, Motivation, and Aligning Goals with Strategies. The goal of the Principles of Leadership Excellence Certificate Series (PLX) is to provide you with opportunities to learn the skills, behaviors, and knowledge needed for effective, successful leadership.  Cost is MRA Members: $495  Nonmembers:$655 (Pricing also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

September 10 & September 11: 8 AM - 3:30 PM, FMLA Administration in the Real World - A Method to the Madness.  This is the premier course for those responsible for FMLA Administration and teaches the full leave life cycle from when an employer learns of the need for leave through the employee's return to work.  Cost is MRA Members: $460  Nonmembers: $665.

September 10: 8 AM - 4 PM, Administrative Professionals Certificate Series: Leadership Skills for the Administrative Professional.  Learning professional skills to be more effective in the workplace.  Participants explore their individual communication style and ways to improve their communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills.  Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 4 module series).

September 18: 8 AM - 3:30 PM, Meeting Facilitation Skills.  A good meeting facilitator has the skills to make ordinary group meetings dynamic and productive.  In this program participants practice using skills and tools that help keep meetings on track and groups moving forward.  Cost is MRA members: $250  Nonmembers: $340.

September 22: 8 AM - 4 PM, Frontline Leadership Certificate Series: Motivation and Trust Building.  Group leaders learn how to meet the demands of leading work, while doing work.  This program gives participants a practical understanding of basic leadership skills, work values, organizational responsibility, and trust building.  Cost is MRA Members: $250  Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 5 module series).

September 24: 8 AM - 4 PM, Emotionally Intelligent Leader.  Participants in this program learn critical skills necessary to effectively understand and use emotion constructively in the workplace.  Cost is MRA Members: $275  Nonmembers: $360.

September 24: 8 AM - 4 PM, Administrative Professionals Certificate Series: Juggling Multiple Priorities for Administrative Professionals.  Time cannot be managed. Time is uncontrollable; therefore, you can only manage yourself and your use of the time you have.  Identify time stealers and learn how to pinpoint where you need to take control by dealing with procrastination, interruptions, and stress.  Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 4 module series).

September 29: 8 AM - 4 PM, Frontline Leadership Certificate Series: Communication Skills.  This workshop helps group leaders become more effective communicators with both their workers and their supervisors.  Participants gain effective listening skills and the ability to give and receive feedback.  Cost is MRA Members: $250  Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 5 module series).

To register for any of these courses, or for more details, contact Kathy Riley at 309.277.4186 or at Kathy.riley@mranet.org.  You can also find training information on our website at www.mranet.org/Training-Events.


14 Aug 2015

SUBJECT: MRA/ASSE Annual Safety Conference

By Kathy Riley

MRA brings safety training to the Quad Cities in partnership with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).  Engage in the latest safety topics and select specific sessions with tracks focused on manufacturing, construction, and small business.

On Friday, October 2, 2015 from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, the MRA Safety Conference will be held at the i-Wireless Center located at 1201 River Drive in Moline, Illinois.

Cost is: Early Bird Registration until August 25, 2015 MRA/ASSE Members: $125 Nonmembers: $175.  After August 25, 2015, MRA/ASSE Members: $175 Nonmembers: $200.  Registration includes Vendor Fair, Keynote Speaker, Breakout sessions and Breakfast and Lunch.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities are also available.

For more information or to register, contact Kathy Riley, MRA Member Relations Coordinator at 309.277.4186 or at Kathy.riley@mranet.org or go to our website at www.mranet.org/Training-Events/Conferences-Special-Events/Safety-Conference.

About MRA-The Management Association
Founded in 1901, MRA-The Management is a not-for-profit employer association that serves more than 4,000 employers throughout the Midwest, covering 800,000+ employees. As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its member organizations thrive by creating powerful teams and safe, successful workplaces. MRA conducts more than 2,000 learning events each year. Members of MRA also receive access to expert guidance, best practices, professionally facilitated roundtables, essential tools, and dozens of business services in the areas of human resources and training. MRA is headquartered in Waukesha, Wis., and has regional offices in Palatine, Ill.; Moline, Ill.; and Plymouth, Minn. To learn more and to become a member of MRA, visit www.mranet.org.

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14 Aug 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 08/14/15

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

CALENDAR

Register now to take part in the 2015 Tug Fest 5K and 1 Mile Color Fun Run! When: August 15; Time: 8am; Where: Race starts and ends at Pleasant Valley Jr. High. There will be water stations on the race course and food and refreshments provided by Slagle's after the race.  Awards for top finishers. Early registrants receive a free T-Shirt! Find race registration information at www.tugfest.com

 

August 13th-15th - Tug Fest! Carnival wristband night on Thursday. Parade and huge fireworks display on Friday evening. Saturday morning there is a 5K Run/1Mile Color Fun Run and kids' tug is at 11am. The main event, tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois, is from 12:30-3:00pm on Saturday. Details can be found at www.tugfest.com

 

August 13th - 16th - Blue Iguana $2.50 cans through Tug Fest!

 

August 13th - Ribbon Cutting - Abundant Health Chiropractic 878 Middle Creek Rd, Bettendorf. 11:30a.m. - Everyone Welcome!

 

August 14th - Wide River Winery Live Music Pieces of Candy 5-8p.m.

 

August 14th - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck - Lewis Knudsen - 6-9pm

 

August 19th - Buffalo Bill Museum featured on American Pickers History Channel 8p.m. The Pickers made a donation to the Museum, and this will be featured on the show!

 

August 21st - Movies in the Park to benefit LeClaire Youth Baseball & Softball. Join us for one last summer's night of fun with dinner and movies with family and friends! Gate opens at 6pm at Veteran's Memorial Field on N. 3rd Street in LeClaire. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be open serving Happy Joe's Pizza. No outside food or drinks allowed. Meet Happy the Dog from Happy Joe's. There will be a 50/50 Raffle and "Minute to Win It" games. The first movie, "Sandlot," will start at dusk with a 15 minute intermission followed by "Jurassic Park." Free admission; donations accepted. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LeClaire-Youth-Baseball-Softball/1585779614981545?fref=nf

 

August 21st - Wide River Winery Live Music The Ripplers 5-8p.m.

 

August 21st - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck - Jordan Danielson - 6-9pm

 

August 22nd - LIVEFIT WITH LUPUS 2nd Annual Golf Outing 1pm - Palmer Hills, Bettendorf. $78 ($68 before Aug 1) includes cart, prizes, t-shirt, dinner following outing Contact Marcia@livefitwithlupus.org or getmeregistered.com

 

August 22nd - MS Golf Outing - Hidden Hills Golf Course. 1pm. $70 person/ 4 person team.

Registration Includes: 18 holes of golf with cart, tee package with sleeve of Wilson golf balls, a koozie, a commemorative tee shirt,  participation in flag events with prizes and a scoring/awards party.  Dinner buffet and two complimentary drinks at the Bierstube following completion of play.

 

August 23rd - Buffalo Bill Museum 1pm dedication of the 1939 Chris Craft display donated by the Suiter family in the River Pilot's Pier. Refreshments will be served.

 

August 24th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall 8a.m.

 

August 26th - Princeton Community Center - An Afternoon of Euchre beginning around 12:30 p.m.  Anyone interested in lunch can meet at 11:30 a.m. and we will order from Go Fish. Event co-sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church. Coffee and dessert included. No fee to play.

 

August 28th - Wide River Winery Live Music HC Wallace 5-8p.m.

 

August 28th - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck Louis Knudsen - 6-9pm

 

Through August 31st - Isabel Bloom Stop in an pick up the new fall flyer and Save $10 on our set of 3 Gourds!

 

SAVE THE DATE

September 4th - First Friday in LeClaire

Wide River Winery - Live Music The Old 57s - 5-8pm

 

September 4th - LeClaire Civic Club Community Food Drive for non-perishable items, and cash donations, from 5-7p.m., parking lot in the 100 block of South Cody Road.  Donors will be able to drive up, drop-off, and never leave their car.

 

September 5th - LeClaire Civic Club Community Food Drive for non-perishable items, and cash donations, from 9-11a.m., parking lot in the 100 block of South Cody Road.  Donors will be able to drive up, drop-off, and never leave their car.

 

September 8th - Chamber Networking Event, Steventon's 5:30-7p.m. Everyone Welcome!

 

September 11th - Wide River Winery Live Music - Whoozdads 5-8p.m.

 

September 18th - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Night for Nepal Gala to benefit victims of the recent earthquakes in Nepal.  The First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and the Quad City Nepalese Society (QCNS) are partnering, 4:30-8:30 pm. Nepalese native dance and music and American desserts. $10 per person; $5 for children, 8 years and under. Carnival games for the children (4:30-6:30 pm), live auction and silent auctions. There is desperate need in Nepal since the earthquakes and aftershocks in April and May, 2015. We are accepting donations for the auctions and financial contributions to our Nepalese relief fund. Come, bring your friends and enjoy a fun evening for a good cause.

 

September 18th - Wide River Winery Live Music Jordan Danielson 5-8p.m.

 

September 19th - Twilight Dinner Cruise sponsored by the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a prime rib dinner and three hour cruise. Board at 4:30pm; cruise leaves promptly at 5pm. Cost is $45 per person. Purchase tickets at LeClaire, Iowa banks - First Central State Bank or Black Hawk Bank & Trust. Call Debbie at 563-289-2265 for more information.

 

September 25th - Wide River Winery Live Music Pieces of Candy 5-8p.m.

 

September 26th - Oktoberfest Celebration in Colona. 2-7pm. Enjoy Bierstube food and beer. Live music from Austrian band. Join us at the Bierstube for our Oktoberfest & for more food, beer & live music! 8-11pm

 

September 28th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall 8a.m.

 

October 24th - Foursquare Riverside Church Please join us on the levee for Le Claire's annual Witches Walk on Saturday October 24th (rain date 31st). If you would like to donate or help with this event please contact. Jenna Graff?, graff.jenna@gmail.com (717)580-1101 or Riverside Church, connect@riversidefoursquare.org, (563)-289-7712

 

FYI

Looking for Strolling Santas and Other Characters for Christmas in LeClaire! Volunteers for Friday evening after 4 p.m. Sat. from 11 until 7pm and Sunday from 12 noon until 3pm. Great Costumes and goodies to pass out provided! Just bring your Holiday Spirit and Smile to show everyone our community's spirit and zest for fun!  Call Kim and leave message - 563-289-5699. 4 to 6 women and 8 to 12 men needed for short shifts and longer periods to stroll and be on the trolley!

 

Reusable Usables - Every Sunday at 1:30 RU features "Re-purposed Sunday Art" with a new re-purposed project each week!

 

Expressions in Threads - The Row by Row Experience is a nationwide event that runs from June 21st through September 8th in which participating shops create a unique quilt row created by each, individual shop, based on a central theme, this year's them is water. Customers can travel to participating shops like Expressions in Threads and collect the row we've created, along with our shop's license plate, specially designed for the Row by Row event. For more information, go to: http://www.expressionsinthreads.com/module/events.htm?year=2015&month=Jun&day=22&eventId=803020

 

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

 

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. You will be contacted with confirmation of being included in the agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Milestones Area Agency, which serves meals to the elderly at the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and delivers meals to homebound seniors, is looking for someone to help deliver meals on Mondays, from 11 am to 12 noon. You would receive training in August and begin in September. This is a quick job,that is deeply appreciated by those receiving the meals and their families. Could you help two or more Mondays a month? If so, call Heide at 563-289-3646.

 

Pick up the LeClaire information guide at the LeClaire Information Center. It has many photos and great information for everyone including residents, potential residents, visitors, realtors, relocation personnel, schools, and more! Summer hours have started: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 122 N. Cody Road. LIC Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

 

PROPERTY LISTINGS

House for Rent 926 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Ia.  Available September 1st.  $1100/ month.  Charming farmhouse on acreage with beautiful river view.  2 bedroom possible 3rd.

Lawn mowing, and snow removal provided. Walking distance to Slagle's grocery store.  Contact Penny Molumby 563-210-5662.

 

The shop building with upstairs apt. at 123 S Cody is for sale. For information please call D.R. Peterson at 563-289-5958.

Commercial Property for Rent - 1405 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. 2,500 SF newly constructed office/retail space. Co-Tenant Snap Fitness. Owner will subdivide space. Private parking lot. ADA compliant. Contact: Meg Halligan, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, mhalligan@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000 Website Link: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7032508

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

 

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

August 29th - Vettes on the River - LeClaire Levee

August 13-15 - Tug Fest

October 11 - LeClaire Apple Fest 11am to 4pm on the LeClaire Levee.  More to come!

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

 

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

September 8th - Steventon's - Evening Event - 5:30p.m.

October 13th - Bierstube - Lunch - noon

14 Aug 2015

Just Announced - Darius Rucker

By Stephani Nagle
SOUTHERN STYLE TOUR
DARIUS RUCKER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
DAVID NAIL
A THOUSAND HORSES
Saturday, November 14
iWireless Center
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 10AM!
Ticketmaster Outlets | iWireless Center Box Office | 800-745-3000

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