DES MOINES, IA (08/22/2015)(readMedia)-- With so much adventure and excitement to experience here at the Iowa State Fair, here's a brief recap of what you may have missed today and what to expect tomorrow.

Karen Cross of Ankeny won first place and a $500 cash award in the Best Templeton Rye Dessert competition. Denise Donald of Des Moines claimed second place and $300. Amanda Hagenow of Windsor Heights earned third place and $200. Entries were judged on taste alone.

Kids and parents alike stood in line for the 2015 Mutton Bustin' competition. Five rounds of competition took place in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion culminating in the Championship Rounds. In the five and under division finals, Gage Harsh, 5, of Des Moines claimed first place. Second place was awarded to Brock Norine, 5, of Somers. In the six to eight-year-old division finals, Callie Baebout, 7, of Gravity won first place. Alyssa Tucker, 8, of Pleasant Hill claimed second place, and Coy Mergen, 6, of Altoona grabbed third place.

Contestants competed in the Scholastic and Speed Chess Tournaments held Wednesday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Drake Starr of Winterset, Theo Cokrean of Van Meter, Mason Peter of Boone, and Xeon Wolfe of West Des Moines all won first place in their respective division in the Scholastic Chess Tournament. In the Speed Chess round, David Skarr of Ames won first place.

Coming Up Sunday, August 23

- Enjoy the last day of the 2015 Iowa State Fair with special pricing on gate admission all day. Gate Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for ages 6-11 until 9 p.m.

-The 56th Annual Bill Riley Talent Search concludes tomorrow with the Championship round at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor KCWI.

- Rock out in the Grandstand tomorrow with Rock-A-Thon, staring Dee Snider, Dokken, Warrant, and Firehouse, and hosted by Eddie Trunk. Tickets are $30.

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BANDITS LOSE 7-RUN LEAD TO SQUANDER SWEEP

Kane County is the first team since June 10 to score 10 runs off Quad Cities pitchers

GENEVA, Ill. (August 23, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits scored seven runs while batting around in the second inning to take an 8-1 lead, but they lost their largest lead in a game in more than two years, as the Kane County Cougars rallied to ultimately take the lead in the eighth inning of a 10-9 win that kept the visitors from sweeping the three-game series at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Sunday afternoon.

The River Bandits (34-21 second half, 79-44 overall) lost a seven-run lead for the first time since April 6, 2013 (also an 8-1 advantage at Kane County in a 13-10, 11-inning win) and a lost a game in which they held a seven-run lead for the first time since April 16, 2010, when they squandered a 9-1 lead at Clinton in an 11-10, 11-inning loss. On Sunday, Quad Cities put the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position in the ninth inning with one out, but Cougars closer Zac Curtis retired left fielder Drew Ferguson and center fielder Jason Martin on consecutive groundouts to end the third straight one-run contest between the teams with the two best records in the Midwest League.

Quad Cities scored its first seven runs off Cougars left-hander Josh Taylor. In the first inning, center fielder Jason Martin hit a one-out single to right field, stole second base and scored on designated hitter Ramon Laureano's RBI single to left field. Kane County (38-17, 74-49) immediately tied the score in the bottom of the inning against right-hander Brock Dykxhoorn, as shortstop Ildemaro Vargas had a leadoff bunt single, stole second base and scored on second baseman Henry Castillo's RBI single.

In a 1-1 tie beginning the second inning, River Bandits catcher Trent Woodward and shortstop Kristian Trompiz began their respective three-hit games with consecutive singles. Taylor walked third baseman Luis Reynoso, before Ferguson hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly to right field. Martin then popped up a bunt that catcher Elvin Soto dropped when he collided with Taylor near the first-base line. With the bases loaded, the next six batters each collected an RBI. First baseman Bryan Muñiz singled, and Laureano walked to end Taylor's outing after 1 1/3 innings. Left-hander Hector Hernandez - a River Bandit in 2011 and 2012 in the St. Louis Cardinals organization - then allowed three straight singles to second baseman Jose Fernandez, right fielder Ryan Bottger and Woodward, who had two hits in the inning. Trompiz's sacrifice fly made it 8-1 before Hernandez escaped. Taylor was charged with seven runs - six earned - on five hits and three walks with two strikeouts, while Hernandez lasted 3 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and a second-inning earned run while striking out two batters.

The Cougars' comeback began in the bottom of the second inning against Dykxhoorn. Third baseman Joe Munoz and Soto hit consecutive singles, and Vargas chopped a one-out ground ball off Muñiz's glove to score Munoz. Dykxhoorn's one-out balk scored Soto, and Castillo's two-out RBI single made it 8-4. In the fifth inning, first baseman Marty Herum hit a leadoff double to right-center field and scored on Munoz's two-out RBI single. After Quad Cities added a sixth-inning run against right-hander Jency Solis on Bottger's sacrifice fly that scored Martin, the Cougars answered in the bottom of the sixth inning with right fielder Victor Reyes' walk preceding Vargas' two-run home run. That finished Dykxhoorn's start, after he allowed seven earned runs on 11 hits (both career highs) in five-plus innings.

Left-hander Zach Davis (0-1) relieved Dykxhoorn for two scoreless innings, matching Cougars right-hander Ryan Burr (1-0). But with a 9-7 lead in the eighth inning, Davis began by hitting Vargas with a pitch, and designated hitter Cody Regis added an infield single. Castillo hit an RBI single to center field, and Herum drove a go-ahead, two-run double to right-center field for a 10-9 lead. In the ninth inning, Woodward greeted Curtis with a leadoff single. Curtis' error on Trompiz's sacrifice put runners at first and third bases, and Reynoso sacrificed Trompiz to second base before Curtis and Herum handled consecutive ground balls to give Curtis with his league-best 29th save.

BANDITS USE EARLY LEAD TO ELUDE COUGARS

Quad Cities moves within three games of Kane County in the second-half Western Division race

GENEVA, Ill. (August 22, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits scored three first-inning runs and never lost the lead, as left fielder Drew Ferguson and second baseman Jose Fernandez each homered, before right-hander Angel Heredia allowed two ninth-inning runs but stranded the tying run at third base to save a 6-5 win over the first-place Kane County Cougars at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Saturday night.

Holding the best record in baseball, the playoff-bound River Bandits (34-20 second half, 79-43 overall) won their second straight one-run game over the Cougars (37-17, 73-49) and became the first visiting team to win a series in Kane County since Bowling Green June 3-5.

River Bandits center fielder Bobby Boyd began the game with a bunt single fielded by Cougars All-Star first baseman Marty Herum. After Cougars left-hander Jared Miller (3-4) struck out Ferguson, All-Star third baseman Nick Tanielu grounded a single into left field. With Boyd and Tanielu both running, designated hitter Bryan Muñiz grounded an RBI single off the glove of shortstop Ildemaro Vargas into left field to score Boyd. After Fernandez walked to load the bases, right fielder Ramon Laureano grounded to All-Star third baseman Cody Regis, whose throw on a force attempt went past catcher Michael Perez, allowing Tanielu and Muñiz to score.

After the three-run first inning, Miller allowed four hits over the next five innings, with the only additional run coming on Ferguson's first Midwest League home run on a drive down the left-field line to a picnic deck for his first Midwest League home run. Miller was charged with four runs - three earned - on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts in six innings.

River Bandits right-hander Joshua James (6-3) held the Cougars to two singles by Vargas through the first four innings. James faced one batter over the minimum until the fifth inning, when second baseman Henry Castillo grounded a triple down the first-base line and scored on a sacrifice fly from Cougars All-Star center fielder Colin Bray to cut the lead to 4-1.

Kane County put the tying run on base for the first time in the sixth inning, when Vargas hit a one-out double to right field, Regis hit an RBI single to left-center field, and James hit Herum with a pitch. That ended James' outing after 5 1/3 innings in which allowed six hits without a walk or strikeout. Right-hander Eric Peterson entered and hit Castillo with his first pitch to load the bases with a 4-2 lead. After Bray flied out to right field, Peterson's wild pitch scored Regis to make it 4-3. With the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position, Peterson got catcher Michael Perez to fly out to left field. James was charged with all three earned runs, but Peterson held the one-run lead for 2 2/3 scoreless innings, working around a walk in the seventh inning and error and hit batter in the eighth inning.

Ferguson and Fernandez helped Quad Cities add insurance runs in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively, against Cougars right-hander Nick Baker. Ferguson hit a seventh-inning, two-out single to right field, marking his first three-hit game as a River Bandit. He then stole second base on the same play as a Baker wild pitch, allowing Ferguson to reach third base, before another wild pitch scored him. In the eighth inning, Fernandez hit a leadoff drive over the left-field wall for his second Midwest League home run this season and a 6-3 lead.

In the ninth inning, Heredia began with a three-run lead and struck out Perez - the only strikeout by a Quad Cities pitcher in the game - before a one-out walk to designated hitter Joe Munoz and two-out walk to left fielder Chuck Taylor. Vargas then hit a two-run triple to right-center field - his game-high fourth hit - to make it 6-5, before Regis flied out to Boyd, giving Heredia his team-high ninth save.

BANDITS BULLPEN SILENCES FIRST-PLACE COUGARS

Using a franchise-record 32nd pitcher this season, Quad Cities beats Midwest League ERA leader

GENEVA, Ill. (August 21, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits fell behind, 2-0, in the first two innings but rallied for three runs in the fifth inning, while left-hander Steve Naemark and right-hander Elieser Hernandez combined for 5 2/3 scoreless relief innings in a series-opening 3-2 victory over the first-place Kane County Cougars at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Friday night.

With their 33rd comeback win of the season, the River Bandits (33-20 second half, 78-43 overall) kept their hold of the best record in Minor League Baseball while denying the Cougars (37-15, 73-48) a chance to trim their magic number to clinch a second-half playoff berth. Quad Cities also made history in the bottom of the first inning, when right-hander Thomas Eshelman made his Midwest League debut. The Astros' second-round pick in this June's draft became the 32nd different pitcher the team has used this season, topping the 56-year Midwest League franchise's previous single-season high of 31 pitchers used in 2005. Eshelman allowed both Kane County runs after leadoff walks in the first two innings, but he lasted a career-high 3 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and three walks with two strikeouts.

Eshelman began the first inning by walking Cougars left fielder Chuck Taylor, who went to third base on designated hitter Henry Castillo's one-out single to left-center field. All-Star first baseman Marty Herum hit an RBI single to right field, scoring Taylor for a 1-0 Cougars lead. After All-Star center fielder Colin Bray walked to load the bases, shortstop Dawel Lugo to hit into an inning-ending double play.

In the bottom of the second inning, Eshelman opened with a walk to Cougars third baseman Joe Munoz, followed by catcher Elvin Soto's single to right field and right fielder Victor Reyes' RBI double down the third-base line for a 2-0 lead. With runners at second and third bases, Eshelman struck out Taylor before consecutive groundouts by second baseman Ildemaro Vargas and Castillo to end the inning. That began a stretch of seven straight batters Eshelman retired before Soto's one-out double in the fourth inning to end Eshelman's outing.

With Eshelman's exit, Naemark (1-0) entered in the fourth inning and allowed an infield single to Reyes. With Reyes at first base and Soto at third with one out, Reyes broke for second base, while second baseman Jose Fernandez cut off a throw from catcher Trent Woodward and threw back to home plate to get Soto for the inning's second out. Naemark got Taylor to ground out to end the inning.

Entering with a Midwest League-leading 2.47 ERA, Cougars right-hander Brad Keller (7-9) allowed two hits and a walk in the first four innings, but right fielder Ramon Laureano began the fifth inning with an infield single to Lugo. Woodward walked, and on a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Luis Reynoso, Keller overthrew first base, allowing Laureano to score and putting Woodward and Reynoso at third and second bases, respectively. After center fielder Bobby Boyd struck out, designated hitter Drew Ferguson lined a game-tying single to right-center field. Then All-Star third baseman Nick Tanielu bounced an infield single behind second base, where Vargas only stopped the ball from reaching center field, as Reynoso scored for a 3-2 Quad Cities lead. Keller was charged with three runs - two earned - on six hits and three walks with five strikeouts in five innings. The Cougars bullpen combined to allow two hits and no walks in four scoreless innings.

With a 3-2 lead, Naemark allowed a fifth-inning leadoff double to Vargas, who went to third base on Castillo's sacrifice. Herum walked before Naemark got two straight popups, including an inning-ending sliding catch by Laureano in right field. Hernandez also got help from Laureano's diving catch in the right-center field gap to end the sixth inning with the tying run at first base. Hernandez scattered three hits without walking a batter and striking out three in four scoreless innings to earn his first Midwest League save.

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, the Illinois Joining Forces Foundation and the Business Enterprise Council.

Name: Douglas S. Steffenson
Position: Arbitrator - Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Douglas S. Steffenson an arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. He brings 24 years of legal experience to the commission.

Currently, Steffenson is a partner at Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C. He has been with the firm since 2000. Steffenson formerly served as an attorney at Crowley, Tamillow & Rubin from 1997-2000. He also served as an assistant state's attorney for Cook County from 1991-1997. He has extensive trial and appellate practice in workers' compensation, occupational disease and employer liability law.

Steffenson earned his bachelor's degree in journalism and political science from Iowa State University and a law degree from DePaul University. He lives in Wilmette.

 

Name: Dave Leckrone
Position: Member - Illinois Joining Forces Foundation

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Dave Leckrone to the Illinois Joining Forces Foundation. He brings more than 32 years of military and veteran work experience to the foundation.

Leckrone is a decorated combat veteran, who served as a Colonel for the U.S. Army. He is an Iraqi Freedom War Veteran and has been deployed overseas more than 20 times. He was awarded two bronze star medals for his efforts in combat operations.  He is also a former federal senior management official for the Department of Defense.

Currently, Leckrone is a small business owner and consults for Rush University and various non-governmental organizations. Utilizing his strategic resource management background, he provides critical long-range and operational level support for expansion programs focused on combat medical preparedness, warrior resiliency development and humanitarian aid for military operations.

Leckrone earned her bachelor's degree in finance and business from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in strategic studies at Army War College. He lives in Springfield.

 

Name: Emilia DiMenco
Position: Member - Business Enterprise Council

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Emilia DiMenco to the Business Enterprise Council. She brings more than 35 years of business experience to the council.

DiMenco is President and CEO of the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC). She has been in this position since 2013 and previously served as the COO for three years. While with the WBDC she has launched two WBDC microloan programs, has lead an initiative to automate all economic impact monitoring and reporting, and has greatly increased fundraising totals. Prior to her time with the WBDC, DiMenco served as an executive vice president with BMO Harris N.A.

DiMenco is well-known for her contributions to leading civic and professional organizations, including the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago. She has also advised the Chicago Area Chapter of NAWBO on strategy and has served as an adviser to participants in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in Chicago. Nationally, she is a leader in Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), helping the organization develop policies for access to capital for women-owned businesses.

Emilia holds bachelor's degree and master's degree in finance from DePaul University. She lives in Chicago.

 

Name: Selena Gray Sizemore
Position: Member - Business Enterprise Council

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Selena Gray Sizemore to the Business Enterprise Council. She brings more than 15 years of experience to the council.

Sizemore currently serves as the Director of Entrepreneurship for the Chicago Urban League. She is responsible for the overall management of the Urban League's Entrepreneurship Center, which supports community-based investment and growth through facilitating entrepreneurship and business development. She has worked with her team to develop and launch the Midwest Regional Teaming Program (MRTP), the organization's first multi-state entrepreneurship program.  Under her leadership, the MRTP has reached more than 60 small business owners across nine states to help form 16 small business teams which have been awarded more than $90 million in federal contracts.

Sizemore began her career in the construction industry with one of the largest African American general contractors in the region. She worked with a wide range of public and private clients. She has also taught Construction Costs & Bidding at Purdue University Calumet and has mentored young people interested in the construction industry.

Sizemore is a graduate of Purdue University Calument. She lives in Chicago.

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See the summer's biggest movie on the Quad Cities' biggest screen! Playing Friday, August 28th and Saturday, August 29th at 6:15pm and Sunday, August 30th at 12:30pm, catch the latest installment of the Jurassic Park series at the Putnam's National Geographic GIANT Screen Theater.
JURASSIC WORLD 3D
About the film: Located off the coast of Costa Rica, the Jurassic World luxury resort provides a habitat for an array of genetically engineered dinosaurs, including the vicious and intelligent Indominus Rex. When the massive creature escapes, it sets off a chain reaction that causes the other dinos to run amok. Now, it's up to a former military man and animal expert (Chris Pratt) to use his special skills to save two young brothers and the rest of the tourists from an all-out, prehistoric assault.
Special ticket pricing applies for this film:
Adults - $12.50
Seniors, College Students and Military - $11.00
Youth (ages 3-18) - $9.00.

Putnam and FunBundle Members receive $1 off stated pricing.

Tickets are available at the Putnam's ticketing counters, over the phone by calling (563) 324-1933, or buy online!

St. Charles Man Earns Top Yodeling Honors Again at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/21/2015)(readMedia)-- Ken Reed, 80, of St. Charles won first place for the second year in a row in the Yodeling contest judged Thursday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Verle Spence, 75, of Hartford placed second, and Autumn Harris, 30, of Muscatine claimed third place.

The contest was part of "Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions" in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. A first prize of $5 and ribbons were awarded to each class.

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Top Honors Awarded in Angus Show at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/21/2015)(readMedia)-- Woodruff Angus of Milton was awarded the Grand Champion, Intermediate and Senior bull banners in the Angus Show judged Wednesday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

The Reserve Grand Champion Bull was exhibited by Webster Farms of Walker.

2k Cattle Enterprises of Glen Have, Wis. exhibited the Grand Champion Female. The Reserve Grand Champion Female was shown by Johnson Corner Cattle of Ft. Dodge.

Additional results below:

Cow/Calf -- Cows 3 Years of Age & Younger

1) Courtney Younge, Ventura

2) Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

3) R&C Angus, Monticello

4) Janssen Angus, Earlham

5) Roberts Angus, Albert City

Junior Heifer Calf -- March 1, 2015 & After

1) Hannah Rogers, Wilton

2) Courtney Younge, Ventura

3) R&C Angus, Monticello

4) Paulsrud Angus Farm, Danbury

5) Gannon Angus, Inc., Colfax

6) Carter Angus, Vermillion, S.D.

7) Jerad Shires, Corning

8) Gannon Angus, Inc., Colfax

9) Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

10) Roberts Angus, Albert City

Junior Heifer Calf -- February, 2015

1) Becker Ridge Farm, Atlantic

2) Schermer Angus, Clarion

3) Buck Creek J&K, Prescott

4) Glew Performance Cattle, Manchester

5) Jason Schroeder, Durant

6) Paulsrud Angus Farm, Danbury

7) Glew Performance Cattle, Manchester

8) Mallory Espenscheid, Traer

9) Holst Farms Inc, LeClaire

10) Henderson Farms, Drakesville

11) Audra Haglund, Boone

12) Schermer Angus, Clarion

13) Oak Ridge Angus, Laurel

Junior Heifer Calf -- January, 2015

1) Henderson Farms, Drakesville

2) Brandt Farms, Corning

3) K&J Angus, Larchwood

4) Buck Creek J&K, Prescott

5) Evan Henning, Janesville, Wis.

6) Bullerman Angus, Adrian, Minn.

7) Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

8) Audra Haglund, Boone

9) L&D Angus, Corning

Junior Heifer Calf -- January, 2015

1) Brandt Farms, Corning

2) Bullerman Angus, Adrian, Minn.

3) Moffitt Angus Farm, Colfax

4) Holst Farms Inc, LeClaire

5) Head Angus Farms, Derby

6) L&D Angus, Corning

7) Hickory Knoll Angus, Tipton

8) DKT Angus Farm, Ottumwa

Late Senior Heifer Calf -- November & December, 2014

1) Lone Willow Acres, Fennimore, Wis.

2) Sugar Maple Angus, Bloomington, Wis.

3) Evan Henning, Janesville, Wis.

4) Julia Deppe, Waverly

5) Lexie Moore, South English

6) Abe Troyer, Kalona

7) Kenny Angus, Schaller

8) Kara Collison, Rockwell City

9) Holst Farms Inc, LeClaire

10) Carter Angus, Vermillion, S.D.

11) Hickory Knoll Angus, Tipton

12) Hickory Knoll Angus, Tipton

Early Senior Heifer Calf -- September & October, 2014

1) 2K Cattle Enterprises, Glen Haven, Wis.

2) Webster Farms, Walker

3) Henderson Farms, Drakesville

4) Baxter Knapp, Bloomfield

5) Grady Claussen, Stockton

6) Megan Collison, Rockwell City

7) Schroeder Angus, Clarence

8) Houks Angus, Blakesburg

9) Houks Angus, Blakesburg

10) Glew Performance Cattle, Manchester

11) DKT Angus Farms, Ottumwa

Late Summer Yearling Heifer -- July & August, 2014

1) Garrett Coffland, Blairstown

2) Franchesca DeVore, Promise City

3) Shipman Livestock, Manhattan, Kan.

4) GPS Cattle Company, Elkart

Early Summer Yearling Heifer -- May & June, 2014

1) Terry Kruse, Rudd

2) Webster Farms, Walker

3) Shelby Greiman, Goodell

4) Breeze-Hill Angus, State Center

5) Skarda Angus Farms, Afton

6) Becker Ridge Farm, Atlantic

7) Collin Cory, Altoona

8) Morgan Knapp, Bloomfield

9) Roberts Angus, Albert City

10) Taylor Duckett, New Liberty

11) Grady Claussen, Stockton

13) Behnke Angus Farms, Kahoka, Mo.

April Junior Yearling Heifer -- April, 2014

1) Terry Kruse, Rudd

2) Breeze-Hill Angus, State Center

3) Lexi Knapp, Bloomfield

4) Reed McCormick, Pleasantville

5) JOHNSON CORNER CATTLE, Ft Dodge

6) Schermer Angus, Clarion

7) Haley Greiman, Perry

8) Breeze Hill Angus, State Center

9) Evan Henning, Janesville, Wis.

10) Buck Creek J&K, Prescott

11) Brandon Pettit, Prole

12) Leah Crock, Mechanicsville

13) Mardesen Cattle Company, Oxford

14) Black Ridge Family Cattle, Ottumwa

March Junior Yearling Heifer -- March, 2014

1) JOHNSON CORNER CATTLE, Ft Dodge

2) Suzanne Henning, Janesville, Wis.

3) Norris Farms, Corydon

4) Holmes Cattle Co., Benton

5) Garrett Coffland, Blairstown

6) Plum Creek Angus, Algona

7) Abby Greiman, Perry

8) Danna Shires, Corning

9) Hotz Farms, Lone Tree

10) Maas Catttle Company, Adair

March Junior Yearling Heifer -- March, 2014

1) Shipman Livestock, Manhattan, Kan.

2) Skarda Angus Farms, Afton

3) STERLING KRIEGEL, Brooklyn

4) Steele Land & Livestock, Anita

5) Mardesen Cattle Company, Oxford

6) Hotz Farms, Lone Tree

7) Behnke Angus Farms, Kahoka, Mo.

8) Roscoe Valley Farms, Pulaski

9) Jerad Shires, Corning

March Junior Yearling Heifer -- March, 2014

1) Ryland McCormick, Pleasantville

2) Becker Angus, Diagonal

3) Grace Greiman, Goodell

4) Webster Farms, Walker

5) Kara Collison, Rockwell City

6) Buck Creek J&K, Prescott

7) 3M Angus, Dewitt

8) Paulsrud Angus Farm, Danbury

9) Joel Herring, Cedar Falls

10) Lauryn Saathoff, Akron

11) Paul Pisarik, Solon

12) Black Ridge Family Cattle, Ottumwa

13) Sugar Maple Angus, Bloomington, Wis.

Early Junior Yearling Heifer -- February, 2014

1) Webster Farms, Walker

2) Shipman Livestock, Manhattan, Kan.

3) Lexie Moore, South English

4) Holmes Cattle Co., Benton

5) Blueprint Cattle Co, Otley

6) Becker Ridge Farm, Atlantic

7) Maas Catttle Company, Adair

8) Oak Ridge Angus, Laurel

9) DKT Angus Farms, Ottumwa

Early Junior Yearling Heifer -- February, 2014

1) Becker Angus, Diagonal

2) Sydney Younge, Ventura

3) Morgan Knapp, Bloomfield

4) Dakota DeVore, Promise City

5) Jordan Dawson, Urbandale

6) Carly Main, Buffalo Center

7) Jensen Angus Farm, Plainfield

8) Taylor Westhoff, Pulaski

9) Schermer Angus, Clarion

10) Abby Collison, Rockwell City

11) L&D Angus, Corning

Early Junior Yearling Heifer -- January, 2014

1) Megan Collison, Rockwell City

2) Jensen Angus Farm, Plainfield

3) Evan Henning, Janesville, Wis.

4) Skarda Farms, Afton

5) Jackson Soy, Columbus Junction

6) Webster Farms, Walker

7) Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

8) Sam Burmeister, Muscatine

Early Junior Yearling Heifer -- January, 2014

1) Bullerman Angus, Adrian, Minn.

2) Brooklyn Treinen, Marcus

3) K&J Angus, Larchwood

4) Baxter Knapp, Bloomfield

5) K&J Angus, Larchwood

6) Bennett Farms, Gravity

7) Purdum Angus Farms, Creston

Late Senior Yearling Heifer -- November & December, 2013

1) Terry Kruse, Rudd

2) Emma Troyer, Kalona

Early Senior Yearling Heifer -- September & October, 2013

1) Mardesen Cattle Company, Oxford

2) Hannah Rogers, Wilton

3) Becker Ridge Farm, Atlantic

4) Woodruff Angus, Milton

5) Behnke Angus Farms, Kahoka, Mo.

Junior Bull Calf -- March 1, 2015 & After

1) Janssen Angus, Earlham

2) Carter Angus, Vermillion, S.D.

Junior Bull Calf -- January & February, 2015

1) Jason Schroeder, Durant

2) Hunter Bros, Chariton

3) Carter Angus, Vermillion, S.D.

4) Breeze-Hill Angus, State Center

5) Breeze Hill Angus, State Center

6) Audra Haglund, Boone

7) Buffalo Trail Farm, Latimer

Junior Bull Calf -- January & Febuary, 2015

1) 2K Cattle Enterprises, Glen Haven, Wis.

2) Schermer Angus, Clarion

3) Henderson Farms, Drakesville

4) MR Cattle Company, Wilton

5) Hickory Knoll Angus, Tipton

6) K&J Angus, Larchwood

7) Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

8) Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

9) Hickory Knoll Angus, Tipton

10) DKT Angus Farms, Ottumwa

11) Audra Haglund, Boone

12) Hickory Knoll Angus, Tipton

13) Oak Ridge Angus, Laurel

Late Senior Bull Calf -- November & December, 2014

1) Schermer Angus, Clarion

2) Mallory Espenscheid, Traer

3) Abe Troyer, Kalona

4) Kenny Angus, Schaller

Early Senior Bull Calf -- September & October, 2014

1) Schroeder Angus, Clarence

2) Buffalo Trail Farm, Latimer

Late Summer Yearling Bull -- July & August, 2014

1) Double C Stock Farm, New Sharon

Early Summer Yearling Bull -- May & June, 2014

1) Woodruff Angus, Milton

March Junior Yearling Bull -- March, 2014

1) Sugar Maple Angus, Bloomington, Wis.

2) Burns Angus, Oxford

3) Behnke Angus Farms, Kahoka, Mo.

4) Maas Catttle Company, Adair

Early Junior Yearling Bull -- January & February, 2014

1) Brandt Farms, Corning

2) Megan Collison, Rockwell City

3) Holmes Cattle Co., Benton

4) Buffalo Trail Farm, Latimer

5) Mike Wells Wishing Well Angus, Columbus Junction

Senior Yearling Bull -- September thru December, 2013

1) Webster Farms, Walker

2) Brandt Farms, Corning

Summer Senior Yearling Bull -- May thru August, 2013

1) Woodruff Angus, Milton

2) Conrad Angus Ranch, Keosauqua

Two-Year Old Bull -- January thru April, 2013

1) Gannon Angus, Inc., Colfax

Junior Get of Sire

1) Schermer Angus, Clarion

2) Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

3) Audra Haglund, Boone

Get of Sire

1) Schermer Angus, Clarion

Breeders Six Head

1) Webster Farms, Walker

2) Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

Produce of Dam

1) Janssen Angus, Earlham

2) R&c Angus, Monticello

Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair Champion: Courtney Younge, Ventura

Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair Reserve Champion: Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

Champion Junior Heifer Calf: Henderson Farms, Drakesville

Reserve Champion Junior Heifer Calf: Hannah Rogers, Wilton

Champion Senior Heifer Calf: 2k Cattle Enterprises, Glen Haven, Wis.

Reserve Champion Senior Heifer Calf: Webster Farms, Walker

Champion Intermediate Female: Terry Kruse, Rudd

Reserve Champion Intermediate Female: Webster Farms, Walker

Champion Junior Female: Johnson Corner Cattle, Ft Dodge

Reserve Champion Junior Female: Suzanne Henning, Janesville, Wis.

Champion Senior Female: Mardesen Cattle Company, Oxford

Reserve Champion Senior Female: Hannah Rogers, Wilton

Champion Junior Bull Calf: Faust Cattle Company, Strawberry Point

Reserve Champion Junior Bull Calf: Schroeder Angus, Clarence

Champion Senior Bull Calf: Schroeder Angus, Clarence

Reserve Champion Senior Bull Calf: Schermer Angus, Clarion

Champion Intermediate Bull: Woodruff Angus, Milton

Reserve Champion Intermediate Bull: Double C Stock Farm, New Sharon

Champion Junior Bull: Brandt Farms, Corning

Reserve Champion Junior Bull: Megan Collison, Rockwell City

Champion Senior Bull: Woodruff Angus, Milton

Reserve Champion Senior Bull: Webster Farms, Walker

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No Horsing Around for FFA Competitors at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/21/2015)(readMedia)-- Jane Hoffman of Denison was named High Point Exhibitor at the FFA Horse Show judged Wednesday during the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Hoffman also showed the High Point Horse.

Meredith Williams of Hudson was named Reserve High Point Horse Exhibitor and showed the Reserve High Point Horse.

Additional results below:

Champion Barrel Racing: Morgan Quick, Mount Ayr

Reserve Champion Barrel Racing: Tiffany Delker, Indianola

Champion Flag Race: Hunter McCullough, Knoxville

Reserve Champion Flag Race: Skylar Bloom, DeWitt Central

Champion Draft Breeds: Ethan Bair, Tri-County (Thornburg)

Reserve Champion Draft Breeds: Ethan Bair, Tri-County (Thornburg)

Champion Draft Showmanship: Skie Campbell, Brokaw

Reserve Champion Draft Showmanship: Ethan Bair, Tri-County (Thornburg)

Champion Trail Class: Jane Hoffman, Denison

Reserve Champion Trail Class: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Champion Draft Horse Single Pleasure Driving: Skie Campbell, Brokaw

Reserve Champion Draft Horse Single Pleasure Driving: Kim Blackford, I-35

Champion Light Horse/Pony Pleasure Driving: Rachel Ostrem, Jewell

Champion Heavy Hitch Draft Team: Ethan Bair, Tri-County (Thornburg)

Reserve Champion Heavy Hitch Draft Team: Skie Campbell, Brokaw

Champion English Pleasure: Meredith Williams, Hudson

Reserve Champion English Pleasure: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Champion English Equitation: Jane Hoffman, Denison

Reserve Champion English Equitation: Caitlin Fjeld, Forest City

Champion Hunter Hack: Rachel Ostrem, Jewell

Reserve Champion Hunter Hack: Jessica Hanrahan, Winterset

Champion Two-to-Five Year Old Walk Trot: Crystal McGarry, NE Gooselake

Reserve Champion Two-to-Five Year Old Walk Trot: Shania Roush, Baxter

Champion Pony Western Pleasure: Jane Hoffman, Denison

Reserve Champion Pony Western Pleasure: Taylor Reynolds, Pekin

Champion Junior Western Pleasure (two and three-year-old): Zaidy Frank, Creston

Reserve Champion Junior Western Pleasure (two and three-year-old): Jessica Hanrahan, Winterset

Champion Junior Western Pleasure (four and five-year-old): Meredith Williams, Hudson

Reserve Champion Junior Western Pleasure (four and five-year-old): Deven Heitland, West Fork

Champion Senior Western Pleasure: Meredith Williams, Hudson

Reserve Champion Senior Western Pleasure: Deven Heitland, West Fork

Champion Western Equitation: Jane Hoffman, Denison

Reserve Champion Western Equitation: Katie Rinkert, Indianola

Champion Reigning: Deven Heitland, West Fork

Reserve Champion Reigning: Dani Nemmers, Earlham

Champion Bareback Pleasure: Jane Hoffman, Denison

Reserve Champion Bareback Pleasure: Sierra McCullough, Knoxville

Champion Ranch Horse Pleasure: Jessica Beatty, Creston

Reserve Champion Ranch Horse Pleasure: McKaila Von Rentzell, Earlham

Champion Pony Breeds: Jane Hoffman, Denison

Reserve Champion Pony Breeds: Taylor Reynolds, Pekin

Champion Mule: Bailey Brummel, Murray

Champion Other Light Breeds: Rachael Ostrem, Jewell

Reserve Champion Other Light Breeds: Katrina Rogers, Lone Tree

Champion Western-Type Horse: Shania Roush, Baxter

Reserve Champion Western-Type Horse: Kaden Volz, Benton Community

Champion Showing: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Reserve Champion Showing: Meredith Williams, Hudson

Equestrian Team Award:

1) Mount Ayr

2) Knoxville

3) Earlham

4) Creston

5) West Liberty

6) Tri-County

7) Indianola

8) Brokaw

9) NE Gooselake

10) Hudson

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Friday, August 21 Iowa State Fair Highlights

DES MOINES, IA (08/21/2015)(readMedia)-- With so much adventure and excitement to experience here at the Iowa State Fair, here's a brief recap of what you may have missed today and what to expect tomorrow.

Deirdre Scott of Grimes won first place and a $500 cash award in the Dole® Canned Fruit Dessert competition. Rebecca Howe of Des Moines earned second place and $250. Denise Donald of Des Moines claimed third place and $100. Contestants were asked to create an award worthy dessert that utilized Dole® pineapple, mandarin oranges, mango slices or tropical fruit.

Young Iowans gathered to tests their skills in the Youth Checkers Tournament. In the six to 12-year-old division, Gabe Hester, 12, of Norwalk claimed first place in his eighth year competing in the tournament. Corbin Oswald, 8, of Des Moines won second place. In the 13 to 18-year-old division, Drew Johnson, 16, of Monroe fought his way back to once again grab the first place title, and Autumn Wright, 16, of Knoxville took second place.

Coming Up Saturday, August 22

-The Fairgrounds 5K begis tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. on the Grand Concourse.

- The Beach Press and Dead Lift contests begin on the Susan Knapp Amphitheater at 8:30 a.m. Weigh-in began at 8 a.m.

- The Llama Limbo takes place beginning at 6 p.m. in the Pulver Outdoor Arena.

- Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall is the site for the Ladies Nail Driving contest which begins at 10:30 a.m.

-Charlie Puth and special guest Life of Dillon take the Grandstand stage at 8 p.m. The concert is FREE with general.

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4-H Youth Earn High Honors in Iowa State Fair Market Swine Show

DES MOINES, IA (08/21/2015)(readMedia)-- Lexie Berry of Sac City exhibited the Grand Champion Market Hog in the 4-H Market Swine Show judged Tuesday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Makenzi Marek of Riverside exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog.

Dylan Cain of Chariton showed the Champion Pure Bred Market Swine as well as the 3rd Overall Market Pig, and Emily Harold of West Branch exhibited the Reserve Champion Pure Bred Market Swine along with the 4th Overall Market Pig.

Jenna Tlach of Prole showed the 5th Overall Market Pig.

Additional results below:

Champion Berkshire Market Hog: Olivia Marek, Riverside

Reserve Champion Berkshire Market Hog: Kylee Brown, Earlham

Champion Chester White Market Hog: Jacob Bombei, Delta

Reserve Champion Chester White Market Hog: Pierce Woodruff, Moorland

Champion Duroc Market Hog: Connor Conrad, Hillsboro

Reserve Champion Duroc Market Hog: Shae Lynn Becker, Keota

Champion Hampshire Market Hog: Dylan Cain, Chariton

Reserve Champion Hampshire Market Hog: Lauren Sieren, Keota

Champion Poland China Market Hog: Mitchell Chapman, Tipton

Champion Spotted Market Hog: Morgan Brinning, Keota

Reserve Champion Spotted Market Hog: Nicholas McCleary, Wapello

Champion Other Market Hog: Colby Postma, Doon

Reserve Champion Other Market Hog: Claira Wilkerson, Panora

Champion Yorkshire Market Hog: Emily Harold, West Branch

Reserve Champion Yorkshire Market Hog: Brayden Steere, Greene

Champion Commercial Breeding Gilt: Trey Lettow, Woodward

Reserve Champion Commercial Breeding Gilt: Kade Polich, Woodward

Champion Heavyweight Market Gilt: Joe Lilienthal, New Liberty

Reserve Champion Heavyweight Market Gilt: Drake Jehle, Durant

Champion Berkshire Breeding Gilt: Loran Sieren, Keota

Reserve Champion Berkshire Breeding Gilt: Pierce Woodruff, Moorland

Champion Hampshire Breeding Gilt: Reid Ehmen, Dike

Reserve Champion Hampshire Breeding Gilt: Aaron Cain, Chariton

Champion Poland China Breeding Gilt: Davin Brugman, Peterson

Reserve Champion China Breeding Gilt: Keaton Lane, Elkader

Champion Chester White Breeding Gilt: Melanie Lane, Elkader

Reserve Champion Chester White Breeding Gilt: Tyler Saunders, Manilla

Champion Duroc Breeding Gilt: Tyler Wellman, West Point

Reserve Champion Duroc Breeding Gilt: Jackson Sterle, Roland

Champion Yorkshire Breeding Gilt: Tyler Wellman, West Point

Reserve Champion Yorkshire Breeding Gilt: Dayton Brugman, Peterson

Grand Champion Purebred Gilt: Tyler Wellman, West Point

Reserve Champion Purebred Gilt: Dayton Brugman, Peterson

Champion Spotted Breeding Gilt: Luke Bombei, Delta

Reserve Champion Spotted Breeding Gilt: Kade Polich, Woodward

Champion Lightweight Commercial Breeding Gilt: Kade Polich, Woodward

Reserve Champion Lightweight Commercial Breeding Gilt: Lexie Berry, Sac City

Champion Heavyweight Commercial Breeding Gilt: Trey Lettow, Woodward

Reserve Champion Heavyweight Commercial Breeding Gilt: Logan Sieren, Keota

Champion Lightweight Market Gilt: Reegan Den Adel, Madrid

Reserve Champion Lightweight Market Gilt: Claira Wilkerson, Panora

Champion Mediumweight Market Gilt: Jenna Tlach, Prole

Reserve Champion Mediumweight Market Gilt: Connor Conrad, Hillsboro

Reserve Champion Crossbred Market Gilt: Reegan Den Adel, Madrid

Reserve Champion Other Breeding Gilt: Reagan Gibson, Panora

Champion Crossbred Market Barrows: Lexie Berry, Sac City

Reserve Champion Crossbred Market Barrows: Makenzi Marek, Riverside

Champion Lightweight Market Barrow: Lexie Berry, Sac City

Reserve Champion Lightweight Market Barrow: Tate Lettow, Woodward

Champion Mediumweight Market Barrow: Makenzi Marek, Riverside

Reserve Champion Mediumweight Market Barrow: McKenna Brinning, Keota

Champion Heavyweight Market Barrow: Pierce Woodruff, Moorland

Reserve Champion Heavyweight Market Barrow: Aaron Cain, Chariton

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Young Cattlemen Win High Honors in Iowa State Fair Show

DES MOINES, IA (08/21/2015)(readMedia)-- Sara Sullivan of Dunlap exhibited a Chianina heifer to capture the Supreme Breeding Heifer title in the 4-H Breeding Beef Show judged Tuesday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Kiley Elder of Ackworth claimed Reserve Supreme Breeding Heifer honors with her Foundation Simmental heifer. Kennedy Core of Pleasantville and her Champion Angus Heifer earned Third Place Overall Breeding Heifer. Wyatt Pryor of Woodbine and his Champion Maintainer Heifer received Fourth Place Overall Breeding Heifer. Nick Deppe of Maquoketa and his Champion Hereford heifer secured Fifth Place Overall Breeding Heifer.

Additional results below:

Champion Angus: Kennedy Core, Pleasantville

Reserve Champion Angus: Jordan Johnson, Fort Dodge

Champion All Other Breeds: Brynn Nickle, Clearfield

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds: Chase Van Vliet, Pella

Champion Charolais: Kal Swanson, Peterson

Reserve Champion Charolais: Jacob Weber, Parnell

Champion Charolais Cross: Parker Elder, Ackworth

Reserve Champion Charolais Cross: Reid Nichols, Atlantic

Champion Chianina: Sara Sullivan, Dunlap

Reserve Champion Chianina: Luke Streit, Hartley

Champion Hereford: Nick Deppe, Maquoketa

Reserve Champion Hereford: Nicole Petersen, DeWitt

Champion Limousin: Jamie Smith, New Virginia

Reserve Champion Limousin: Emily Puck, Muscatine

Champion High Percentage Maine-Anjou: Pacey Hawkins, Cincinnati

Reserve Champion High Percentage Maine-Anjou: Taylor Duckett, New Liberty

Champion Mainetainer: Wyatt Pryor, Woodbine

Reserve Champion Mainetainer: Cade Van Vliet, Otley

Red Angus Champion: Jarrin Goecke, State Center

Reserve Champion Red Angus Champion: Brady Edge, West Branch

Champion Shorthorn: Jennifer Holliday, Greenfield

Reserve Champion Shorthorn: Joshua Darbyshire, Morning Sun

Champion Shorthorn Plus: Abi Henderson, Ogden

Reserve Champion Shorthorn Plus: Dylan Kiepe, Ute

Champion Simmental: Carli Henderson, Wiota

Reserve Champion Simmental: Kal Swanson, Peterson

Champion Foundation Simmental: Kiley Elder, Ackworth

Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental: Karlee Griswold, Clinton

Champion Commercial Heifer: Sara Sullivan, Dunlap

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Kennedy Core, Pleasantville

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4-H and FFA Youth Compete in Iowa State Fair Dairy Cattle Show

DES MOINES, IA (08/21/2015)(readMedia)-- Young competitors from across Iowa earned breed championships in the Youth Dairy Cattle Show judged Tuesday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Breed division winners in the Youth Dairy Cattle Show included:

AYRSHIRE

Junior Champion: Cody Zidlicky, Decorah

Junior Reserve Champion: Levi Banowetz, Charlotte

Senior Champion: Ashley Bushman, Calmar

Senior Reserve Champion: Cole Kruse, Dyersville

Grand Champion: Ashley Bushman, Calmar

Reserve Grand Champion: Cole Kruse, Dyersville

BROWN SWISS

Junior Champion: Mitchell Hanson, La Porte City

Junior Reserve Champion: Gavin Simatovich, Gilman

Senior Champion: Kathryn Appler, Elgin

Senior Reserve Champion: Cody Zidlicky, Decorah

Grand Champion: Kathryn Appler, Elgin

Reserve Grand Champion: Cody Zidlicky, Decorah

MILKING SHORTHORN

Junior Champion: Dakota Sawyer, Marshalltown

Junior Reserve Champion: Madison Gibbs, Earlville

Senior Champion: Halie Gruenwald, Lost Nation

Senior Reserve Champion: Ryne Gruenwald, Lost Nation

Grand Champion: Halie Gruenwald, Lost Nation

Reserve Grand Champion: Ryne Gruenwald, Lost Nation

GUERNSEY

Junior Champion: JJ Eilers, Urbana

Junior Reserve Champion: Landon Sivesind, Waukon

Senior Champion: Landon Sivesind, Waukon

Senior Reserve Champion: Scotty Young, Epworth

Grand Champion: Landon Sivesind, Waukon

Reserve Grand Champion: Scotty Young, Epworth

JERSEY

Junior Champion: Dana Sickles, Marengo

Junior Reserve Champion: Gavin Simativich, Gilman

Senior Champion: Kaylee Koss, Epworth

Senior Reserve Champion: Ally Bierschenk, Van Horne

Grand Champion: Kaylee Koss, Epworth

Reserve Grand Champion: Ally Bierschenk, Van Horne

HOLSTEIN

Junior Champion: Brock Henderson, Coggon

Junior Reserve Champion: John Butz, Cedar Rapids

Senior Champion: Andy Dougherty, Epworth

Senior Reserve Champion: Royce Demmer, Peosta

Grand Champion: Andy Dougherty, Epworth

Reserve Grand Champion: Royce Demmer, Peosta

The Showmanship award is given for the exhibitors' ability to present their livestock in the show ring and answer any questions the judge may ask about their animal.

SHOWMANSHIP

Grand Champion Junior: Naomi Scott, Westgate

Reserve Champion Junior: Emily Carolan, Decorah

Grand Champion Intermediate: Kaylee Koss, Epworth

Reserve Champion Intermediate: Heath Gibbs, Earlville

Grand Champion Senior: Jessica Stempfle, Maynard

Reserve Champion Senior: Blake Courtney,Ridgeway

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IOWA CITY - Attend Biomass Fuel Project Field Day

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will attend the 2015 Biomass Fuel Project Field Day to learn more about the projects goal to improve the local economy and environment by substituting coal with locally grown sustainable biomass feedstock

WHERE Hawkeye Commuter Lot

Hawkeye Park Rd

TIME 9:00am

 

MUSCATINE - Attend YMCA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Meeting

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will attend their weekly meeting and discuss his personal experience of being raised in part by his grandmother

WHERE YMCA

1823 Logan Street

TIME 1:00pm

 

DAVENPORT - Tour 7G Distributing

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will tour the facility and meet with employees

WHERE 7G Distributing Davenport Center

8717 Northwest Boulevard, Frontage Rd

TIME 3:00pm

 

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(DES MOINES) - The Office of Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today announced internal updates to staff.

Larry Johnson, Jr., has been promoted to legal counsel to the governor and lt. governor. Johnson replaces Michael Bousselot who was previously promoted to Chief of Staff.

Legislative Liaison Jake Ketzner will depart the governor's office to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. Ketzner will be replaced by Ted Stopulos, who previously served as a policy adviser to the governor and lt. governor from 2011- September 2013. More recently, Stopulos served as Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs for the Iowa Health Care Association. Ketzner's last day in the governor's office is today, Friday, Aug. 21, 2015. Stopulos will begin Sept. 1, 2015.

 

"Larry Johnson and Ted Stopulos are capable and talented professionals. With proven track records within the governor's office and exceptional skillsets, I expect Larry and Ted to excel in their new roles," said Branstad. "I thank Jake Ketzner for his service, commitment and dedication over the past six years. Since we hired him for the 2010 campaign, I have been continually impressed with the passion, energy and work ethic he brought to every task given to him. I wish him well in his new endeavor."

"With a proven record of results and tireless commitment to completing the mission in front of him, it's not surprising that Jake was highly sought-after in the private sector. But as Jake departs, our office has two individuals in Larry Johnson and Ted Stopulos who have impressive knowledge of state government that will allow for a seamless transition," said Reynolds.

Johnson, Jr., has served as deputy legal counsel in the governor's office since Jan. 2011. In this capacity, he also serves as the State's Administrative Rules Coordinator.  Prior to his current role, Johnson worked in the private sector at a Des Moines law firm where he practiced in federal and state administrative law.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Management from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University.  He went on to Creighton University School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Barristers and served on the Moot Court Board.  More recently, Johnson was the governor's office lead on Iowa's new, award-winning administrative rules website, which increases transparency in the rule-making process.

Ted Stopulos graduated from the University of Iowa in 2007 and earned his law degree from Drake University in 2010. In 2011, he joined the Office of Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds as a policy adviser focusing on public safety, public defense, transportation and veterans issues. At the Iowa Health Care Association, he oversaw the organization's regulatory and government affairs.  Stopulos represented the group by advocating on their behalf in both a legislative and regulatory capacity.

 

Ketzner is a 2008 graduate of the University of Iowa. In 2010, Ketzner served as the Branstad-Reynolds campaign organization director. He served as a policy adviser in the Branstad-Reynolds administration, focusing on the issues of transportation, inspections and appeals, corrections and lottery. In 2012, he managed Iowa Rep. Steve King's (R-Kiron) successful congressional campaign. He was the 2014 Branstad-Reynolds campaign manager. Following the 2014 gubernatorial campaign, Ketzner returned to the governor's office to become the legislative liaison. During the 2015 session, Ketzner worked across party lines to secure bipartisan support for historic infrastructure investment that an economic development study called a prerequisite for economic development in Iowa.

 

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Songs of Country Legends to be Featured at Riverfront Pops
Stars from The Voice, The X Factor and Ellis Kell Perform
Fireworks to Light the Sky During Finale

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra goes a little bit country this year for the 2015 Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops.  The concert is Saturday, September 12 in Davenport's LeClaire Park and begins at 6:30 p.m.  The pre-concert is at 5:00 p.m.

Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops:  Country Legends will feature a toe tappin' tribute to the greatest names in country music.  Music by famed singers and songwriters like Johnny Cash, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and Faith Hill will be performed.  Songs will include Crazy, Ring of Fire, On the Road Again, The Devil Went Down to Georgia and many more.  Both classic and some new country will be showcased.

It's a great way to spend a day in the sun and a night under the stars at the end of summer.  Picnics including alcohol are allowed.  Concessions are available on site.

Headlining will be Patrick Thomas, Season 1 finalist on the hit show The Voice, paired with Rachel Potter, a top finalist from The X Factor.  Patrick is a Nashville-based recording artist who recently made a guest appearance on Lifetime network's Chasing Nashville.  He starred as Billy Crocker in Anything Goes in New York.  Rachel is a Nashville-based country music recording artist and songwriter whose debut album Live the Dream is available on iTunes.  She's now working on her second solo CD entitled Not So Black and White which will be released this fall.  Rachel recently appeared in the recent Evita revival and The Addams Family on Broadway. 

The popular Ellis Kell and Terry Hanson (of the Ellis Kell Band) along with other top local musicians back up the duo and lend local award-winning talent to this exceptional show.

As tradition dictates, the grand finale will climax with rousing renditions of both Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever set to a brilliant fireworks display!

The pre-show begins at 5:00 p.m with the Youth Symphony Orchestra followed by Ellis Kell playing country at 5:30 p.m.  Main show at 6:30 p.m.

Advance general admission lawn tickets for adults are $20, $25 at the gate.  Children's tickets (3-12) are $5.  Reserved fixed seating at the stage is available.  Adults $35, $45 at the gate.  Children $10, $15 at the gate.  Gates and handicapped parking open at 3:00 p.m.  There is no access to the park prior to 3:00 p.m.

Tickets are available online at www.qcso.org, at the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 563-322-QCSO (7276) or at 327 Brady Street in Davenport and at any Quad City Bank & Trust, Hy-Vee or Whitey's Ice Cream location.

More information and tickets for the QCB&T Riverfront Pops:  Country Legends are available at www.qcso.org.

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