Sunday, August 16 Iowa State Fair Highlights

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2015)(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.

17-year-old Ellen Schlarmann of Jones County was crowned the 2015 Iowa State Fair Queen by Alan Brown, president of the Fair Board. This year's ceremony marked the 51st anniversary of the contest.

"How 'bout them apples." The top apple growers earned awards in the Single Plate of Apples competition. Timeless Prairie Orchard of Winthrop won the Sweepstakes award for Northern District growers. Ronald Eckoff of Cumming earned the Sweepstakes award for the Southern District.

Cheyanne Hunt of Wapello was crowned Iowa State Fair Senior Cowgirl Queen. Mallory Vroegh of Granger earned the title of Junior Cowgirl Queen.

Austin Reiter of Kansas City took home the Iowa State Fair Mr. Legs crown. Nick Wolf of Ankeny claimed second place in Mr. Legs, while Mark Riemenschneider of Des Moines took third place

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Lett Out-Blooms the Competition at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Forty-two exhibitors entered 446 flowers in the FFA Floriculture competition judged Thursday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Beth Lett of Wilton received the Award of Excellence in this year's competition. Kendra Cranston of Montezuma won the Sweepstakes trophy for the second year in a row.

Additional results below:

Dahlia

Champion: Kendra Cranston, Montezuma

Reserve Champion: Kendra Cranston, Montezuma

Rose

Champion: Savannah Wilz, Eddyville

Reserve Champion: Maria Pendleton, Red Oak

Gladiola

Champion: Beth Lett, Wilton

Reserve Champion: Beth Lett, Wilton

Marigold

Champion: Emily Mead, Wellman

Reserve Champion: Daniel Larkin, Eddyville

Zinnia

Champion: Micah Lautz, Lake City

Reserve Champion: Kaylene Corbin, Montezuma

Petunia

Champion: Kendra Craston, Montezuma

Reserve Champion: Jessica Marshall, Griswold

Other

Champion: Greta Schmidt, Wellman

Reserve Champion: Dylan Schrock, Kalona

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Taste Tempting Tomatoes Win Iowa State Fair Honors

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Skip Hitchcock of Muscatine won first place and a $75 cash prize in the Best Tasting Tomato competition, judged Saturday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

His Jersey Boy variety tomato bested a record of 40 other entrants to win the top prize.

Dave Francois of Central City won second place and $50 with his Mortgage Lifter variety of tomato.

Judge Susan Appleget Hurst says a great tasting tomato "is a balance between acidity and sweetness."

"The flavor bursts when it hits your tongue," added Judge Eileen Robb. "A great tomato has a flavor that doesn't fade after you bite into it."

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FFA Exhibitors Compete for Supreme Honors at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2015)(readMedia)-- James Giradert of Sheldon exhibited the Supreme Female Champion in the FFA Breeding Beef show held Thursday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Ben Weis of St. Ansgar won the Reserve Supreme Female title.

Avery Bennet of Packwood exhibited the Grand Champion of the Cow-Calf competition, and Carlie Quandahl of Waukon received Reserve Grand Champion.

Additional results below:

Champion Angus Heifer: Katlyn Holmes, Mount Ayr

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer: Katelyn Holmes, Mount Ayr

Champion Charolais Heifer: Kade Knapp, Stanwood

Reserve Champion Charolais Heifer: Ally Bedwell, Truro

Champion Chianina Heifer: Brooke Grum, Manning

Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer: Derek Honts, Muscatine

Champion Hereford Heifer: Payton Vogel, Hartley

Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer: Carli Mellick, Waukon

Champion Limousin Heifer: Anna Radcliff, Eldridge

Reserve Champion Limousin Heifer: Kaitlyn Boyer, Osceola

Champion Maine-Anjou: Parker Frey, Earlham

Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou: Jaden Compton, Tipton

Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: Parker Frey, Earlham

Reserve Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: Cade Milliken, Packwood

Champion Shorthorn Heifer: Mollie McMulloh, DeWitt

Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer: Paul Queck, Truro

Champion Appendix Shorthorn Heifer: Payton Vogel, Harley

Reserve Champion Appendix Shorthorn Heifer: Landra McClellan, Armstrong

Champion Simmental Heifer: Ben Weis, Saint Ansgar

Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer: Tyler Espenscheid, Monroe

Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Cendra Sebolt, Seymour

Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Zach Timm, Monticello

Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: James Gradert, Sheldon

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Jacob Koppen, Buffalo Center

Champion Commercial Heifer: Kenton Lain, Corydon

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Parker Frey, Earlham

Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Katelyn Holmes, Mount Ayr

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Landon Josten, Forest City

Champion Angus Cow-Calf: Callie McQuillen, Monticello

Reserve Champion Angus Cow-Calf: Andrew Palmersheim, Manchester

Champion Simmental Cow-Calf: Sadre Simatorich, State Center

Reserve Champion Simmental Cow-Calf: Sadre Simatorich, State Center

Champion Crossbred Cow-Calf: Timothy Wagemester, Goose Lake

Reserve Champion Crossbred Cow-Calf: Rachel Maloy, Eddyville

Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Avery Bennet, Packwood

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Carli Qundahl, Waukon

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Wolfe Sweeps Iowa State Fair FFA Rabbit Show

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Tristan Wolfe of Red Oak won Market Best of Show in the FFA Rabbit Show judged Thursday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Laura Southward of Pleasant Hill was awarded Breeding Best of Show.

A total of 56 exhibitors from 36 chapters showed 295 animals in this year's competition

Additional results below:

MEAT PENS

Champion Meat Pen: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Reserve Champion Meat Pen: Lindsey Palmer, Wellman

Champion Roaster Pen: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Reserve Champion Roaster Pen: Tristan Wolfe, Red Oak

Champion Fryer Pen: Jaricka Eisentrager, Eagle Grove

Reserve Champion Fryer Pen: Lindsey Palmer, Wellman

MEAT RABBITS

Champion Meat Rabbit: Tristan Wolfe, Red Oak

Reserve Champion Meat Rabbit: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Champion Roaster: Tristan Wolfe, Red Oak

Reserve Champion Roaster: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Champion Fryer: Jarika Eisentrager, Eagle Grove

Reserve Champion Fryer: Lindsey Palmer, Wellman

SIX CLASS BREEDS

Champion Six Class Breed: Laura Southward, South East Polk

Reserve Champion Six Class Breed: Byron Hahn, Mediapolis

Champion California: Levi Klimesh, Calmar

Reserve Champion California: Levi Klimesh, Calmar

Champion Champagne D' Argent: Tanner Foster, Grinnell

Reserve Champion Champagne D' Argent: Tanner Foster, Grinnell

Champion Cinnamon: Bethany Schnieders, Manchester

Reserve Champion Cinnamon: None Awarded

Champion Chinchilla: Wyatt Shannon, Liberty Center

Reserve Champion Chinchilla: None Awarded

Champion Flemish Giant: Nicole Furne, Maquoketa

Reserve Champion Flemish Giant: Lindsey Palmer, Wellman

Champion French Lop: Lindsey Palmer, Wellman

Reserve Champion French Lop: None Awarded

Champion New Zealand: Laura Southward, South East Polk

Reserve Champion New Zealand: Laura Southward, South East Polk

Champion Satin: Byron Hahn, Mediapolis

Reserve Champion Satin: Byron Hahn, Mediapolis

Champion Other Breeds: Tapanga Birkenholtz, Newton

Reserve Champion Other Breeds: None Awarded

FOUR CLASS BREEDS

Champion Four Class Breed: Brittany Gunn, Jefferson

Reserve Champion Four Class Breed: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Champion French Angora: Emily Bollhoefer, Newton

Reserve Champion French Angora: None Awarded

Champion Dutch: Stacy Weets, Tipton

Reserve Champion Dutch: Kaitlyn Hodges, Des Moines

Champion Florida White: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Reserve Champion Florida White: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Champion Harlequin: Nina Morris, Maxwell

Reserve Champion Harlequin: Nina Morris, Maxwell

Champion Dwarf Hotot: Nine Morris, Maxwell

Reserve Champion Dwarf Hotot: None Awarded

Champion Netherland Dwarf: Parker Werling, West Liberty

Reserve Champion Netherland Dwarf: Brittany Gunn, Jefferson

Champion Mini Rex: Brittany Gunn, Jefferson

Reserve Champion Mini Rex: Brittany Gunn, Jefferson

Champion Rex: Kayla Smith, Marengo

Reserve Champion Rex: Sarah Goodrich, Rockford

Champion Silver Martin: Wyatt Shannon, Liberty Center

Reserve Champion Silver Martin: None Awarded

Champion Mini Lop: Jenna Heiny, Anita

Reserve Champion Mini Lop: Allison Furne, Maquoketa

Champion Holland Lop: Kayla Smith, Marengo

Reserve Champion Holland Lop: Katelyn Maxey, Des Moines

Champion Polish: Kaitlyn Hodges, Des Moines

Reserve Champion Polish: Allison Furne, Maquoketa

Champion Fuzzy Lop: Calise Hammes, Wilton

Reserve Champion Fuzzy Lop: Carlise Hammes, Wilton

Champion Himalayan: Tyler Waddington, Creston

Reserve Champion Himalayan: None Awarded

Champion Trianta: Jarika Eisentrager, Eagle Grove

Reserve Champion Trianta: Jenna Heiny, Massena

Champion Other: Joshua Sunberg, Red Oak

Reserve Champion Other: Joshua Sunberg, Red Oak

FUR AND WOOL

Champion Fur and Wool: Brittany Gunn, Greene County

Reserve Champion Fur and Wool: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Champion White Fur: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Reserve Champion White Fur: Erica Ackerman, Fredricksburg

Champion Color Fur: Brittany Gunn, Greene County

Reserve Champion Color Fur: Megan Miller, Lone Tree

Champion Color Wool: Courtney Johnson, Des Moines

Reserve Champion Color Wool: None Awarded

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FFA Photographer from Eddyville Wins Best of Show at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2015)(readMedia)-- FFA members competed in the Photography contest judged Wednesday prior to the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Marshal Wilz of Eddyville received Best of Show honors while Jay Wessels of Delhi nabbed the Reserve Best of Show title.

Additional results below:

Black and White

1) Katie Larkin, Eddyville

2) Tayler Jones, Eddyville

Color

1) Jay Wessels, Delhi

2) Alec Schoof, Paullina

Animals

1) Dana Armstrong, Eddyville

2) Joshua Sunberg, Red Oak

Still Life

1) Ray Schmidt, Williamsburg

2) Hunter Achenbach, Oakland

Iowa Landscape

1) Marshal Wilz, Eddyville

2) Hannah Fisher, Troy Mills

Landscape Outside Iowa

1) Dana Armstrong, Eddyville

2) Emma Haselhuhn, Eddyville

FFA

1) Ali Oepping, West Liberty

2) Aly Jones, West Liberty

Supervised Agricultural Experience

1) Dana Edleman, Huxley

2) Samantha Fisher, Oakland

Photo Essay

1) Joshua Sunberg, Red Oak

2) Allyson Haselhahn, Albia

Contemporary/Creative

1) Katlyn Ruth, Lone Tree

2) Amanda Crow, Arlington

Plants

1) Mikayla Heckman, West Liberty

2) Jordyn Sanders, Bussey

Theme Class: Cowboys/Cowgirls

1) Lauren Graeve, Audubon

2) Mary Lindsey, Leon

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FFA Breeding Swine Capture Top Honors in Iowa State Fair Show

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Youth from across the state competed in the FFA Breeding Swine Show on Thursday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Jarika Eisentrager of Eagle Grove captured the Grand Champion Commercial Gilt title while Macy Marek of Wapello claimed the Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Gilt title.

Andrew Dornbier of Garner exhibited the Supreme Champion Purebred Breeding Gilt while Kale Boysen of Wapello was awarded the Reserve Supreme Champion Purebred Breeding Gilt banner.

Additional results below:

Champion Berkshire Gilt: Andrew Dornbier, Garner

Reserve Champion Berkshire Gilt: Brandon Reed, Eddyville

Champion Chester White Gilt: Grant Maurer, Wilton

Reserve Champion Chester White Gilt: Clayton Vopelak, La Porte City

Champion Duroc Gilt: Grand Wolfe, Hudson

Reserve Champion Duroc Gilt: Jake Goecke, State Center

Champion Hampshire Gilt: Kendra Kehrli, Winthrop

Reserve Champion Hampshire Gilt: Jana Diercks, Wheatland

Champion Poland China Guilt: Leremy Jackson, Moravia

Reserve Champion Poland China Guilt: Marta Grant, Preston

Champion Spotted Gilt: Brittany Schafer, Hull

Reserve Champion Spotted Gilt: Bridget Carson, Newton

Champion Yorkshire Gilt: Kale Boysen, Wapello

Reserve Champion Yorkshire Gilt: Alexis Delaney, DeWitt

Champion Other Breeds Gilt: Ashlyn Mayo, Belmond

Reserve Champion Other Breeds Gilt: Makayla McMann, Corning

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Saturday, August 15 Iowa State Fair Highlights

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2015)(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.

Skip Hitchcock of Muscatine won first place in the Best Tasting Tomato competition, judged Saturday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. His Jersey Boy variety tomato bested a record of 40 other entrants to win the top prize.

Dave Francois of Central City won second place with his Mortgage Lifter variety of tomato.

The Fair's new Iowa wine, Iowa beer and Iowa soda showcase, "Top of the Vine," is now open. It is located next to Grandfather's Barn and is a short distance east of the Cultural Center. It opens at 9 a.m. and closes at midnight.

Garden savvy visitors to the Iowa State Fair put their knowledge to the test in the Weed Identification Contest. Contestants were challenged to identify up to 40 pesky plants. Madelyn DeJong of Montezuma won first place in the Youth class. Matthew Vandehaar of Altoona won first place in the General class, and in the Professional class, Lowell Sandell of Lincoln, Neb. earned first place.

The State Fair Weed Identification Contest is conducted by Iowa State University Extension and the Integrated Roadside Pest Management Program to educate the public about weedy plants.

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Clarion-Goldfield FFA Member Wins Grand Champion Market Pig at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Ben Jacobson of Clarion showed the Grand Champion Market Pig at the FFA Market Swine contest judged Thursday during the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Alex Alliger of Gowrie claimed Reserve Grand Champion Market Pig honors.

Alexis Delaney of DeWitt won Champion Purebred Market Swine honors, and Cory Sampson of Nevada received Reserve Champion Purebred Market Swine honors.

More than 350 exhibits showed 564 animals in this year's competition.

Additional results below:

Champion Light Weight Market Gilt: Kaleb Miller, Liberty Center

Reserve Champion Light Weight Market Gilt: Baily Sonka, Van Horne

Champion Medium Weight Market Gilt: Zach Lear, Spencer

Reserve Champion Medium Weight Market Gilt: Mike DeDecker, Pleasant Hill

Champion Heavy Weight Market Gilt: Walker McDermott, Anita

Reserve Champion Heavy Weight Market Gilt: Larame Boysen, Columbus Junction

Champion Light Weight Market Barrow: Bailey Core, Pleasantville

Reserve Champion Light Weight Market Barrow: Lexi Marek, Washington

Champion Medium Weight Market Barrow: Ben Jacobson, Clarion

Reserve Champion Medium Weight Market Barrow: Alex Alliger, Gowrie

Champion Heavy Weight Market Barrow: Alexis Delaney, DeWitt

Reserve Champion Heavy Weight Market Barrow: Baily Sonka, Van Horne

Champion Chester White: Cory Sampson, Nevada

Reserve Champion Chester White: Seth Warren, Glenwood

Champion Duroc: Cory Sampson, Nevada

Reserve Champion Duroc: Zachary Lear, Spencer

Champion Hampshire: Alexis Delaney, DeWitt

Reserve Champion Hampshire: Kelsey Brecht, Van Horne

Champion Berkshire: Erin Schmidt, Van Horne

Reserve Champion Berkshire: Mark Wellik, Garner

Champion Spotted: Zachary Lear, Spencer

Reserve Champion Spotted: Lexi Marek, Washington

Champion Poland China: Clayton Vopelak, La Porte City

Reserve Champion Poland China: Natalee Dippel, Belmond

Champion Yorkshire: Alexis Delaney, DeWitt

Reserve Champion Yorkshire: Cory Sampson, Nevada

Champion All Other Breeds: Alexis Delaney, DeWitt

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds: Cory Sampson, Nevada

The Grand and Reserve Champion Market Pigs, along with 14 other livestock champions, will be auctioned in the prestigious Sale of Champions on Saturday, August 22, at 2 p.m. in the Penningroth Media Center of the Putney Family Cattle Barn. The event is 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.

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Jones County's Ellen Schlarmann Crowned 2015 Iowa State Fair Queen

DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Ellen Schlarmann, 17, of Jones County was crowned the 2015 Iowa State Fair Queen by Alan Brown, president of the Fair Board. This year's ceremony, which marked the 51st anniversary of the contest, took place on Saturday evening at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor KCWI.

The daughter of Dave and Sue Schlarmann of Monticello, Ellen was chosen out of the 101 contestants who participated in this year's competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.

Emily Harney, 18, of Dallas County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Le Anne and Matt Harney of Granger. Second runner-up was Kiley Elder, 18, of Marion County. She is the daughter of Bart and Dianna Elder of Ackworth. Sarah Ruby Clark, 18, of Monroe County was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Larry and Patty Clark of Albia.

Raeann Victoria Hanlon, of Calhoun County, was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. The 19-year-old is the daughter of Eugenia and Jeff Hartsook and Kraig Hanlon of Rockwell City. Shelby Soper, 17, of Adair County was given the Personality Plus Award. She is the daughter of Clint and Mindy Douglas of Adair.

Queen Ellen, who will reign for the next year, receives a $2,800 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, a $600 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall, a pair of diamond earrings from B. Shannon Designs, and an Iowa State Fair Brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.

The first runner-up earns a $1,300 scholarship and $300 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall; the second runner-up wins $700 in scholarship money and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card; and the third runner-up receives a $500 scholarship and $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins an $800 Scholarship and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Personality Plus winner receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist. An anonymous donor graciously provided the Jordan Creek gift cards for the Royal Court.

Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise.

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Beyer Wins Esteemed Prize in Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2015)(readMedia)-- Evelyn Beyer of Otley was awarded the prestigious Ruth Van Den Baard Award in the Senior Citizens division of the Fabric and Threads contest judged prior to the start of the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

The Ruth Van Den Baard Award is given to exhibitors who are at least 80 years of age when the item they submitted was completed. Exhibitors may enter any item using any technique eligible in the Fabric and Threads Department.

Additional results below:

Crochet - Afghan

1) Delores McClugage, Ankeny

2) Aline Grant, Pleasant Hill

3) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

4) Norma J. Hill, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Marcella R. Huff, West Des Moines

Crochet - Baby Afghan

1) Junellyn Ellis, Tracy

2) Patricia Gilroy, Story City

3) Wynona Bohemann, Norwalk

4) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

Honorable Mention) Norma J. Hill, Des Moines

Crochet - Doily

1) Patricia Gilroy, Story City

2) Junellyn Ellis, Tracy

3) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

4) Kathryn Hollingsworth, Pleasantville

Honorable Mention) Norma J. Hill, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Delores McClugage, Ankeny

Knit Sweater

1) Eleanor Verwers, Altoona

2) Conti Roberts, Marion

3) Diann Egeland, Madrid

4) Shirley J. Leonard, West Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Sue McKinley, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Donna Grote, Council Bluffs

Honorable Mention) Betty Jo Staudt, Marble Rock

Tatted Item

1) Esther Miller, Des Moines

2) Peggy Bruns, Nevada

3) Linda Beu, Reinbeck

4) SERENA LINN, Des Moines

Machine Embroidered Item

1) Colette Wortman, Urbandale

2) Norene Bruxvoort, Leighton

Honorable Mention) Donna Carter, Melrose

Honorable Mention) Margery McVay, Montezuma

Honorable Mention) Lois Friday, Iowa City

Hand Embroidered Item

1) Lillian Davidson, Brooklyn

2) Bev Brady, Des Moines

3) Marlys VonStein, Bondurant

4) Wilma Brouwer, Pella

Needlepoint Item - No Plastic Canvas

1) Janice Blubaugh, Colfax

2) Mary Langdon, Des Moines

3) Kareen Strumpel, Cedar Rapids

4) Deborah Collins, Urbandale

Counted Cross Stitch Item

1) Linda Oltrogge, Waterloo

2) Karen Nye, Mason City

3) Robert Malake, Davenport

4) Lin VandeBerg, Runnells

Honorable Mention) Louise Beeler, Truro

Honorable Mention) Verrill Dayton, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Dee Lowe, Clive

Honorable Mention) Marva Tolson, State Center

Pieced Wall Quilt - Individual or Team

1) Diane Lehman, Badger

2) Margaret Simons, Des Moines

3) Mary Dustin, Albia

4) Aileen Taylor, Pella

Honorable Mention) Connie Hansen, Audubon

Honorable Mention) Debra A. Kimball, Clive

Mixed Technique Wall Quilt - Individual or Team

1) Joan Kerns, Edgewood

2) Marge Pearson, Van Meter

3) Bonnabelle Rayner, Lone Tree

4) Linda Town, Wellsburg

Pieced Quilt - Individual or Team

1) Nancy DeLay, Indianola

2) Jan Cunningham, Ames

3) Esther Hoehns, Des Moines

4) Julia Jones, Altoona

Honorable Mention) Diane Lehman, Badger

Honorable Mention) Terri L. Miller, Rockwell

Honorable Mention) Lin VandeBerg, Runnells

Honorable Mention) Margaret Beal, Adel

Honorable Mention) Suzanne Halley, Marion

Mixed Technique Quilt - Individual or Team

1) Joan Kerns, Edgewood

2) Donna Hunter, Chariton

3) Joyce Scribner, Dysart

4) Joyce Betz, Johnston

Scrap Quilt - Individual or Team

1) Nancy DeLay, Indianola

2) Bonnabelle Rayner, Lone Tree

3) Jan Cunningham, Ames

Honorable Mention) Opal Gaskill, Manilla

Honorable Mention) Patsy Murphy, Knoxville

Honorable Mention) Sharon Meisenheimer, Johnston

Honorable Mention) Marcia Wing, Runnells

Honorable Mention) Peggy Bruns, Nevada

Any Item - Ruth Van Den Baard Award

1) Evelyn Beyer, Otley

2) Margaret Beal, Adel

3) Donna Grote, Council Bluffs

4) Jackie Trevillyan, Winterset

Honorable Mention) Dorothy Weller, Earlham

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to the Labor Advisory Board, as well as several Arbitrator reappointments to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

Name: Robert J. Fulton
Position: Member - Labor Advisory Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Robert J. Fulton to the Labor Advisory Board. Fulton brings close to four decades of experience in labor relations to the board.

Since 2007, Fulton has been a business manager and financial secretary-treasurer at Machine Movers, Riggers & Machinery Erectors, Local Union 136. In this capacity, Fulton provided leadership to Local 136 by negotiating collective bargaining agreements, overseeing day-to-day business and representing the union at political meetings. Prior to this, Fulton was a business agent and apprentice coordinator at Local 136.

Fulton resides in Chicago.

Name: Pedro DeJesus, Jr.
Position: Member - Labor Advisory Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Pedro DeJesus, Jr. to the Labor Advisory Board. DeJesus' experience in corporate management and legal affairs will provide the board with unique insight.

DeJesus is currently the Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Tampico Beverages, Inc. In this capacity, DeJesus serves on Tampico's executive leadership team. His principal areas of focus are commercial negotiations, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property rights management and legal affairs. He also provides strategic advice to the management team and the board of directors. He has been in this role since 2007. From 2004 to 2007, DeJesus was Vice President & Corporate Counsel at Information Resources, Inc. Prior to that he was an attorney at McGuireWoods Ross & Hardies.

DeJesus earned his bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University and his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. He lives in Lake Forest.

Name: Guy Niedorkorn
Position: Member - Labor Advisory Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Guy Niedorkorn to the Labor Advisory Board. Niedorkorn brings 13 years of experience to the board.

Niedorkorn is the Vice President of the Power and Utility Group at Aldridge Electric, where he is responsible for overseeing that department's operations. He has served in this capacity since 2003.

Niedorkorn is an active member of Local 134 IBEW and is on the Corporate Advisory Board for the Illinois Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Niedorkorn resides in Palatine.

Name: John T. Coli
Position: Member - Labor Advisory Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed John T. Coli to the Labor Advisory Board. Coli brings close to four decades of experience in labor relations to the board.

Coli serves as the President of Joint Council 25 in Chicago and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. Coli has been a Teamster since starting work as a parking lot attendant in 1971. He has served as a steward, business agent and Executive Board member of various labor organizations.

Coli resides in Chicago.

Name: Mark B. Buisson
Position: Member - Labor Advisory Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Mark B. Buisson to the Labor Advisory Board. Buisson's experience in the insurance industry, as well as in sales and marketing will bring an important perspective to the board.

Buisson is currently the Vice President, Region Executive at PURE Insurance. At PURE, Buisson is responsible for growth, profit and loss for the company's Midwest region, which is comprised of twelve states and includes $40 million in premiums. Prior to this role, Buisson was a sales and marketing manager at PURE, as well as the Director at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. He is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM).

Buisson earned his bachelor's degree in English from Carthage College. He lives in Mundelein.

Name: Jonathan D. Ginzel
Position: Member - Labor Advisory Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Jonathan D. Ginzel to the Labor Advisory Board. Ginzel brings extensive experience in labor and employee relations to the board.

Ginzel is currently the Director of Labor & Employee Relations at Caterpillar Inc. At Caterpillar, Ginzel is responsible for negotiating and administering labor contracts in the U.S. and Canada, as well as providing consolation on labor issues globally. Prior to this role, Ginzel was a Senior Human Resource Manager and Division Manager at Caterpillar.

Ginzel earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Bradley University as well as his MBA and law degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. He lives in Peoria.

Name: Kim Clarke Maisch
Position: Member - Labor Advisory Board

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Kim Clarke Maisch to the Labor Advisory Board. Clarke Maisch's knowledge of small business issues and the impact of legislation and regulation on them will be incredibly helpful to the board.

Clarke Maisch has been the Illinois State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business since 1998. In this role, Clarke Maisch is responsible for the organization's communications with both the media and state agencies. Prior to this, she was Director of Communications for Illinois Comptroller Loleta Didrickson. She has previously served on the Illinois Department of Employment Security Advisory Board, the Illinois Small Business & Workforce Development Task Force, the Illinois Workers' Compensation Advisory Board and the Social Security Retirement Pay Task Force.

Clarke Maisch earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and political science from Southern Illinois University and a master's degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She lives in Springfield.

Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Arbitrator Reappointments

• George Andros
• Maria Bocanegra
• Molly Dearing
• Stephen Friedman
• Gerald Granada
• Jessica Hegarty
• Jeffrey Huebsch
• Nancy Lindsay
• Maureen Pulia?
• Ketki Steffen

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