AMES, IA (05/20/2015)(readMedia)-- Three Iowa State University College of Human Sciences students were honored at the Multicultural Student Affairs Graduation and Recognition Ceremony. Among those honored were:

Vanessa McNeal of Davenport, Iowa (52803), graduated with a degree in child, adult, and family services. McNeal spoke at the Multicultural Student Affairs graduation and recognition celebration on Sunday, May 3.

Dominique Williams of Davenport, Iowa (52804), graduated with a degree in hospitality management. Williams spoke at the Multicultural Student Affairs graduation and recognition celebration on Sunday, May 3.

Eligible donors can choose their day to help save lives during "100 days of summer. 100 days of hope." campaign

(May 20, 2015) – The American Red Cross urges donors to choose their day to give hope to patients in need by donating blood or platelets during the "100 days of summer. 100 days of hope." campaign, officially sponsored by Suburban Propane.

"Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and vacation season, and the start of a seasonal decline in blood and platelet donations," said Ben Corey, external communications manager, Heart of America Blood Services Region. "By choosing a day to give blood or platelets, volunteer donors can give hope and help maintain a sufficient supply for patients in need."

To encourage donations around the Memorial Day holiday, those who come to give blood or platelets from May 23-25 will receive a Red Cross RuMe tote bag, while supplies last.

Summer vacations and travel can contribute to less availability for people to give blood or platelets. In a spring survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors, nearly 90 percent indicated plans to take vacations this summer. However, patients don't get a summer holiday or vacation from needing lifesaving blood. The Red Cross relies on volunteer donors for the 15,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

As official sponsor of the summer campaign, which begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day weekend, Suburban Propane will support an advertising public awareness campaign about the constant need for blood and platelet donations, and encourage employees and customers to give. Additionally, Suburban Propane employees will volunteer at Red Cross blood drives and facilities nationwide in one of the largest national volunteer commitments to the Red Cross Blood Services from a corporate partner.

"The Suburban Propane family is proud to support the mission of the Red Cross and help ensure that blood and platelets are available for patients in need during the challenging summer months," said Suburban Propane's Chief Operating Officer Mark Wienberg. "By partnering with the Red Cross, we are able to continue a noble cause that improves the lives of those in our communities."

The Red Cross has touched the lives of many Suburban Propane employees including Debbie Traub. In May 2014, her 74-year-old father fell from a ladder while power washing his home and suffered life-threatening injuries. He spent 20 days in the intensive care unit and received many blood transfusions. Traub said that she now knows the importance of giving blood and makes a point to donate in honor of her father at the Suburban Propane headquarter blood drives. Her story is just one of many reasons Suburban Propane continues to advocate for blood and platelet donations to the Red Cross.

"Suburban Propane is the steadfast conduit to mobilize its employees, customers and community leaders nationally to support the Red Cross and the blood needs of communities we serve across the United States," added Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships for the Red Cross Biomedical Services. "Through the unwavering commitment of Suburban Propane, the lifesaving blood and platelet donations made to the Red Cross may help families stay together, patients recover and people survive."

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Suburban Propane

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SPH) is a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban serves the energy needs of more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers through more than 710 locations in 41 states.

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(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that he has appointed Kristin Johnson as the executive director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Johnson replaces former executive director Beth Townsend who is now the director of Iowa Workforce Development. Don Grove had been serving as acting executive director while a permanent director search was conducted. A photo of Johnson can be found here.

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission has a mission of enforcing civil rights though compliance, arbitration, support and education leading to safer, more inclusive communities.

"I am pleased today to announce that I have appointed Kristin Johnson to lead the Iowa Civil Rights Commission," said Branstad. "Kristin's current role as a Civil Rights Specialist at the Commission, as well as her experience as an arbitrator and mediator will be an asset in her new capacity. I am confident she will continue to advance the Commission's reputation of fairness and efficiency."

"I was impressed by Kristin's experience at the Commission and her knowledge of the issues the department grapples as they hear cases," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "As executive director, Kristin will have the important task of enforcing civil rights compliance and ensuring equality for all. We are confident in her ability to lead the Commission."

Johnson presently serves as a Civil Rights Specialist at the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, where she has worked since 2012. Previously, she has been an arbitrator and mediator for the Iowa Public Employment Relations Board and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a consultant for the Iowa Association of School Boards, an attorney in private practice and a labor relations attorney for the Iowa Department of Personnel.

Johnson earned both her bachelor's degree and law degree from the University of Iowa. She and her husband Eric resides in Clive, Iowa. They have three sons.

Johnson's appointment is effective immediately and is subject to Iowa Senate confirmation.

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May 30th event will feature giveaways, free food, live broadcasts and more

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - May 20, 2015 - Northern Tool + Equipment is celebrating the grand opening of its store in Davenport, Iowa, with a customer-appreciation event. During the grand opening, Northern Tool + Equipment will have a variety of giveaways and activities located at 4341 Elmore Ave.

Northern Tool + Equipment's Davenport location allows customers to see 80 percent of the floor from 20 feet inside the front door. Designed with customer convenience in mind, the new store has eight easy-to-shop departments clearly labeled with overhead signage. Products are visible throughout each department, which allows customers to quickly and easily find the tools and equipment they are looking for.

What: Northern Tool + Equipment Davenport Grand Opening Celebration

 

Where: 4341 Elmore Ave., Davenport

 

When:   Saturday, May 30 from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.

·       Live Broadcasts:

o   10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - KCQQ 106.5

·       Free Food (while supplies last)

·       Prize Giveaways: Thousands of dollars in prizes, including a tool chest, work light, wrench set, impact driver set, workstation and more.

·       Grand Opening Sale with special product deals

 

About the New Store

Northern Tool + Equipment's newest retail location offers customers the tools they need - in a variety of ways. The new store has 18,125 sq. ft. and offers more than 8,000 different products, including a complete line of pressure washers and accessories, generators, hand, power and air tools, trailer parts and accessories, material handling, automotive and apparel. Northern Tool + Equipment is the source for more than 700 different types of trailer parts, tires, and accessories, as well as tools with thousands hand, power and air tools available. The store also offers a full line of gas and electric pressure washers up to 4,000 PSI for tough jobs.

About Northern Tool + Equipment

Northern Tool + Equipment has been a supplier of high-quality tools and equipment for more than 30 years, selling products through direct mail, the Internet and at more than 85 retail locations in 18 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Along with a deep selection of hand, power and air tools, Northern Tool + Equipment carries a wide variety of products, including generators, pressure washers, air compressors, hydraulics, small engines, trailers, water pumps, tractors, welding equipment and much more. Northern Tool + Equipment also serves as the exclusive distributor of NorthStarä brand equipment, which is fabricated and assembled at the company's 250,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility located in Faribault, Minnesota. Northern Tool + Equipment's corporate headquarters are located in Burnsville, Minn. For more information, visit www.NorthernTool.com

Amana- The Andrews Brothers, opens June 4 and runs through June 28 on the Old Creamery's Main Stage, with shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 2:00 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm.

A USO show is threatened with cancellation when a certain famous trio of singing sisters fails to appear, and it's up to three earnest and determined stagehands to go on with the show! Mistaken identities and madcap adventure along with the music of an entire generation highlight this wonderful valentine to the heroes of World War II. The Andrews Brothers is written by Roger Bean.

The cast includes Ali Foley, Ryan Gaffney, Vaughn Irving, and Zack Steele. The musicians include Tim Daugherty and Derek Dreier. Sean McCall is the director.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $18.50 for students, with a

$12 special student rush rate for students purchase their tickets 30 minutes before the performance begins.

Sponsored by Rockwell Collins. Media sponsors are: The Pulse, CBS2, and FOX 28. The Andrews Brothers is rated Theatre G.

Call the box office for tickets and more information

319-622-6262 or visit us online at www.oldcreamery.com.

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. In 2015, the company is celebrating 44 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.
Join the Figge in CELLObrating the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's 100th anniversary throughout the week! 100 locally-painted cellos will be on display in the lobby Tuesday through Friday in honor of the QCSO. Stick around on Thursday to create and decorate costume accessories for this year's annual Art at Heart Gala. Get your tickets today for the June 5 event and start prepping for a unique night of food, drink, and art!
 Great River Brewery and Big River Bindery team up for a night of Prints and Pints at the German American Heritage Center next Thursday. Try your hand at Gutenberg's printing press technique by creating German dog inspired prints in honor of the GAHC's Wolf to Woof Exhibit. Be sure to check it out while you're there.
 Ride the Ferris Wheel, snack on hot dogs and popcorn, and cheer on your favorite minor league baseball team all week long! With home games every day, the Quad Cities River Bandits are ready to take on the Peoria Chiefs and Kane County Cougars. Enjoy fireworks at Friday's game, a bobble head giveaway on Saturday, and tons of other fun promotions at all week at Modern Woodmen Park.
 Four-piece roots rock band, The Bros. Landreth, bring their electric guitars, B3 organ, and harmonized voices to River Music Experience tomorrow night. Join RME again on Thursday as they host their first ever Songwriters' Showcase featuring four fantastic artists. Mark your calendars for the kick-off of this summer's Friday Live at 5 series set for Friday, June 5.
 Speaking of music, if you're looking for some great new albums, Ragged Records is the place for you. With CDs, LPs, 45s, PLUS promo and vintage concert posters, you're bound to find something just for you. The folks at Ragged Records buy quality used gear and albums too, so don't be shy- swing on down this week!

 

See you downtown! For more events and activities, click here.
Coal Valley, IL - May 20, 2015 - Niabi Zoo announced today that it will be holding Princess and Pirate Day on Saturday, May 23. The event will feature games as well as treasure and scavenger hunts. Niabi Zoo is encouraging kids to come to the Zoo dressed as either a princess or pirate as they join in on the fun.
Princess and Pirate Day will feature a variety of fun princess- and pirate-themed games such as "pin the kiss on the frog" and "walk the plank" for children of all ages to enjoy. New for 2015 will be an appearance from Princess Elsa and Princess Anna from the movie Frozen. "We introduced this event last year, and it was a huge hit," said Zoo director Marc Heinzman. "We're excited to expand it even more this year with some exciting additions, including a chance for kids to meet their favorite Frozen characters."
Niabi Zoo will also be offering a free gift to all children ages 12 and under who come to the Zoo dressed as a princess or pirate. All festivities will take place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Niabi Zoo will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM. Regular admission rates will apply.
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is supporting a multi-year capital construction project proposed by the governor and the Illinois Department of Transportation to provide critical maintenance to Illinois roadways.
"A statewide infrastructure investment like the IDOT proposal will help keep all of us safer on the roads and will put hard-working men and women back on the job," Smiddy said. "I look forward to working with the governor on this issue to help restore critical infrastructure across the state."
Last week, IDOT released its multi-year construction plan to restore approximately 1,400 miles of roadways and 360 bridges across Illinois. Smiddy will work through his role on the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Bridges Committee to enact the plan to make our roadways safer and utilize local contractors to provide good, well-paying jobs to local residents. Smiddy's district would receive over $200 million dollars to restore over 22 miles of roadways over the life of the six year proposal if approved and carried out as planned.
"This investment is an area where we can work in a bipartisan way to improve our roads and bridges," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to look for partners in my mission to improve transportation accessibility across Illinois and jump-start the local economy."
The IDOT proposal includes ten projects in the 71st District that would begin in Fiscal Year 2016, which begins on July 1. The plan would still need a favorable vote in the General Assembly before projects can break ground.
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Policy Will Support Long-Term, Regional Economic Growth Strategies

MEMPHIS, TN, May 20, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced USDA's plan to implement a Farm Bill provision that will have a major policy impact on the way the Department helps rural communities plan and finance regional economic development strategies. The new Regional Development Priority (RDP) policy will make it easier for rural communities to access resources to invest in long-term community development efforts by giving priority to applications for Rural Development programs that include regional partnerships and strategies.

"Regional planning maximizes the effectiveness of our investments in rural America," Vilsack said here today while addressing the 10th Annual Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Conference. "When communities come together to share resources, ideas and expertise, they can develop a cohesive economy strategy and invest in their future. With a strategy in place, USDA-funded projects can spur regional economic transformation, increase job opportunities and improve quality of life for rural communities."

Under the RDP, communities with multi-jurisdictional economic development plans will be able to request funding priority when they apply for loans and grants in four key USDA programs. These programs help finance a variety of infrastructure, business and community development needs. They are:

Applicants seeking priority consideration will be judged by (1) how well their funding request supports a region's existing development plan, and (2) how well the plan addresses regional collaboration and considers other funding sources including philanthropic groups and other federal agencies. Projects that receive funding will be based on locally identified needs and growth strategies that capitalize upon a region's unique strengths.

Vilsack made this announcement during the 10th Annual Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Conference in Memphis, Tennessee. The conference brings world leaders and policy officials from 34 countries to discuss how modern policies can help rural regions reach their full economic potential, support national growth and be globally competitive. During the conference, Secretary Vilsack reaffirmed his vision for four pillars of rural economic development.

Additional information about the funding priority was published in today's Federal Register.

Congress authorized USDA to implement this regional approach when it passed the 2014 Farm Bill. That law builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

Since the bill's enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including expanding access to rural credit, developing new markets for rural-made products, and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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DES MOINES, IA (05/20/2015)(readMedia)-- From rock legends to country up-and-comers, Fairgoers can enjoy more than a million dollars' worth of free entertainment throughout the 11 days of the 2015 Iowa State Fair. "Nothing Compares" to this year's entertainment, all free with gate admission. The Iowa State Fair runs August 13-23.

This year's line-up features southern rock band 38 Special. The group boasts more than twenty million in record sales, with hits such as "Hold On Loosely," "Second Chance," "Back Where You Belong" and more. Other rock groups include Head East, Autograph, Get the Led Out, and Steelheart.

After thirty years together, Restless Heart is still enjoying one of the most successful careers in country music history. With hits that include "I'll Still Be Loving You" and "When She Cries," their success includes six number one hits and the 1990 Vocal Group of the Year from the Academy of Country Music Awards. Other country acts include Haley & Michaels, Dan + Shay, Raelynn and Big Smo.

Back by popular demand, the self-proclaimed "Glee-meets-Stomp" group Vocal Trash will perform daily on the MidAmerican Energy Stage. Also returning is funk band Here Come the Mummies and Hairball, the world's ultimate 80s arena rock impersonation act.

Discounted admission tickets are available now through August 12, with savings of nearly 30 percent. Purchase tickets online at iowastatefair.org. The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office opens Monday, July 6, for walk-up orders.

A complete listing of event dates, times and locations follows:

MidAmerican Energy Stage with Iowa Realty and media sponsor KCCI 8 News

August 13-23: Vocal Trash (Noon & 2 p.m.)

August 13: 38 Special (8 p.m.)

August 14: The Nadas (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 15: Bonne Finken (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 16-17: Home Free (8 p.m.)

August 18: Village People (8 p.m.)

August 19: Kentucky HeadHunters (8 p.m.)

August 20: Sir Mix-A-Lot (8 p.m.)

August 21: Fran Cosmo, a former singer of BOSTON (8 p.m.)

August 22: The Blue Band (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 23: Here Come the Mummies (8 p.m.)

Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi

August 13-14: Nathan Osmond (8 p.m.)

August 15: Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation (7 p.m.)

August 16-17: Redhead Express (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 18-22: Ron Diamond (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 23: Matt Maher (8 p.m.)

Bud Light Stage sponsored by ABC5

August 13: Lita Ford (8 p.m.)

August 14: Naked Eyes (8 p.m.)

August 15: Gabbie Rae (8 p.m.)

August 16-17: Hairball (7:30 p.m.)

August 18: Autograph (8 p.m.)

August 19: Get the Led Out (8 p.m.)

August 20-21: Head East (8 p.m.)

August 22: Steelheart (8 p.m.)

August 23: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (8 p.m.)

Susan Knapp Amphitheater sponsored by Coors Light with media sponsor KDSM FOX 17

August 13: Clare Dunn (8 p.m.)

August 14: Jamie Lynn Spears (8 p.m.)

August 15: Chris Lane (8 p.m.)

August 16: Haley & Michaels (8 p.m.)

August 17: Old Dominion (8 p.m.)

August 18: Restless Heart (8 p.m.)

August 19: Dan + Shay (8 p.m.)

August 20: Big Smo (8 p.m.)

August 21: Country Gold (5 &7:30 p.m.)

August 22: Raelynn (8 p.m.)

August 23: Brandy Clark (8 p.m.)

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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