(DES MOINES) - Today, during his weekly press conference, Gov. Terry E. Branstad announced that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is bringing driver's license services to customers in places where they are already doing business.

Twenty four locations including libraries, Hy-Vee stores, and a Kum & Go around the state now house Motor Vehicle self-service kiosks which allow Iowans to renew or replace their driver's license and identification cards. The kiosks are identical to those currently found in the Ankeny driver's license station.  A complete list of kiosk locations, as well as traditional driver's license issuance sites can be found at www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/dlsites.htm. An image of the kiosk can be found here.

"Technology is allowing Iowans secure and convenient access to services," said Branstad. "If your driver's license is up for renewal and you happen to stop for a gallon of milk or are checking out a book at the library, you may be able to take care of the driver's license task in the same trip."

"The efficient nature of these kiosks allows services to be offered outside of traditional hours," added Branstad. "The kiosks and other online or remote services offer customers convenience, choice, and control - the convenience of spending less time and travel to obtain services, choice over how and where they receive services, and control over completion of the service itself."

The kiosks are an extension of online services the Iowa DOT has been offering since 2013 to renew driver's licenses and ID cards, change a mailing address, or other driver-related services.

"Electronic renewal, whether online or through kiosks, offers eligible Iowans a convenient way to renew their card without interrupting their day and driving to an issuance site," Paul Trombino III, director of the Iowa DOT, said. "Since we have instituted online renewals, congestion has lessened at driver's license issuance locations, also saving time for those who need in-person service."

The kiosks offer a unique opportunity for the State of Iowa to partner with private businesses to bring the citizens of Iowa government services.  Darryl Eschete, director of the West Des Moines Public Library, said, "The license renewal kiosk program allows Iowa's public libraries to partner with other agencies like the DOT to not only save taxpayer money by being efficient, but also to save the public's time by being more convenient. This partnership is a classic win-win scenario."

"We're honored to join the State of Iowa and other business partners in this technology movement that will bring added convenience to residents," said Pat Hensley, vice president of government affairs/business innovations at Hy-Vee, Inc. "We are always looking for ways in which Hy-Vee stores can be a one-stop shop for customers."

There are stipulations on who can renew a driver's license or ID card online due to public safety and identity security concerns. With some exceptions, you can renew at a kiosk if:

• You have a valid Iowa driver's license or ID (not a commercial driver's license).
• You are at least 18, but younger than 70 years old.
• Your license or ID card has not been expired for more than a year.
• It is less than 180 days to the renewal date on your current driver's license or ID card.
• You are a U.S. citizen and an Iowa resident
• You do not have any medical or vision conditions that would impact your ability to drive.

Superintendent of Iowa Division of Banking to retire in October

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced the retirement of Iowa Division of Banking superintendent James (Jim) M. Schipper. Schipper notified the governor of his intention to retire on Friday, June 5, 2015. He plans to serve as superintendent until October 8, 2015. He has served as superintendent since January 2011.

"I wish to thank Jim for his service to the state and the Iowa Division of Banking," said Branstad. "Jim has had a long, successful career in the banking industry and I wish him all the best in retirement."

Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said, "I got to know Jim from his community involvement in Osceola. I always appreciated his commitment to the community and passion to see his customers succeed. We are grateful for Jim's service and congratulate him on a distinguished career in banking."

In his retirement letter, Schipper said, "I am extremely proud to have served in your administration the past 4 ½ years. I am also very proud of the work being performed by the many talented and dedicated employees of the Division of Banking. The Iowa banking industry is strong and growing stronger. My 43 years of involvement in the industry as an executive officer, owner, association leader, and now, thanks to you, as superintendent, has provided me a fulfilling and satisfying career."

Schipper was born and raised in Butler County and graduated from Aplington High School. He obtained his B.S. Degree in Ag Economics from Iowa State University in 1972 and is a graduate of the ABA Ag Bank Management School. He has been an Iowa community banker for more than 40 years, including his current role as Chairman of American State Bank in Osceola.

Jim has been active in the Iowa Bankers Association for the past 20 years where he served as a Board member, as Treasurer, and in 2008 as Chairman. He has also been active in the American Bankers Association as a member of the ABA Community Bankers Council and as a member of the ABA Government Relations Council. He served on the board of both Community Bankers of Iowa and Shazam, Inc.

Branstad will announce a new superintendent at a later time. A photo of Schipper can be found here.

Secretary Hails Program's 30th Anniversary, Announces General Signup Period

MILWAUKEE, May 29, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that an additional 800,000 acres of highly environmentally sensitive land may be enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) under certain wetland and wildlife initiatives that provide multiple benefits on the same land.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept new offers to participate in CRP under a general signup to be held Dec. 1, 2015, through Feb. 26, 2016. Eligible existing program participants with contracts expiring Sept. 30, 2015, will be granted an option for one-year extensions. Farmers and ranchers interested in removing sensitive land from agricultural production and planting grasses or trees to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and restore wildlife habitat are encouraged to enroll. Secretary Vilsack made the announcement during a speech delivered at the Ducks Unlimited National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"For 30 years, the Conservation Reserve Program has supported farmers and ranchers as they continue to be good stewards of land and water. This initiative has helped farmers and ranchers prevent more than 8 billion tons of soil from eroding, reduce nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively, and even sequester 43 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, equal to taking 8 million cars off the road," said Vilsack. "This has been one of most successful conservation programs in the history of the country, and today's announcement keeps that momentum moving forward."

The voluntary Conservation Reserve Program allows USDA to contract with agricultural producers so that environmentally sensitive land is conserved. Participants establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat. In return, USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years.

"CRP protects water quality and restores significant habitat for ducks, pheasants, turkey, quail, deer and other important wildlife. That spurs economic development like hunting and fishing, outdoor recreation and tourism all over rural America," said Vilsack. "Today we're allowing an additional 800,000 acres for duck nesting habitat and other wetland and wildlife habitat initiatives to be enrolled in the program."

In addition to Ducks Unlimited's partnership with the Conservation Reserve Program, other longtime partners include Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, National Association of State Foresters, National Wild Turkey Federation, Audubon Society, National Bobwhite Technical Committee, Quality Deer Management Association, National Rural Water Association, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Longleaf Alliance, state soil and water conservation districts, and state forestry, agriculture and natural resource agencies.

"I encourage all farmers and ranchers to consider the various CRP continuous sign-up initiatives that may help target specific resource concerns," said Vilsack. "Financial assistance is offered for many practices including conservation buffers and pollinator habitat plantings, and initiatives such as the highly erodible lands, bottomland hardwood tree and longleaf pine, all of which are extremely important."

Farmers and ranchers may visit their FSA county office for additional information. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized the enrollment of grasslands in CRP and information on grasslands enrollment will be available after the regulation is published later this summer.

The Conservation Reserve Program was re-authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, which 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 enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing, and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

For more information about CRP, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation, or contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/06/2015)(readMedia)-- Col. Eric Little of Springfield, Illinois, the United States Property Fiscal Officer for the Illinois National Guard received the Legion of Merit award during a ceremony June 4 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Little received the award for his meritorious service as the Chief of Staff for the Illinois National Guard from June 2013 to May 2014.