11 Jul 2014

Iowa students named to University of Kansas honor roll

By Christy Little
LAWRENCE – Approximately 4,600 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned honor roll distinction for the spring 2014 semester.

The students, from KU's Lawrence campus and the schools of Health Professions and Nursing in Kansas City, Kan., represent 94 of 105 Kansas counties, 43 other states and 38 other countries.

The honor roll comprises undergraduates who meet requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and in the schools of Architecture, Design & Planning; Business; Education; Engineering; Health Professions; Journalism; Music; Nursing; Pharmacy; and Social Welfare.

 

Honor roll criteria vary among the university's academic units. Some schools honor the top 10 percent of students enrolled, some establish a minimum grade-point average and others raise the minimum GPA for each year students are in school. Students must complete a minimum number of credit hours to be considered for the honor roll.
Students also are listed online by state and city in pdf format.
Sarah Marnin, Ames, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Katherine Whiteman, Bettendorf, School of Architecture, Design & Planning
Michael Solomon, Boone, School of Music
Kasey Shriver, Carson, School of Education
GraceAnne Hoyer, Cedar Falls, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Andrew Kloos, Cedar Falls, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Cara Strike, Cedar Falls, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Catheryn Cooper, Cedar Rapids, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Erin Higgins, Cedar Rapids, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Kailee Karr, Cedar Rapids, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Madelynne Lockhart, Cedar Rapids, School of Education
Alexa Ramlo, Cedar Rapids, School of the Arts
Eileen VanderVelden, Cedar Rapids, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Austin Eck, Clinton, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Lucas Reddig, Clive, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dillon Schloerb, Clive, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Abby Peters, Council Bluffs, School of Business
Rachel Finnell, Hamburg, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Alesha Kadolph, Hubbard, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Maria Grady, Iowa City, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Hana Kajtazovic, Johnston, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Kyle Naig, Johnston, School of Music
Rachel Rauch, Leclaire, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Aren Westfall, Nora Springs, School of Nursing
Audrey Evans, North Liberty, School of Engineering
Erin Evans, North Liberty, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Jacie Feigenbutz, Oakland, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Jacob Doerr, Shenandoah, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Taylor Harman, Spencer, School of Business
William Admussen, Urbandale, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Erica Powell, Urbandale, School of the Arts
Shane McFadden, Waterloo, School of Music
Sam Arends, West Des Moines, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Nicolas Ball, West Des Moines, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Taylor Nelson, West Des Moines, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Marissa Olson, West Des Moines, School of Pharmacy
Katherine Taylor, West Des Moines, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

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11 Jul 2014

USDA Provides 12-Week Progress Update on Disaster Assistance

By USDA Office of Communications
106,000 Payment Helping Farmers in 40 States Recover from Losses; Producers reminded sign-up deadline approaching for ELAP

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack provided a 12-week progress report on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster assistance programs today, announcing that USDA has processed 106,000 payments to farmers in 40 states across the country who suffered livestock and grazing losses between October 2011 and passage of the 2014 Farm Bill.

"Farmers and ranchers who waited two and a half years for a Farm Bill are now getting some relief," said Vilsack. "We met the very ambitious goal to get these programs up and running in just 60 days. Now, thanks to our dedicated staff in offices across the country, we've provided more than 106,000 payments to farmers and ranchers in 40 states who suffered drought, blizzard, and other weather related losses."

A quick implementation of the disaster assistance programs has been a top priority for USDA. In February, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that enrollment for four disaster assistance programs would begin April 15, 2014, 60 days from the date the programs were reestablished by the 2014 Farm Bill. After the 2008 Farm Bill, it took over one year for the programs to get up and running.

Since then, dedicated full-time FSA staff, as well as temporary employees hired to expedite the application process, have processed over $1.2 billion in payments to qualifying farmers and ranchers. The first payments were sent out to farmers and ranchers within two weeks of enrollment. USDA estimated that roughly $2.5 billion would be provided in disaster relief to cover losses from October 2011 through September 2014. If those estimates prove accurate, it would mean nearly half of all disaster payments have already been provided.

While disaster relief is a critical lifeline that can prevent farmers and ranchers who do not have access to crop insurance from being wiped out by weather-related losses beyond their control, most producers only receive support equal to 60 percent of their actual losses.

USDA disaster programs include :

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides payments for grazing losses due to drought and livestock deaths due to adverse weather.

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides assistance for livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish losses due to disease (including cattle tick fever), weather, wildfires and colony collapse disorder, or for losses not covered under other disaster assistance programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill.

The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides financial assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate trees, bushes and vines that were lost or damaged by natural disasters.

Specific program deadlines are as follows:

  • 2011-2013 ELAP - Friday, Aug. 1, 2014
  • 2011-2014 LFP - Friday, Jan. 30, 2015
  • 2011-2014 LIP - Friday, Jan. 30, 2015
  • 2011-2014 TAP - Monday, Feb. 2, 2015

Producers affected by adverse weather should contact their FSA county office to make an appointment and learn if they are eligible for disaster assistance. For more information, producers may review the 2014 Farm Bill Fact Sheet, and the LIP, LFP, ELAP and TAP fact sheets online, or visit any local FSA office.

Vilsack also highlighted that more than $270 million in disaster assistance has been paid to farmers and ranchers in USDA StrikeForce counties experiencing chronic poverty. "Farmers and ranchers in these counties have extraordinary challenges. Through USDA's StrikeForce initiative, we can get federal support to areas that need it the most," said Vilsack.

The StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity initiative works to address the unique set of challenges faced by many of America's rural communities. Through the StrikeForce, USDA is leveraging resources and collaborating with over 400 community organizations, businesses, foundations, universities and other groups to support 80,300 projects with more than $9.7 billion in USDA investments into rural America. StrikeForce currently serves 20 states that include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

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11 Jul 2014

Figge Art Museum FREE Family Day

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (July 9, 2014) - The Figge Art Museum will have a Free Family Day this Saturday.  Admission will be free all day.

Kids and adults will have the opportunity to weave their way through the galleries, exploring the amazing fiber and textile art on display in the Innovators & Legends and Local Threads exhibitions. Interact with docents who will be available in the galleries to answer questions and share fun facts.

The art studios will offer hands-on activities and projects inspired by the current exhibitions including weaving activities, make-your-own woven vessel, collage projects, a film featuring fiber artists, artist demos, art object handling, a community weaving project, snacks and more!

This Free Family Day is sponsored by Schafer Interiors and the Quad-City Times.  

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The museum is also free for Active Duty Military members and their families all year round and free to seniors the first Thursday of every month. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
10 Jul 2014

Mobile Food Pantry on July 12 to feed hungry in the Quad Cities

By Amber O’Brien

Modern Woodmen sponsors second Mobile Food Pantry as part of the Knock Out Hunger Campaign 

 

On Saturday, July 12 more than 60 Modern Woodmen of America employees and their family members will host a Mobile Food Pantry, organized by River Bend Foodbank. Mobile Food Pantries are scheduled in areas where the need for food assistance is the greatest. The volunteer event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Goose Creek Park (259 W. 61 Street, Davenport). Media coverage of the event is welcomed and appreciated.

Each Mobile Food Pantry provides approximately 10,000 meals and feeds hundreds of families in the Quad City community. All food is distributed in a farmer's market style of distribution.

"One Mobile Food Pantry distribution costs approximately $1,500 to $2,000 to hold, but that's just operational expenses. That number doesn't cover the cost of food, which has a retail value of $10,000 to $15,000. Our goal is to hold 50 Mobile Food Pantry distributions each year. To have Modern Woodmen sponsor this event and contribute to the cost of the food and operations means more families in the Quad Cities will have meals this summer," said River Bend Foodbank marketing director Caren Laughlin.

Modern Woodmen, a fraternal financial services organization based out of Rock Island, Illinois, will sponsor the Mobile Food pantry. Modern Woodmen employees will staff the event by unloading trucks, distributing food and offering assistance to load cars. This is the second Mobile Food Pantry sponsored by Modern Woodmen and is part of the summer-long campaign to Knock Out Hunger.

 

Knock Out Hunger campaign

This year, Modern Woodmen has selected River Bend Foodbank to support through its Knock Out Hunger campaign. Modern Woodmen employees and members will donate time, money and food to the food distribution center throughout the summer.

There are multiple mobile food pantry events scheduled, backpack programs, a "Meals from the Heartland" packing event, and a communitywide 5k run/walk. Each event will support the food bank.

River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing more than 8 million pounds of food annually to feed the hungry. The Foodbank serves more than 10,000 individuals every week through its distribution network of 300 charitable feeding programs in a 22-county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

For more information about Modern Woodmen Night or the effort to support River Bend Foodbank, contact Amber O'Brien at 309-793-5660 (office), 309-798-6704 (cell) or visit modern-woodmen.org.

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10 Jul 2014

The Old Creamery's Next Courtyard Concert is July 18 and Features Craig Erickson.

By Rick Martin

The Old Creamery Theatre will host Courtyard Concerts this summer, one Friday per month, May through September featuring local bands and food. The concert will be free to everyone with a ticket to that Friday night's Main Stage theatre performance or $5 admission without a theatre ticket.

The shows will all take place from 5-7 pm in the Old Creamery's Courtyard on the following evenings: July 18, August 8, and September 12. The Courtyard Concert on July

18 features Craig Erickson a singer, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, writer, and producer. Raised in the Midwest heartland, his stylistic brew includes blues, fusion, rock, jazz, funk, reggae, acoustic, and more.

The Box Lunch Food Truck will be at our Courtyard Concert on July 18 selling burgers, french fries, and other delicious food! For more information, please visit their website at www.theboxlunchllc.com.

Call the box office at 319-622-6262 or go online to www.oldcreamery.com for more details.  To read more about Craig Erickson visit craig-erickson.com/bio/ for more information.

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. In 2014, the company is celebrating 43 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.
10 Jul 2014

Braley Demands Answers on Social Security Service Cuts

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman: It's irresponsible to make these cuts without input from Iowans and an analysis of cost savings

Washington, D.C. - After recently introducing legislation that would delay upcoming cuts to Social Security field office services, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide evidence that they considered public input and that the cuts would save taxpayers money.

"These cuts are being made with no input from Iowa's seniors and without one shred of evidence they'll save taxpayers a penny?and that's irresponsible," Braley said. "Eleven million Americans?and tens of thousands of Iowans?use these services every year, and it doesn't appear the Social Security Administration has even made Iowans aware of cuts that are only weeks away."

Beginning August 2014, SSA will no longer issue Social Security number printouts in its field offices. In addition, beginning October 2014, SSA field offices will stop providing benefit verification letters, except in emergency situations.  Many seniors rely on these verification letters for a variety of services. Those requesting this information would be able to do so only online or over the phone. Last year alone, 11 million Americans used SSA offices to request this information.

Braley's letter asks Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin to provide a series of answers about the proposed cuts, including whether an analysis of cost savings has been done and if public input was solicited prior to the proposed cuts. Braley also sought information from Colvin on how Iowans seeking these services would be informed of cuts.

"Millions of Americans rely on Social Security, and now is simply not the time to impose misguided and unjustified cuts to services," the letter to SSA Commissoiner Carolyn Colvin reads.

Braley's recently introduced Seniors' Access to Social Security Act would prevent those cuts for one year, during which time Braley will seek verification that the proposed service cuts will not adversely affect Iowa's seniors and will save taxpayers money.

Earlier this week, Braley visited the Social Security Administration field office in Cedar Rapids to voice his opposition to the impending cuts. Braley also recently joined over 100 lawmakers to express their opposition to cuts to vital services at Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices.

Iowa's 19 SSA field offices are located in Cedar Rapids, Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Burlington, Coralville, Davenport, Ottumwa, Council Bluffs, Creston, Des Moines, Ames, Carroll, Ft. Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer, and Storm Lake.

Over 450,000 Iowa seniors received Social Security benefits in 2013.

 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.

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09 Jul 2014

Field of Dreams Sculpture to Accompany Butter Cow at 2014 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/09/2014)(readMedia)-- The world-famous Iowa State Fair Butter Cow will be featured alongside a sculpture celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Iowa-based feature film Field of Dreams at the 2014 Fair. The sculptures will be on display in the John Deere Agriculture Building's 40 degree cooler throughout this year's "Amazingly Amusing" Fair, August 7-17.

The Academy Award-nominated classic was filmed at the century-old Lansing Family Farm in Dyersville, Iowa. The movie's heartwarming celebration of family values and hope in the face of adversity not only jumpstarted star Kevin Costner's acting career, but also placed Iowa squarely on the movie-making map.

Based on the novel Shoeless Joe written by W. P. Kinsella, former graduate student at the University of Iowa, the film has served as a point of pride for Iowans and a true collaboration of the very best Iowa has to offer.

In celebration of the family favorite, this year's sculpture features elements from America's favorite past-time of baseball and the rural Iowa landscape, all in butter.

In addition to these two sculptures, a new interactive exhibit called Farm with Us will also debut in the Agriculture Building. Farm with Us is an interactive experience for all ages that teaches about Iowa's top commodities of corn and soybeans. Fairgoers can see and touch bushels of corn and soybeans and even "visit" an Iowa farm through a green screen. Complimentary photos of the experience will be available.

Other great agriculture exhibits and demonstrations include giant pumpkins, jumbo vegetables, the Discovery Garden, daily stage presentations and more. All exhibits will be on display in the 110-year old John Deere Agriculture Building 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily during the Fair.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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09 Jul 2014

Jordan Catholic School Welcomes new Principal effective July 1

By Janine Parr

Ms. Joan Leonard joins Jordan Catholic School as Principal Administrator. Ms. Leonard blesses Jordan with over 30 years of instructional and leadership experience as well as an amazing Christian spirit!

Ms. Leonard is happy to be joining the school this year as the 40th Anniversary of its founding is being celebrated. This year, the Rock Island Vicariate schools, which include Jordan, Seton, Our Lady of Grace grade schools, and Alleman High School, celebrate 150 years- "The Year of Father Alleman."

As always, Jordan Catholic school administration welcomes the media to call or stop by the school any time!

09 Jul 2014

Two Americans in Paris: Stuart Davis and Grant Wood

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (July 9, 2014) -Two Americans in Paris: Stuart Davis and Grant Wood will be the first exhibition to open in the newly named Katz Gallery on the second floor of the Figge Art Museum.

 

Opening Saturday, Two Americans in Paris will feature works by artists Grant Wood and Stuart Davis. Both studied in Paris during the1920s and depicted scenes of American life in their work. Wood emerged as a leading spokesman for Regionalism, while Davis was a strong proponent of American modernism.

 

The exhibition will include paintings and works on paper that demonstrate the influence of European art on their careers. Selections from the Figge's Grant Wood Archive as well as an assortment of Stuart Davis lithographs from a private collection will be on display.

 

Featured works include Wood's Return from Bohemia (1935) and History of Penmanship (1933) and a suite of prints by Davis that reflect the influence of Fernand Leger, Henri Matisse and other prominent Parisian painters.

 

Curated by Figge Curator Dr. Rima Girnius and sponsored by Don and Connie Decker and Robert W. Baird, this exhibition will be on view through November 2, 2014.

 

Companion Programming:

Exhibition Opening / Curator Talk

Thursday, July 17 

5:30 p.m. Reception

7 p.m. Curator Talk
Members are invited to a special opening reception for Two Americans in Paris followed by a Curator Talk with Dr. Rima Girnius.

 

Art Lecture

7 p.m. Thursday, July 31

Dr. Tony Morris will give a historical art lecture that examines artists Stuart Davis and Grant Wood. Dr. Morris is an Assistant Professor of Art History at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.

 

Two Americans in Paris Exhibition Tours

1:30 p.m. Saturdays

July 12, August 2, 16

 

1:30 p.m. Sundays

July 20, August 10, 14

 

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
09 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Law Further Assisting Adoptees' Access to Birth and Identity Information

By Rick Martin

Illinois Leads Nation in Expanding Adoptee Rights

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help adoptees and their birth family members learn more about their family history. Today's action follows the historic Illinois Birth Certificate Access Law, signed by the Governor in 2010 and recognized as the most expansive adoptee rights legislation enacted in the nation. Today's ceremony is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to protecting and improving the health of the people of Illinois.

"People have a right to know the first chapter of their lives and should have what they need to fill in the branches on their family tree," Governor Quinn said. "This information can also be vital when determining inherited traits and medical history. This new law will help Illinois' adoptees gain access to what is rightfully theirs."

House Bill 5949, sponsored by State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and State Senator Iris Martinez (D-Chicago), will help people gain information about their biological family history including obtaining original birth records when one of their grandparents was adopted as a child. In 2010, Governor Quinn signed a bill to provide adopted adults greater access to copies of their original birth certificates without having to get a court order. The law has helped adopted adults learn more about their birth families, including medical histories. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 10,000 adoptees have gained access to these documents since the bill became law.

"Nearly 17,000 children have been adopted in Illinois in the last 10 years alone," Department of Children and Family Services Acting Director Bobbie Gregg said. "We applaud Governor Quinn and the General Assembly for continuing to expand the rights of these adoptees and their families."

"Governor Pat Quinn has recognized the importance of this very basic human right and has led the nation on restoring access to original birth certificates for adoptees," Representative Feigenholtz, an Illinois born adoptee, said. "Governor Quinn has fulfilled the dreams of 10,500 adopted adults who have spent a lifetime trying to fill in the missing pieces of their lives. He will forever be remembered for his unflinching leadership on pushing these measures."

"This legislation permits biological parents and adoptees the access they need to either learn about family health history or connect with each other if so desired," Senator Martinez said. "Streamlining the process so information is obtained in a timely, efficient manner when needed through the courts is important."

State Representative Ann Williams (D-Chicago) is also an adopted adult. However, her birth certificate remains under lock and key in the state of Pennsylvania.

"It is a bittersweet day for me as I anxiously await the opportunity to get a glimpse of my original birth certificate," Representative Williams said. "Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation should follow the Illinois model and provide adopted adults with this simple piece of paper."

The new law is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

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