Madison, WI (June 26, 2014) - Following the trend throughout North America, propane autogas school bus popularity is rapidly growing in the state of Wisconsin.  Successful Wisconsin-based contractors Lamers Bus Lines and Badger Bus are increasing their alternative fuel bus fleets while decreasing the fleets' carbon footprint.

Lamers Bus Lines has been providing bus transportation since 1944 and serves over 25 school districts and 60,000 students across the state.  The company recently added 41 new Blue Bird Propane Vision school buses, expanding its impressive propane fleet to 59 units.  Transporting students from Milwaukee Public Schools, these buses feature Blue Bird's extended range 100-gallon fuel tank and will travel approximately 8,900 miles per year.

One reason for the new propane autogas school bus deployment is fuel savings.  In the past year, Lamers Bus Lines has saved over $14,000 in fuel costs by switching to Blue Bird Propane Vision buses, and the number of new propane buses is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The company is currently installing an onsite 30,000-gallon fueling dispenser that will service the new Milwaukee propane autogas buses.

"Our propane buses have been completely trouble-free," said Allen Lamers, president of Lamers Bus Lines. "We've had no issues what-so-ever on them and the deployment has been smooth. We received comprehensive training from our local dealer, Wisconsin Bus Sales, along with Roush CleanTech and our local propane provider.  From all aspects, the buses are logical, simple and require minimal adaptation.  Propane autogas is a great option for school buses and we couldn't be more pleased with our fleet."

With over 1,300 school buses, Lamers Bus Lines is looking to add more Blue Bird propane autogas buses to its expansive fleet.  "We are very happy with our Propane Vision school buses.  We recently had a grueling winter.  Throughout the record-breaking temperatures, the buses performed outstandingly and we had no mechanical issues.  From our drivers, to our techs, to the community, everyone loves these buses," said Paul Mennen, regional area manager for Lamers Bus Lines.

Another established Wisconsin contractor, Badger Bus, has been successfully operating propane autogas school buses for the past two years.  The contractor is set to receive 16 new Blue Bird Propane Vision buses, expanding its total propane fleet to 20.  The new propane buses will be utilized to transport students in Madison Metropolitan School District.

With a 2,000 gallon propane autogas tank onsite, refueling is convenient and affordable.  Badger Bus is currently paying $1.19 per gallon for propane autogas, a significant savings over its diesel price of $3.48 per gallon.  The buses travel between 12,000 to 14,000 miles each year, allowing fuel savings to accumulate quickly with an average annual fuel savings of over $3,500 for each bus they operate.  Given the cleaner operation, environmental benefits and savings experienced, Badger Bus has future plans to add more propane autogas buses to its fleet.

"Badger Bus has been known for its reliable transportation since our founding in 1920.  Our experience with Blue Bird's propane autogas buses has been a very positive, economical experience.  Our drivers love the power and quiet operation, our technicians love the ease of service and simplistic engine, and the domestic, affordable fuel provides us with even greater benefits," said John Meier, co-owner of Badger Bus.  "Overall safety is of paramount importance with the students we transport and the safety and environmental benefits of these buses further strengthen our partnership with the community."

The Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision and Micro Bird, equipped with the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system and a Ford 6.8-liter engine, meet all Environmental Protection Agency certifications.   The buses feature 60 percent less carbon monoxide, 12 percent less carbon dioxide, 20 percent less nitrogen oxide and up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases than gasoline.

"Blue Bird is delighted that Lamers Bus Lines and Badger Bus are realizing terrific cost savings and environmental benefits from our industry-leading, propane-powered school buses," said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation.  "Together with Roush CleanTech and our local dealer, Wisconsin Bus Sales, Blue Bird will continue to provide comprehensive training and service support to contractors and school districts throughout Wisconsin."

To learn more about Blue Bird's line of propane autogas buses, please visit www.blue-bird.com or visit your local Blue Bird Dealer.

DES MOINES, IA (06/26/2014)(readMedia)-- On Opening Day of the Iowa State Fair, August 7, Fairgoers can enjoy an early-bird special offer and have the chance to win cash prizes and concert packages, all before Noon. "Nothing Compares" to this year's Fair, set for August 7-17.

Fairgoers can enjoy $5 off adult and $2 off child admission on August 7 from 5 a.m. to Noon with a coupon from the August 3 Des Moines Sunday Register. One coupon per person is required at the gate.

Visitors (ages 21 and older) can collect a coupon while supplies last good for one free play in the All or Nothing™ lotto game courtesy of the Iowa Lottery, the Fair's Opening Day sponsor. Coupons will be available at gates 4, 8, 11 and 15. The Iowa Lottery is also offering Fairgoers the chance to win one of 10 cash prizes and two prize packages to see Grammy Award-winning country trio Lady Antebellum in the Grandstand on August 16. The contests will be open from 5 to 9 a.m. on Expo Hill. Van and Bonnie from WHO NewsRadio 1040 will also be broadcasting live from Expo Hill and will help the lottery announce the winners.

Opening Ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. on Expo Hill to kick off the 11 days of the Fair. The Red Trouser Show will begin at Noon on Expo Hill and will entertain Fairgoers of all ages with feats of strength and acrobatics. Other Opening Day activities include free performances by The Willis Clan, Winger, Vocal Trash, Los Lonely Boys and Kristian Bush, plus The Newsboys with special guest Matthew West on the Grandstand. Fairgoers can also enjoy the Twins, Triplets and More Contest, the Big Ram, Big Boar and Super Bull contests, plus all the delectable foods and the non-stop fun that await first day attendees.

"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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ROLLA, MO (06/25/2014)(readMedia)-- Shelby Kathleen Michaelis of Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior in architectural engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Mo., has been named to the honor list for the 2014 Spring semester.

To be included on the honor list, students must have carried a minimum of 12 hours and had grade point averages of 3.2 or above out of a possible 4.0

For more information, visit www.mst.edu or contact the admissions office at 800-522-0938.

Founded in 1870 as the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Missouri S&T is a technological research university of 7,500 students and part of the four-campus University of Missouri System.

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the landmark law on June 25, 1938, which banned oppressive child labor, set a maximum hourly workweek and established the nation's first minimum wage at 25 cents an hour. If the minimum wage had kept pace with inflation, it would be at $10.75 today.

"When President Roosevelt signed the Wages and Hours Bill into law, he gave workers benefits and protections that no other country had seen before, and put Americans on a path toward a fair standard of living.

"What was landmark legislation then is common-sense today. We know that children shouldn't be abused and forced to work. We know there should be limits on how many hours a week someone works. And we know that no one should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty.

"If the minimum wage had kept pace with inflation it would be $10.75 today. Raising the minimum wage is good for workers and good for growth. It puts purchasing power back into the hands of hardworking Americans, helps reduce poverty and strengthens the economy.

"As we work to build a majority to raise the minimum wage in Illinois, let's remember this is about dignity and decency.

"The hardworking people of our state deserve the opportunity to earn a decent living. Building an economy that works for everyone makes our state stronger and more competitive, not the other way around."

Governor Quinn first proposed raising the minimum wage to at least $10 an hour in his 2013 State of the State address. Studies conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago show that an increase of $1 in the minimum wage generates approximately $3,000 in household spending per year, greatly improving purchasing power and strengthening our economy. Six out of every 10 minimum wage workers are female, including many single parents. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of small business owners support raising the federal minimum wage because they believe it will help the economy and in turn enable them to hire more workers, according to a recent survey conducted by the Small Business Majority.

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