04 Apr 2014

USDA Provides Farm Bill Funding for Pest and Disease Management Programs

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2014 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the allocation of $48.1 million, provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), to projects across the country that will help to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten America's agriculture economy and the environment. The economic stakes for stopping invasive species are high, with scientists estimating the total economic cost of all invasive species to be approximately $120 billion annually.

"Invasive pests cause billions of dollars in damage each year and endanger our nation's food security," said Vilsack. "The funds USDA is making available today will help partners and stakeholders develop strategies, products and treatments to safeguard our farms and natural resources from invasive threats."

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) sought project suggestions from states and U.S. territories, universities, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private companies and tribal organizations that would provide a direct impact in managing pests and diseases, as well as disaster prevention. APHIS is funding 383 projects in 49 states, as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. The projects approved for allocation will help states and other partners continue providing and strengthening protections against agricultural threats and could also allow the reallocation of resources to other critical programs.

A list of selected projects and the FY 2014 funding plan are posted at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2014/04/pdf/fy14_farm_bill_spending_plan.pdf

Funded initiatives include :

  • $2 million for protection against exotic fruit flies in California;
  • $270,907 to survey and analyze adult honey bee samples collected from apiaries across multiple U.S states and Puerto Rico for pests and diseases, such as the Varroa virus;
  • $290,000 to the Nez Perce Tribe Bio-control Project involving noxious/invasive weed survey and control activities;
  • $224,894 for the National Plant Board to develop a harmonized national systems approach to nursery certification that enhances existing state programs to reduce the risk of plant pests in nursery stock;
  • $227,808 to North Carolina for enhancing exotic plant pest management by creating New Pest Response Guidelines with university collaboration; and
  • $2.4 million for supporting response to the recently detected coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation in Hawaii.

Prospective projects were evaluated by teams comprised of USDA experts and industry representatives and were selected based on criteria that supported six goals -- enhancing plant pest/disease analysis and survey; targeting domestic inspection activities at vulnerable points in the safeguarding continuum; enhancing and strengthening pest identification and technology; safeguarding nursery production; enhancing mitigation capabilities; and conducting outreach and education about these issues. The teams also evaluated submissions based on expected impacts of the project, the technical approach, and how submissions would complement ongoing USDA programs and other previously funded projects funded under the 2008 Farm Bill (Section 10201).

The 2008 Farm Bill has provided funding for more than 1500 projects over the last five years and has played a significant role in protecting American agriculture and educating the public about the threat of invasive species.

The public can help protect America's agricultural and natural resources by being aware of invasive pests and the damage they cause. APHIS created the Hungry Pests public outreach program to empower Americans with the knowledge they need to leave these "hungry pests" behind. Visitwww.Hungrypests.com during April, which APHIS has proclaimed Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, to learn more about invasive plant pest and diseases impacting your area and how you can help. And, join the discussion about invasive plant pests via the HungryPests Facebook page.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or(800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay)

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04 Apr 2014

Regional Planning Council seeking comments on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

By Theresa Wittenauer

ROCK FALLS, IL - The Blackhawk Hills Regional Council has posted the draft 5-Year Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy plan on their website at www.blackhawkhills.com. A hardcopy of the report may also be viewed upon request at the Regional Council's office located at 102 East Route 30, Rock Falls, IL.

The public is invited to comment on and suggest edits to the document until April 29th, 2014, when the final edits will be made, approved by the Blackhawk Hills Council, and the plan submitted to the Economic Development Administration regional office in Chicago.

Blackhawk Hills Regional Council services include community planning, development assistance, natural resources conservation and protection support, and grant writing and administration. Blackhawk Hills serves Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties in northwest Illinois.

Questions about Blackhawk Hills may be directed to Theresa Wittenauer at (815) 625-3854 or  theresa.wittenauer@blackhawkhills.com.

 

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04 Apr 2014

SCOTT COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Tuesday, April 15, 2014

By Brian McDonough
7:30 P.M.  Scott County Administrative Center 1st Floor Board Room 600 W Fourth Street Davenport, Iowa 52801  AGENDA  1. Call to order.  2. Minutes: Approval of the March 4, 2014 meeting minutes.  3. Site Plan Review - Cook Real Estate Investment / Jeff Cook, Part of the NE¼ NW¼ of Section 25, Blue Grass Township. Site Plan approval request for a new commercial warehouse and self-storage business.  4. Site Plan Review - H.F. Enterprises, LC / Ryan and Associates, Part of the NE¼ NE¼ of Section 26, Blue Grass Township. Site Plan approval request for the expansion of an existing commercial contractor business.  5. Site Plan Review - Gene Coppinger / CDB Utilities, Lot 1 of Jim Schell's 1st Addition, and Part of the E½ of the SW¼ NW¼, all in Section 1 of Buffalo Township. Site Plan approval request for the expansion of an existing commercial utility business.  Public Meeting Procedure - Site Plan Approval a. Chairman reads public notice of meeting. b. Director reviews background of request. c. Applicant /Representative provide any additional comments on request. d. Public may make comments or ask questions. e. Director makes staff recommendation. f. Applicant may respond or comment. g. Commission members may ask questions. h. Chairman closes the public comment portion of the meeting (No more public comments). i. Discussion period for the Commission members. j. Commission members make motion to approve, deny, or modify request. k. Final vote.  Please turn off or silence all cell phones and other electronic devices
04 Apr 2014

4 Ways the Workplace Has Become More Dangerous

By Ginny Grimsley

Tips for Preventing & Handling Disaster & Distress on the Job

Disgruntled employees, workplace bullies, active-shooter situations, illegal drug use, ex-spouses and dissatisfied clients - all can be found in a random sampling of the 2 million people affected by workplace violence in the United States, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

"Of course, of the millions of reported cases, there are many more that go unreported; workplace violence includes any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site," says Timothy Dimoff, one of the nation's leading voices in personal and corporate security who has worked with the U.S. Army, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, corporations, universities and non-profit groups.

"From demeaning jokes to sexual innuendos to genuine fear of shots fired at work, hiring managers and their bosses need to understand these problems of human nature and know how to react. In my decades of experience with law enforcement and as a security entrepreneur, I've seen the evolution of workplace violence and management often do not know how to respond."

Dimoff, founder and president of SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc., (www.sacsconsulting.com), which analyzes and overhauls security for large public and private facilities, reviews today's problems and offers a path for conflict resolution and prevention.

•  Inadequate use of hiring tools: Know who you're hiring! "I can't emphasize this enough; this is the age of information, yet potential employees often provide falsified or misleading details," Dimoff says. "With so many candidates and so much information available today, employers often overlook useful tools in a hurry-up effort to maintain productivity with a premature hire." There are many resources, including drug testing acknowledgment and consent forms; fully understanding laws including the Fair Labor Standards Act, equal employment opportunity guidelines and military leave guidelines; and simply knowing how to ask revealing questions to applicants.

•  Workplace intimidation & cyberbullying: Bullying is not exclusive to the schoolyard; it can follow adults into the workplace, and even home via email, texts and social media. "The first and best thing employers can do isprevention, and you do that by creating a positive and fair company culture," Dimoff says. "Next, implement a zero tolerance policy for bullying; encourage employees to document and report bullying, and take those accusations seriously. Hold occasional staff meetings so that employees are taught to recognize signs of bullying and everyone is reminded of the zero tolerance policy."

•  Gun violence: It can happen at what appear to be the most secure places in the world, and it can happen to the most innocent among us. Nidal Hasan, the U.S. Army psychiatrist turned jihadi, shot 13 fellow soldiers to death at Fort Hood, Texas. Twenty first-graders at Sandy Hook Elementary School never had the chance to become second-graders. We hear story after story about shootings in movie theaters, parking lots and neighborhoods. Train managers to recognize and attempt to de-escalate the situation, which can include talking to the potential aggressor in an empathetic, non-judgmental way. Fail that, there are situations for which heroes are necessary.

•  Violence against women: Homicide is the leading cause of death for women in the workplace, according to OSHA. Of the 4,547 fatal workplace injuries that occurred in the United States in 2010, 506 were workplace homicides. Once again, this comes down to a zero tolerance policy for bullying and sexual harassment, applicable to all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel, such as an ex-spouse. A well-designed on-site security protocol can significantly reduce the risk of severe violence.

About Timothy Dimoff

Timothy Dimoff, CPP, founder and president of SACS Consulting & Investigative Services, Inc. (www.sacsconsulting.com), is considered one of the nation's leading authorities in high-risk workplace and human resource issues, security, vulnerability assessments and crime. A former award-winning narcotics detective and SWAT Team member, Dimoff analyzes security for churches, businesses and other places where people gather, develops a customized plan for each, and implements it. He has multiple certifications, including as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP™), a designation that is recognized worldwide.

04 Apr 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Bioscience Innovator LanzaTech to Establish Global Headquarters in Illinois

By Katie Hickey

Company is Pioneering the Production of Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals from Waste Gases  

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that LanzaTech, a company founded in New Zealand, will establish its global headquarters in Illinois. The move will generate 30 new Illinois jobs with employees transferred from New Zealand, and 35 additional employees will move from Roselle to the new site in Skokie during 2014. The new location also will serve as the company's research and development center with a new investment of more than $17 million. 

"LanzaTech is a shining example of Illinois' emerging culture of clean tech innovation," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois is home to approximately 3,500 biotech companies, and the Chicago area is one of the nation's leading cities in clean tech research. It is the perfect place for LanzaTech's global business to thrive."

LanzaTech, which recently closed a $60 million fourth round of venture capital funding, has won numerous awards for its technology that captures and reuses waste carbon emissions for the production of fuels and chemicals.

The new corporate headquarters, which will include proprietary synthetic biology and gas fermentation science, will be at the Illinois Science and Technology Park in Skokie, a $500 million, 23-acre bioscience campus. LanzaTech will share a 160,000 square foot facility, occupying 41,000 square feet of lab and office space.

"Our success can be attributed to thinking and growing globally," LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren said. "We have a broad product portfolio and global Fortune 500 partners across a variety of sectors. To accelerate commercialization, it is natural for us to relocate closer to capital markets, infrastructure, partners and customers. Chicago is an ideal location and we would like to thank Governor Quinn, his team and the Illinois government for their support during this process."

To assist with the move, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has approved tax credits for LanzaTech worth an estimated $1.1 million over the next 10 years. The credits against the company's state income tax liability are available under the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program.

"No matter where in the world a company's customer base might be, the advantages of Illinois are easy to see," DCEO Director Adam Pollet said. "From its new home in Skokie, LanzaTech will be at the heart of North American commerce and innovation."

LanzaTech, which will continue to have a presence in New Zealand, China, India and Europe, is the first company in the world to have produced fuel grade ethanol from steel mill off-gases. The company's pre-commercial facility in China, which can produce ethanol at an annualized rate of 100,000 gallons per year, earned an internationally recognized sustainability certification from the Roundtable of Sustainable Biomaterials in 2013.

LanzaTech joins many other companies that have moved operations to Illinois since the start of 2013, including building materials company Lafarge SA, silver and gold producer Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp. and biopharmaceutical firm Durata Therapeutics. In March 2014, Site Selection magazine ranked Illinois third in the nation with 383 corporate relocations or expansions in 2013.

Named one of America's most promising companies by Forbes Magazine in 2013, LanzaTech has received numerous sustainability awards including being listed on the Sustainia 100 in 2013 and the Global Clean Tech 100 for the past three years. In 2013, it was ranked No. 2 inBiofuels Digest's annual list of the 50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy and No. 4 in its 30 Hottest Companies in Biobased Chemicals. Biofuels Digest is the most widely read media source globally for the renewable fuel and chemical industries and LanzaTech is one of only two companies to be ranked in the top five in both lists.

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04 Apr 2014

A position by Candidate for State Senate Mark Riley

By Mark Riley
Let me give you the perspective of a candidate who has challenged and is challenging an incumbent in a election for state office.   The high courts ruling is a devastating blow to challengers, independent candidates and those persons who refuse to accept lobbyist monies.  This decision will likely further solidify incumbency, two party rule, extremism and diminish law making for the common good of society.  It will preference the wealthy and the corporation.
Lets assume for the sake of argument the high court moved to protect speech and that this was sacred above all.  Let us then assume for arguments sake that money and speech are linked and corporations are people.  I disagree, but for the sake of argument lets put them aside, as untouchable.  Let us also assume for the sake of argument that the current way we elect politicians is bad for our democracy and we can all agree that the few should be not be advantaged to legislate the many. So here is our problem, money equals speech, and money as it currently exist in our political process is corrosive to our Republic.
We must solve this problem with a combination of solutions.  First we must enable public financing of campaigns.  We must publicly finance every candidate with a minimum amount of money based on the office being sought.
Second, we must make the purchasing of media time in Radio, Print and TV a mandatory equal time package.  So for example if a wealthy candidate wishes to buy air time on a Hawkeye football game, their opponent would receive an equal spot of time. If the rich candidate took out a full page newspaper ad their opponent would also receive that ad space. If a mailer was sent out, the same postage and print would be offered to the poor candidate.  The difference is that the rich candidate would be buying a debate and not exclusive media access for themselves.
By legislating that political advertising must be sold as equal time on certain media outlets we could fulfill the Courts edict on speech while protecting the uneven influence of money in politics with regards to mass media.
This allows our rich candidate to fully convert their money to speech. and gives a  rebuttal by their opponent that allows the electorate to be fully informed.  We protect the rich candidates right to speech without allowing their money to silence or drowned out the speech of their opposition and have a one sided conversation with the voter.
Mark J Riley
1010 S Ohio Ave
Davenport, Iowa 52802
Democratic Candidate for State Senate #45
04 Apr 2014

Nash Gallery presents "Millennial Encounters"

By Paula Neuhaus

[DUBUQUE, IA] Nash Gallery, 371 Bluff Street, will host an opening reception for Millennial Encounters, an emerging artist showcase on Friday, April 11 from 7-10 p.m. This multi-genre exhibit that runs through June 15 features the work of emerging artists from the art departments of Clarke University and Loras College. The artists' work include explorations in photography, installation, collage, mixed media/conceptual, painting, illustration, drawing, ceramics, and sculpture. Featured artists include Sara Steuer, Randi Westervelt, Abbey Tjebkes, and Mark Fuentebella from Loras College and Hannah Goldsmith, Traci Bauer, Jenna Michel, Maggie Scahill, and Kayla Carlson from Clarke University.

The exhibit and opening reception on April 11 serves as a fundraiser for DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival 37th annual all-arts festival scheduled for May 16-18 in downtown Dubuque.  The artists will donate 30% of all sales made on opening night to the festival. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments and treats will be served. A $10 donation is suggested for adults and $5 for students who show their current college ID. All proceeds support Nash Gallery and DubuqueFest. Nash Gallery is located above Monks Kaffee Pub, 371 Bluff Street. The entrance is at the rear of building.

DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival and Nash Gallery are affiliates of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society. For more information visit dubuquefest.org.  DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival and Nash Gallery are affiliates of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society.

04 Apr 2014

Lt. Governor Simon applauds education funding reform legislation

By Ted Nelson

SPRINGFIELD - April 2, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon issued the following statement supporting school funding reform legislation announced by state Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) on Wednesday.

"The School Funding Reform Act of 2014 is an important step toward a more equitable education system.  By creating a single funding formula, we can help direct state dollars to the students who need it most.

"Our current system is outdated and unfair. Education in Illinois should not have winners and losers. The education you receive shouldn't depend on where you live. From big cities to small rural towns, all students should have the opportunity to receive a first-rate education in Illinois. 

"I commend Sen. Manar and members of the bipartisan Education Funding Advisory Committee (EFAC) for their dedication, patience and drive to create a fair funding system through Senate Bill 16. I am excited to work with legislators and the governor to pass this landmark legislation."  

 

Simon urged state leaders to overhaul the way schools are funded in Illinois during the final hearing of the Education Funding Advisory Committee in January. Simon testified that the current formula was hurting rural and high-poverty districts and should be changed. Simon serves as the state's point person on education reform. In this capacity, Simon is working to increase the proportion of working-age adults with college degrees or certificates to 60 percent by 2025. As chair of the 25-member Governor's Rural Affairs Council, Simon is also working to improve the delivery of state services and education opportunities to rural Illinois.

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04 Apr 2014

Camp Genesis Registration Open

By Craig Cooper

Camp Genesis Is A Special Experience For Children Coping With Cancer In Their Families

DAVENPORT, Iowa - April 2, 2014 -- A cancer journey doesn't just impact the patient. Children, grandchildren, spouses and other loved ones can also be affected.  Cancer can disrupt families and their financial situations, making vacations more difficult.

For the sixth consecutive year, Genesis Health System, Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities and the Scott County Family YMCA will provide an opportunity for children coping with cancer in their families to enjoy time together at Scott County Family Y Camp Abe Lincoln in Blue Grass.

This year's Camp Genesis experience is July 6-11. Anyone who knows a child affected by cancer in their family is encouraged to call Gilda's Club Quad Cities at (563) 326-7504 for more information and applications. Applications can also be downloaded at www.gildasclubqc.org.

Camp Genesis provides youth with an outstanding, local camp experience. Special cancer education programs are provided during camp week by Gilda's Club and Genesis to help kids cope with the effects of cancer in their family. The usual camp fee will be donated by Genesis. There will be no charge to campers.

"This camp will provide a much-needed opportunity for kids to just be kids,'' said Sally Werner, Director, Genesis Cancer Care Institute. "This camp will be a relief to parents who may be facing illness and financial concerns because of the illness.

"Camp Genesis will offer a unique camp experience, close-to-home, that is specifically designed for children who are dealing with cancer in their families.''

Camp Genesis campers will experience everything from swimming, to canoeing, to horseback riding to an Alpine adventure tower. Complementing the fun will be cancer support and education each day from the Gilda's Club staff.

Camp Genesis campers bond from their shared experience with cancer and are more likely to share their worries and fears with each other.

YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln hosts Camp Genesis. Camp Abe Lincoln is a 250-acre camp located just 12 miles from downtown Davenport.

"Camp Genesis has become part of our philosophy to treat the 'whole' cancer patient and families at the Genesis Cancer Care Institute,'' Werner added. "If we can relieve some of the stress and concern a cancer patient may have about children or grandchildren, we are creating a better healing environment for that patient.''

Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides free support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer. Gilda's Club has an office at the Genesis Cancer Care Institute and offers its special support services throughout the Quad Cities from the Gilda's clubhouse at 1234 E. River Drive in Davenport.

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04 Apr 2014

Recent Amendment to Iowa Court Rules

By Iowa Judicial Branch

Des Moines, April 2, 2014 ? Today, the Iowa Supreme Court approved amendments to the Iowa Court Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage (ENMC) ?the court rules regulating audio and video recording and photography of courtroom procedures. The amendments broaden the court's definition of news media and allow for live electronic reporting, such as tweeting and blogging, from the courtroom by members of the news media, with advance approval from the presiding judge.

The amendments to Chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules and the new forms accompanying chapter 25 are effective May 1, 2014.

The updated rules are the product of a ten-month review by a fifteen-person supreme court advisory committee consisting of Iowa judges, attorneys, and members of the media.

"I am confident the expanded news media coverage rules as amended will continue Iowa's tradition of openness and transparency of court proceedings and move us closer to Chief Justice Cady's goal of being the best court system in the nation," Justice Bruce B. Zager, who chaired the committee, said. "I am confident because of the conscientious way the Expanded News Media Committee approached the challenge of updating our 30-year-old rules in light of the many changes in technology and news gathering techniques reporters use today. The supreme court is very appreciative of the committee's thoughtful and well researched recommendations."

The amendments will allow media coverage of initial appearances in criminal cases with approval of the presiding judge. The rules will allow the request for media coverage to be made either in writing or orally to the magistrate or judge presiding over the initial appearance, subject to an oral objection by the prosecutor, defendant, or defendant's counsel.

The supreme court requested the review because judges and court staff are faced with bloggers, smart phones, and twitter, among other forms of technology that were not specifically addressed in the rules. The EMNC rules were first approved by the supreme court in 1979 and have been only slightly modified since that time.

"These changes in the Expanded News Media Coverage rules usher in a new era in news coverage of Iowa's courtrooms," Iowa Freedom of Information Council Executive Director and committee member Kathleen Richardson said. "It's exciting to see that the state remains on the forefront of embracing technological change to allow Iowans exceptional access to the judicial process."

The amendments to the Iowa Court Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage and the new forms are located at

http://www.iowacourts.gov/Court_Rules__Forms/Recent_Amendments__New_Iowa_Court_Rules/

Summary of Changes

With the advent of new technology and newsgathering practices members of the news media use, the amendments to chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules will allow a more consistent use of expanded news media coverage statewide and continue to allow for judicial discretion in individual cases. The amendments further transparency of the legal process while not disrupting court proceedings or interfering with individual rights. The rules strictly prohibit expanded news media coverage without prior express authorization from the presiding judicial officer.

New Terms and Definitions

25.1(1) "Expanded news media coverage" includes broadcasting, recording, photographing, and live electronic reporting of judicial proceedings by the news media for gathering and disseminating news in any medium.  Expanded news media coverage is limited to the news media unless the judicial officer orders otherwise.

 

25.1(5) "News media" includes any person who regularly gathers, prepares, photographs, records, writes, edits, reports, or publishes news or information about matters of public interest in any medium, and who successfully applies to participate in expanded news media coverage and agrees to comply with all court rules.

 

"Electronic devices" is broadly defined to include, but not be limited to, laptop computers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, smart phones, and tablet computers. Electronic devices not used for recording audio, video, or still images may be used in the courtroom by members of the news media for live electronic reporting with advance approval from the judicial officer, provided the equipment does not make any disruptive noise or interfere with court equipment.  Electronic devices may not be used by anyone in the courtroom for telephone calls. Electronic devices may not be used by anyone in the courtroom for photography, video recording, audio recording, or streaming video unless approved by the judicial officer in advance of the proceeding. The rule applies to news media only. Use of such electronic devices by others is prohibited.

"Live electronic reporting" covers tweeting, blogging, and future methods of real time electronic reporting by text. It does not include photography or video. Members of the news media using electronic devises for live reporting also require prior expressed authorization from the judicial officer and must be located in an area the judicial officer designates.

News Media Identification in the Courtroom

25.2(12) Identification. All news media personnel authorized to use electronic devices in the courtroom must wear identification, which is clearly visible to the judicial officer and members of the jury and which states the person's name and media affiliation.

Initial Appearances in Criminal Proceedings

The amendments allow an expanded news media coverage request for an initial appearance to be made the day of the hearing either in writing or orally to the judicial officer presiding over the initial appearance, subject to an oral objection by the prosecutor, defendant, or defendant's counsel. Authorization for expanded news media coverage of proceedings subsequent to the initial appearance must be requested separately.

25.2(4) Initial appearances in criminal proceedings.

  • a. Oral or written requests for expanded news media coverage of initial appearances in criminal proceedings must be made to the judicial officer presiding over the proceeding. Such expanded news media coverage, if authorized by the judicial officer, is subject to objection by the prosecutor, defendant, or defendant's attorney.
  • b. The defendant shall be advised by the judicial officer of defendant's right to orally object to expanded news media coverage prior to the commencement of the proceeding, and any such objection will be heard and determined by the judicial officer prior to the commencement of the proceeding. The judicial officer may rule on the basis of the oral objection alone.
  • c. A judicial officer's authorization of expanded news media coverage of an initial appearance applies only to the particular initial appearance. Authorization for expanded news media coverage of proceedings subsequent to the initial appearance must be requested separately.

New Forms

The new forms the supreme court adopted with the amended rules are compatible with the Iowa Judicial Branch Electronic Document Management System (EDMS or eFiling) and available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website in a fillable and savable format. The new forms are:

  • Form 1 is the notice form for the news media coordinator to use to inform the attorneys for all parties and the judicial officer of a request for expanded news media coverage of the proceeding.This form allows the news media coordinator to list the number of news media members in the courtroom using electronic devices and the type of electronic devices those members of the news media will be using.
  • Form 2 is the form for parties to use to object to expanded news media coverage of the proceeding.
  • Form 3 is the form for witnesses to use to object to expanded news media coverage of the proceeding.

Electronic Filing

To prepare for the statewide use of EDMS and provide consistency during its implementation, the new amendments allow notice to be filed electronically or by paper copy. This will allow the media coordinator to mail, hand deliver, email, fax, or, with EDMS, electronically file the notice with all parties, the judicial officer expected to preside at the proceedings, and the appropriate clerk of court and court administrator.

Filing Period

With electronic filing, the amendments shorten the time for filing a request for expanded news media coverage from fourteen days to seven days for all proceedings except initial appearances in criminal cases. The time of notice for a party to object to expanded news media coverage remains unchanged at three days.

Number of People Allowed to Record Video and Audio and to Photograph

Because of the number of different electronic devices the media uses today, the amended rules increase the number of members of the news media allowed in the courtroom to record video and audio and to photograph proceedings. The amended rules do not limit the number of any particular electronic device, but allow for not more than five total members of the news media using still cameras, television cameras, audio recorders, and electronic devices, or any combination of the four for photography or video and audio recording. This amendment will give members of the news media flexibility and the judicial officer the ability to control the courtroom by designating where the news media is located in the courtroom and which proceedings can be recorded and photographed.

  • 25.4(3)(a) Video recording, audio recording, and still photography. Not more than five total members of the news media using still cameras, television cameras, audio recorders, and electronic devices, or any combination of the four, to photograph, video, or record audio are permitted in the courtroom during a judicial proceeding. Each still photographer may use two camera bodies each with a fixed lens or one camera body and two lenses. Where possible, all recording and broadcasting equipment that is not a component part of a camera or an electronic device and any operating personnel shall be located outside of the courtroom. Audio pickup for broadcast coverage must be accomplished from any existing audio system present in the courtroom, if such pickup would be technically suitable for broadcast.

Pooling

Representatives of news media are responsible for contributing to electronic pool coverage of judicial proceedings when necessary. If a news organization is incapable of contributing to pool coverage, the news media coordinator may allow the news organization to share the pool coverage or may restrict the news organization's coverage.

Supreme Court and Court of Appeals

A separate request for expanded news media coverage must be made for Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals oral arguments.

Procedure for Requesting Expanded News Media Coverage

Requests for permission to use cameras, recording equipment, or other electronic devices in court proceedings must be submitted to the media coordinator at least seven days in advance of the time the proceeding is scheduled to occur. Or, if the proceeding is not scheduled at least seven days in advance, the request must be made as soon as practicable. The request shall proceed as follows:

·         Media representative submits request to media coordinator;

·         Media coordinator files written notice with clerk of court and sends notice to all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel, district court administrator, and presiding judge using Rule 25.10-Form 1: News Media Coordinator's Notice of Request for Expanded Media Coverage of Trial or Proceeding;

·         A party to, or witness in, the proceeding may object using Rule 25.10?Form 2: Objection of Party to Expanded News Media Coverage of Trial or Proceeding or Rule 25.10?Form 3: Objection of Witness to Expanded News Media Coverage of Testimony;

·         If there are objections, the judge shall rule on the written objections or hold a hearing.

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