01 May 2014

River Roots Live Announces 10 Year Anniversary Lineup

By Jason Gilliland

Los Lonely Boys, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, North Mississippi Allstars Headline 

www.RiverRootsLive.com

(DAVENPORT- IA) River Roots Live, the Quad Cities' premiere music festival, is celebrating its ten year anniversary with an incredible lineup featuring headliners Los Lonely Boys, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and the North Mississippi Allstars.   Additional national acts include ZZ Ward, Ben Kweller, Cracker, The Jayhawks, Foxy Shazam, The Ballroom Thieves, Mr. Baber's Neighbors, and Twins.  The Quad Cities' own talent will also be showcased by the One Night Standards and The Dawn.

As always, Ribfest BBQ vendors from across the country will be serving up delicious BBQ throughout the weekend. River Roots Live will be held on Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16, 2014 in Davenport's LeClaire Park on the banks of the beautiful Mississippi River. The festival is free both nights before 5 p.m. and admission is only $10 after 5 p.m.

"With 2014 being the festival's ten year anniversary, we really wanted to increase the look and feel of River Roots Live, said Jason Gilliland, Director of Events, Downtown Davenport Partnership.  "Fans can expect to find a bigger second stage that includes an improved sound system and banners rivaling many other festivals in the country.  In addition, our lineup has more nationally touring acts and we're thrilled to provide a festival of this quality for the Quad Cities."

The Bands 

Hailing from Texas, Los Lonely Boys are a Grammy Awarwd-winning sibling trio whose music draws equally from Rock, Blues, Tex-Mex, Conjunto, and Tejano. After recording their debut album at Willie Nelson's studio in 2003, the single "Heaven" started climbing the charts with the album selling double Platinum.

Robert Randolph & the Family Band is a funk and soul band led by pedal steel guitarist, Robert Randolph.  This high energy, festival staple band was described by the President of Blue Note Records as having "mastered what is, arguably, the most complex instrument in the world and developed a unique voice that is equal parts street-corner and Bonnaroo." This is a high energy band that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

The North Mississippi Allstars formed in 1996, the product of a special time for modern Mississippi country blues. Brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson soaked up the music of their father, Memphis legend Jim Dickinson, and absorbed the North Mississippi legacy while playing and shaking it down in the juke joints with their blues ancestors. Eventually, Luther and Cody formed the North Mississippi Allstars and pioneered their own brand of blues-infused rock and roll. The Allstars continually expand the tradition of the Mississippi hill country blues that has inspired them from the beginning, but as Rolling Stone aptly notes, "the Allstars may be children of tradition, but they're digging deep in undiscovered country."

On her way to River Roots Live, ZZ Ward will be showcased at Bonnaroo, Summerfest and Red Rocks this summer.  Live, ZZ Ward's smoky vocals and deliberate, varied arrangements make her one not to miss.  Last year, she toured with Fitz and the Tantrums, Grace Potter, Gary Clark, Jr. and Allen Stone and this year launched multiple near sell-out U.S. headline tours.

Ben Kweller has been called everything from balladeer to punk rocker, anti-folker to indie-popper. His ability to weave together opposites that coexist happily on the same album is something few can do.

American alternative rockers Cracker will take the stage on Saturday.  Formed in 1991 the band has released 10 studio albums including the gold-selling album, Kerosene Hat, which included the hit songs "Low" and "Get off This."

The Jayhawks have been described as forging a rootsy sound that wasn't quite rock or country - "Hank Williams on speed." That sentiment can be heard on such hits as "Save it for a Rainy Day," "Blue," and "Waiting for the Sun."

Named one of the "100 bands you need to know" by Alternative Press, Foxy Shazam has been showing off their rock chops since 2004.  Lead singer Eric Sean Nally says "When I listen to a Foxy Shazam record I think of Evel Knievel; Bruce Springsteen; my childhood; Van Morrison; my old friends from high school I don't talk to anymore; Elton John; the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, and beyond; Iggy Pop; and my first kiss."

Rounding out this year's lineup will be the Ballroom Thieves, Mr. Baber's Neighbors, Twins, the One Night Standards and The Dawn.

Ribs & Fest Info 

It wouldn't be River Roots Live without Ribfest BBQ!  This isn't your neighbor burning some hotdogs and calling it BBQ. Our vendors travel the nation and represent the top tier of professional BBQ cookers in the United States.  So loosen your belt, and we suggest trying every single one of 'em throughout the weekend.  Patrons will be able to vote for their favorite!  The West Music Jr. Jam Tent returns to offer fun educational workshops for kids and performances from the River Music Experience's Rock Camp bands.

With well over 20,000 attendees, River Roots Live has continued to grow every year since its inception in 2005. For complete details regarding band bios and festival activities, please visit RiverRootsLive.com.

Produced by the Downtown Davenport Partnership, a division of Quad Cities Chamber, River Roots Live is supported by partners Living Lands & Waters and the River Music Experience - all nonprofit organizations.  River Roots Live is proud to help promote music education programs at the River Music Experience, environmental clean-up efforts on the Mississippi River by Living Lands & Waters, and the growth of historic downtown Davenport.

River Roots Live is presented by U.S. Cellular and the Riverboat Development Authority. Please visit www.RiverRootsLive.com to see the complete list of our generous community sponsors.
01 May 2014

An Evening With Ron White Friday, July 18 - 7:30 pm

By Stephani Nagle

The iWireless Center

On Sale Friday, May 9 at 10 am

Ron White will bring his hit comedy tour to the Quad Cities for one night only, Friday, July 18 at 7:30 pm at the iWireless Center. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 9 at 10 am.

Comedian Ron "Tater Salad" White first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but now as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film actor, Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right. White has always been a classic storyteller. His stories relay tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas to sharing stories of his daily life to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America.

All 4 of his comedy albums charted #1 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He has sold over 14 million albums (solo and with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour), been nominated for two Grammys, and over the past 9 years (since 2004) been one of the top three grossing stand up comedians on tour in America.

Tickets prices are $45.00 and $55.00 and go on sale Friday, May 9 at 10 am. Tickets are available at the iWireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

A limited number of Ron White 200 Proof VIP Experience tickets are also available. Want a premium seat in the first 5 rows and to meet Ron White after the show? Want to ask him a question? Take a picture with him? Just see for yourself if that's really scotch he's drinking? If your answer is yes, then purchase the Ron White 200 Proof VIP Experience!  At the VIP experience you'll be a part of a small group of fellow fans talking with Ron White and taking a photo with him. Not only will you get this special access after Ron's show, you'll receive a VIP access pass personally signed by Ron White. Visit www.tatersalad.com for all things Ron White and all your VIP opportunities.

01 May 2014

BANDITS' RALLY, WALK OFF TO SPLIT WITH CLINTON

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities drops Game 1, 6-3, to Clinton, before rallying from 7-3 deficit for walk-off win in Game 2
DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 1, 2014) - Center fielder Brett Phillips hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 9-8 Game 2 win for the Quad Cities River Bandits, who had rallied from a 7-3 deficit to earn a split with the Clinton LumberKings, who had taken Game 1 by a 6-3 final in a doubleheader Wednesday night at Modern Woodmen Park.
In Game 1, Clinton first baseman Jeff Zimmerman opened the scoring with a home run on the first pitch of the third inning by Quad Cities left-hander Kent Emanuel (0-2), who completed three innings, allowing two hits and one walk with four strikeouts.
With a 1-0 lead, the LumberKings (10-13) added two runs in the fourth inning and three in the fifth against left-hander Albert Minnis for a 6-0 lead. Minnis lasted 1 2/3 innings, before right-hander Tyler Brunnemann pitched the final 2 1/3 innings without allowing a run.
Trailing 6-0, Quad Cities (11-13) began a rally in the bottom of the fifth. Shortstop Thomas Lindauer, left fielder Tanner Mathis and second baseman Chan-Jong Moon each drew walks to start the inning against left-hander Eddie Campbell, and right fielder James Ramsay shot a two-runs ingle to right field. First baseman Chase McDonald added an RBI groundout, but the River Bandits came no closer than 6-3. Clinton right-handers Aaron Brooks (1-0) and Emilio Pagan finished the visitors' win, with the latter earning his fifth save.
In Game 2, Clinton jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a single by right fielder Austin Wilson against right-hander Jandel Gustave. But Quad Cities answered with a first-inning RBI double by first baseman Conrad Gregor and a second-inning home run by left fielder Jon Kemmer. The LumberKings retook the lead with Wilson's RBI triple in the third inning, and tacked on three more in the fourth inning for a 6-2 lead. Gustave allowed six runs - four earned - on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. Right-hander Zach Morton followed with 2 1/3 innings, three hits, one walk and two strikeouts, but also allowed Clinton center fielder Burt Reynolds' fifth-inning leadoff home run.
With a 7-3 deficit, Quad Cities began a Game 2 comeback against left-hander Blake Holovach in the fifth inning. Moon singled, Greogr walked, and McDonald hit an RBI single. After Ramsay flied out, catcher Brian Holberton singled, and Kemmer drew a bases-loaded walk to chase Holovach. Left-hander Leoncio Munoz yielded a two-run, game-tying single to pinch hitter Tyler White before walking Lindauer and giving up a go-ahead sacrifice fly to Phillips, who reached when Reynolds dropped the fly ball.
With an 8-7 lead, River Bandits right-hander Andrew Walter allowed Wilson's game-tying home run leading off the seventh. But Kemmer began the bottom half with a single to right field, stole second base, went to third on Lindauer's one-out single to left field and scored on Phillips' second sacrifice fly at one minute before midnight. This season Quad Cities has four one-run wins, and all have been walk-offs.
The River Bandits have split each of their first four doubleheaders of the season, and they host the LumberKings for a doubleheader at 6 p.m. Thursday. In Game 1, Quad Cities right-hander Andrew Thurman (2-1) is scheduled to face Clinton right-hander Carlos Misell (3-1). In Game 2, Quad Cities left-hander Chris Lee (0-0) is scheduled to face Clinton right-hander Jose Flores.
UP NEXT: The first 1,000 fans to Thursday's 6 p.m. doubleheader receive a Miltary Camo Drawstring Backpack courtesy of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. On College Night, students can show their college IDs at the box office for $2 bleacher tickets. Gates open at 5 p.m. for a Thirst-Day Thursday presented by Rock 104-9 and the River Cities' Reader with $2 drink specials. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.
*****
01 May 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Third Consecutive Year of Record-Breaking Statewide Tourism Numbers

By Katie Hickey

U.S. Visitors to Illinois Rose 4.5 Percent to 103 Million in 2013

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois welcomed more than 103.5 million U.S. residents to the state in 2013, the largest number of domestic visitors to Illinois ever and the third consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. The 2013 total was up 4.5 percent from the prior year, and one of the strongest growth sectors in 2013 was leisure travel, up 5.7 percent from 2012.

"For the third year in a row, Illinois has welcomed a record number of visitors, demonstrating that tourism is thriving in the Land of Lincoln," Governor Quinn said. "The tourism industry plays a vital role in driving the Illinois economy forward by supporting local communities and providing quality jobs across the state."

The increase in domestic visitors helped to drive the 2013 hotel-motel tax collections to more than $235 million, a 7.2 percent increase over 2012 and another record.

"The tourism industry is an integral part of the Illinois economy. These impressive visitor numbers demonstrate that Illinois has become a premier travel destination in the United States," said Adam Pollet, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the agency that includes the Illinois Office of Tourism.

The DCEO tourism office has ramped up a momentum-building spring and summer advertising campaign that has already pushed consumer inquiries to an all-time high in 2014. The fresh, light-hearted advertising campaign features the popular "Mini Abe," a miniature Abraham Lincoln who seeks to inspire people to discover the attractions, festivals, historical sites and adventures throughout Illinois. One Mini Abe commercial already has more than 1.7 million YouTube views.

"We are constantly developing cutting-edge and memorable ways to encourage visitors to explore Illinois," Illinois Office of Tourism Director Jen Hoelzle said. "These record-breaking numbers prove that Illinois is top-of-mind for travelers."

The numbers, compiled by the firm D.K. Shifflet & Associates Ltd., do not include visitors from overseas. Data for international travel is expected to be available in June.

The 2013 domestic numbers come just before National Travel and Tourism Week May 3-11, which will be marked by events celebrating the power of travel and tourism throughout Illinois and the nation.

The Illinois Office of Tourism promotes visits to Illinois domestically and internationally and helps the tourism industry grow throughout the state. The office is funded by a percentage of the state's hotel-motel tax revenue.

Destination information, trip inspiration ideas, the 2014 Illinois Travel Guide and more can be found at enjoyillinois.com or by calling 1-800-2CONNECT.

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01 May 2014

Lt. Governor Simon to honor police officers in Springfield, thank petitioners in Chicago

By Ted Nelson

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Thursday will honor and remember Illinois police officers who have lost their lives on duty.

 

Simon will join elected officials, police officers and the public to remember Trooper James Sauter of the Illinois State Police from Downers Grove, Officer Casey Kohlmeier of the Pontiac Police Department and Investigator Cuauhtemoc Estrada of the  Cook County Sheriff's Police Department at the Police Officers Memorial in Springfield.

Earlier in the day, Simon will thank volunteers for the Yes for Independent Maps campaign as they load petitions into a semi-truck to drive them to Springfield to be filed. The campaign aims to put an amendment on the November 2014 ballot to improve the redistricting process. Simon signed the petition earlier this year.

 

EVENT: Yes for Independent Maps Breakfast

DATE: Thursday, May 1

TIME: 7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.

LOCATION: 300 N. Elizabeth St., Ste. 220B, Chicago

 

EVENT: Police Officers Memorial

DATE: Thursday, May 1

TIME: 11 a.m.

LOCATION: East steps of the Capitol, Springfield

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01 May 2014

Free Brucemore Mansion Tours During Iowa Museum Week

By Tara Richards

Participate in Iowa Museum Week?June 10 through 15?by enjoying a free tour of Brucemore. Follow a guide on a tour of the 21-room mansion and investigate the art, furnishings, technology, architecture, surrounding landscape, and stories preserved at Brucemore. Tours will be offered every thirty minutes Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 3:00 p.m. The last tour will begin at 3:00 p.m.  Free tours during Iowa Museum Week are sponsored by Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.

Three families owned the Brucemore estate between 1884 and 1981?the Sinclairs, the Douglases, and the Halls. They were business and community leaders during a century of evolution in the Midwest. Caroline Sinclair, widow of pioneer industrialist, T.M. Sinclair, and mother of six, hired architects Josselyn and Taylor to build the mansion for $55,000 in 1884. In 1906, George Bruce Douglas, of the Quaker Oats and Douglas and Company fortunes, acquired the home with his wife Irene, transforming the property into a country estate they named Brucemore. In 1937, their daughter, Margaret, inherited Brucemore with her husband, Howard Hall, founder of Iowa Manufacturing and Iowa Steel and Ironworks. The Halls added flair to the estate with famous guests, including Presidents Herbert Hoover and Harry Truman and their exotic pet lion. The Queen Anne architecture, 1925 Grant Wood Porch, 1929 Skinner pipe organ, and 1930s Grizzly Bar and Tahitian Room reflect the vibrant history of remarkable people.  The changes they made to their estate, the impact they had on their community, and the stories they left behind shape our understanding of modern Cedar Rapids, eastern Iowa, and the American Midwest.

Iowa Museum Week annually raises awareness of the significant contributions made to Iowa communities by their museums in relation to quality of life, economic life, tourism, and education.  In his proclamation of Iowa Museum Week in April, Governor Branstad recognized the importance of Iowa's museums, stating that Iowa Museum Week will celebrate the crucial role of Iowa's museums in preserving the historical fabric and memory of Iowa through preservation of artifacts and archives; in providing educational resources and programs which expand learning opportunities for all ages; in contributing to a vibrant community and state economy through job creation, purchase of goods and services, and by attracting tourism revenue to the community and state; and in their significant role in enhancing community quality of life. For more information on Iowa museums, please visit www.iowamuseums.org or contact Cynthia Sweet of the Iowa Museum Association at imasweet@cfu.net.

 

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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01 May 2014

YOUNG FOOTLITERS PRESENTS HANSEL AND GRETEL MAY 9-11

By Megan Flanagan

Young Footliters presents Vera Morris's adaptation of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel for 4 performances, May 9-11 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.  The production features 34 local children in 1st through 8th grades and is directed by Dave Helmuth.  Westport Touchless Autowash in the supporting sponsor.

Performances are at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts Friday, May 9 at 7pm, Saturday, May 10 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, May 11 at 2pm.  Tickets are $7 - $12 and are available online at www.coralvillearts.org, by phone at 319.248.9370, and in person at the CCPA box office (1301 5th Street) and Coralville Recreation Center (1506 8th Street).

"When you re-imagine a folk tale like Hansel and Gretel, you want to give performances that feel new and inspired?something you haven't seen or heard before. The kids in our cast have consistently surprised us with their humor and creative ideas for bringing the characters to life. Familiar characters like the Witch have a new, humorous energy, and new characters like the moving trees make Hansel and Gretel's world feel more colorful and magical. I've been thrilled with the kids' enthusiasm for making the show funny and entertaining. Every night they have new ideas," says assistant director Tara Acton.

Director Helmuth says of this production, "The trees are alive.  They sing, dance, and tell jokes.  This is no ordinary fairy tale.  This show will keep you laughing and laughing - fun for the whole family."

Young Footliters is a program of the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts offering children and teens fun, creative, and educational theater arts opportunities in a safe, positive, and professional environment.  Young Footliters aims to produce quality productions and classes that promote responsibility, confidence, leadership, cooperation, and arts appreciation.

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01 May 2014

STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR BRANSTAD'S CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES WEEK EVENT

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES - AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement regarding the event Governor Branstad held today in recognition of Correctional Officers and Employees Week:

"The Governor's Correctional Officers and Employees Week proclamation signing event held today in the Governor's Office was a sham that showed how out of touch the governor is with the day to day concerns of correctional officers and corrections employees.

"The event was attended by the Governor, Lt. Governor, a photographer, four corrections management employees, two employees of a private contractor, and only one correctional officer. So the governor held a Correctional Officers and Employees Week event with one state employee who actually works in a cell house and has daily contact with inmates in a DOC facility.

"If Governor Branstad truly wants to show his appreciation for correctional officers and corrections employees, he would learn about the concerns of the line staff in our correctional facilities and community-based corrections districts rather than relying on the happy talk that comes from his corrections management team. If he truly cared about the state's correctional officers and corrections staff, he would work with us to ensure that all positions inside the state's correctional facilities and in our community-based corrections districts are adequately staffed."

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01 May 2014

2014 Stars Over Iowa Winners Announced

By Scott Johnson
AMES, Iowa–The 2014 Stars Over Iowa Winners were announced at the 86th Leadership Conference at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, April 29, 2014. A Star Over Iowa was selected in each of four different areas: Agricultural Placement, Agriscience, Agribusiness, and Agricultural Production.

Kelly Puhrmann of the South O'Brien FFA Chapter at Paullina was selected as the Iowa Star in Placement. His agricultural education instructor and FFA Advisor is Mr. Eric Kumm. Puhrmann has worked approximately 3,000 hours for Puhrmann Excavating. He helps manage their screening and crushing plant, operate excavators and dosers, and perform equipment repairs. Through his experiences with heavy equipment, Puhrmann has gained a greater understanding of how to operate a wide variety of equipment used in constructing waterways, laying drainage tile, as well as demolition and crushing. After graduation, Puhrmann plans to attend Iowa State University for Mechanical Engineering.

Drayce Webster of the Sigourney FFA Chapter was selected as the Iowa Star in Agribusiness. His agricultural education instructor and FFA Advisor is Mr. Jerry Driscoll. Webster turned his passion for Animal Science and Horticulture into a Supervised Agricultural Experience business of raising meat rabbits, feeder pigs, and sweet potato slits, to sell at the farmer's markets. Webster relies on niche commodities and markets to obtain the highest return on his business. He started his rabbit business with four breeding does and has since increased to 30. He started his sweet potato slits in a small patch and has since increased production by building raised beds for them. After graduation he plans to expand his operation while attending Hawkeye Community College and majoring in Agricultural Business.

Alex Alliger of the Prairie Valley FFA Chapter at Gowrie was selected as the Iowa Star in Production. His agricultural education instructor and FFA Advisor is Mr. Steve Kehoe. During the past four years, Alliger has developed skills with corn, soybeans, swine, and cattle production enterprises. Alliger began by recording his placement hours on his diversified family farming operation, and he also finished out 250 market hogs. Since that time, his SAE program has grown to finish over 1,000 market hogs, 50 beef animals, and keeping records of 40 acres of corn and 80 acres of soybeans. Alliger is currently a freshman at Des Moines Area Community
College and plans to earn a degree in the Agricultural Business program. His plan is to return home to his family farming operation to be involved with crop and livestock production.

Eric Koehlmoos of the South O'Brien FFA Chapter at Paullina was selected as the Iowa Star in Agriscience. His agricultural education instructor and FFA Advisor is Eric Kumm. For the last three years, he has conducted experiments on the cellulosic ethanol production of switch grass and prairie cord grass. Koehlmoos became interested in the subject after learning about research being done at South Dakota State University. He learned that production from switch grass and prairie cord grass yields more ethanol than corn and wheat straw; and when these grasses are pretreated with hydrated lime, the ethanol yield is also increased. His research has the potential to benefit people of marginal lands, like those in the CRP program because both grasses grow
best where corn does not. Because of his research, Koehlmoos was named the 2013 FFA Agriscience Fair National Champion. After graduation, Koehlmoos plans to double major in Ag Education and Animal Science with a minor in Genetics.

The National FFA Foundation sponsors cash awards for the four overall star winners. The Stars Over Iowa program is made possible through the Iowa FFA Foundation with support from DuPont Pioneer and SFP.

The Iowa FFA Association has 219 local chapters with over 14,200 FFA members. FFA is a national organization of nearly 580,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in science, business and
technology of agriculture. Local, state and national programs provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

--END--
01 May 2014

2014-15 Iowa FFA State Officers

By Scott Johnson

The Iowa FFA Leadership Conference was held at Iowa State University in Ames on April 28-29, 2014. The
new Iowa FFA Officer team was elected at the final convention session.

Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, and living to serve. These nine leaders will live out their year of
service speaking with FFA members from across the state, presenting leadership camps and workshops, and
traveling around Iowa and the United States. They will have the opportunity to take part in Iowa FFA
Foundation activities, the Iowa State Fair, Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium, the National FFA Convention,
and a wide variety of FFA Career Development Events. Their largest responsibility will be to coordinate and
conduct the 87th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference for over 5,000 FFA members, advisors, parents, and
guests.

The members of the 2014-2015 Iowa FFA Officer Team are:

President: Abrah Meyer, Wapsie Valley FFA, Fairbank
Secretary: Lee Thomsen, Des Moines FFA, Des Moines
Reporter: Ray Schmidt, Williamsburg FFA, Williamsburg
SC Vice President: Hunter Moore, Centerville FFA, Centerville
NC Vice President: Mackenzie Lewis, Boone A&M FFA, Boone
NW Vice President: Devan Vander Veen, Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA, Sibley
NE Vice President: Michael Tupper, New Hampton FFA, New Hampton
SW Vice President: Logan Bauer, Audubon FFA, Audubon
SE Vice President: Mike Poggemiller, Mediapolis FFA, Mediapolis
The Iowa FFA Association has 219 local chapters with over 14,200 FFA members. FFA is a national
organization of nearly 580,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in science, business and
technology of agriculture. Local, state and national programs provide opportunities for students to apply
knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of
students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through
agricultural education.


Contact: Scott Johnson (712.790.2345)

FFA Enrichment Center
1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway
Ankeny, Iowa 50023-- END --

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