Original Six Dollar Thickburgers and 1/3lb. Original Thickburgers at participating Carl's Jr. and Hardee's locations

What: Starting December 9, every Monday in December is a #MondayBunday when burger fans can get a free Original Six Dollar Thickburger® or 1/3lb. Original Thickburger® on a Fresh Baked Bun at Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®.

Here's the deal: Every Monday visit http://www.CarlsJr.com/coupons or http://www.Hardees.com/coupons, or check on the brands' Facebook and Twitter channels, to download the day's unique #MondayBunday coupon.  (Note that each coupon is good only on the Monday for which it is issued.) Take the coupon to any participating Carl's Jr. or Hardee's restaurant, buy an Original Six Dollar Thickburger or 1/3lb. Original Thickburger on a Fresh Baked Bun and get a second one FOR FREE.

The #MondayBunday offer is good from 10:30 a.m. to closing on Mondays. Limit one per guest, who must be present, while supplies last.

New at Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, Fresh Baked Buns are premium buns baked fresh inside the restaurants every day. The bun dough is given time to rise or "proof" and is then baked, cooled, sliced and served. Guests will notice the buns are denser, a little sweeter (bringing out the flavor of the charbroiled 100 percent Black Angus beef patties) and, of course, baked fresh, then grilled so that each one is served perfectly hot, soft and delicious. They are now served standard on all Six Dollar Thickburgers at Carl's Jr. and 1/3lb. Thickburgers at Hardee's.

For more information, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/carlsjr and www.facebook.com/hardees) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/carlsjr and www.twitter.com/hardees).

Quad Cities, USA: December 6, 2013 - With only 17 days remaining in the Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army is extremely concerned about Kettle Donations.

Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator for The Salvation Army, states, "Our goal of $750,000 to keep our programs strong is still a long way away. We are grateful for the $230,000 that has been donated to date, but we are $150,000 behind last year at this time. The six days that we lost between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a huge concern. Other factors may be donor fatigue due to the recent typhoon and tornado disasters."

He adds, "Less giving is a great concern to us. These donations allow us to do our work at Christmas and all year round. The Red Kettle Campaign raises 60% of our annual budget and still has a long way to go. The monies collected provide shelter, food and other basic needs to families and individuals in crisis. We depend on the generosity of each individual in the Quad Cities to be able provide our services. We try not to think about falling short of the goal - we simply cannot fall short this year."

Another way you can become involved with The Salvation Army's Christmas programs and make your own Christmas even brighter: Volunteering. Opportunities include Toy Shop Escort, Bell Ringer, and Toy Collector at Fill the Truck on December 13 & 14. Easy sign up at www.ringbells.org.

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December 9 - 13, 2013

Friday, December 13, 2013

Special Committee of the Whole - 3:00 pm

Conference Room 605, 6th Floor, Administrative Center

1. Roll Call: Cusack, Earnhardt, Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch

2. 2014 State of Iowa Legislative Kickoff

3. Other items of interest.
Financial Advisor Shares Steps Everyone Should Take in 2014

For many baby boomers looking to retire in the next few years, the biggest worry is not whether or not they can retire, but if they'll outlive their savings.

It's a valid concern: One of every four people turning 65 today can expect to live past their 90th birthday, and one in 10 will live past 95, according to the Social Security Administration.

For a married couple, there's a 58 percent chance that one of them will live to 90.

With 10,000 boomers turning 65 every day, it's something on the minds of more than a fourth of Americans.

"I went into this business because I hated seeing people who'd followed the rules - saved money in a 401k, put their kids through college, gave to charity - get to retirement and find they didn't have enough to sustain them for more than a few years," says Andrew McNair, founder and CEO of SWAN Capital, (SWAN-Capital.com), and author of "Don't be Penny Wise & Dollar Foolish."

"It's not enough to have a certain amount of money in your portfolio, you want to have a guaranteed check coming in in addition to your investments."

Whether you're years from retirement or planning for it now, McNair says these three New Year's resolutions will be the best you ever made:

• Resolve to plan for expenses in retirement to equal or exceed your expenses today. Many people assume their expenses will decline once they retire - they forget that they're going to have a lot more free time to do what they love, McNair says. "What are your dreams? Will you want to travel? Take up a new hobby? Meet friends for golf two or three times a week? Those likely are going to be expenses you don't have now," he says. Also, once you retire, things don't magically last forever. The rug in the dining room, the fridge in the kitchen - eventually they'll need to be replaced or repaired. Also, as you age, medical expenses either appear or increase. Sit down and think about what your ideal retirement looks like, and presume that it will be for at least 30 years. Make a list and take a guess at what those activities cost - even if your retirement is years away. How much money will you need coming in each month or year?

• Resolve to get most of your investments out of tax-deferred plans. If you're working for a company that provides a match for 401k contributions, by all means, contribute up to the maximum match. "That's free money - you'd be crazy not to take advantage," McNair says. But anything beyond that should be invested in something that's more tax efficient: Roth IRA, municipal bonds, life insurance or real estate. No one expects taxes will go down - they'll be going up. Uncle Sam already has a lien on your IRA or 401(k); don't let his lien, the taxes you'll owe, continue to grow. Go ahead and pay now, and your future retired self will be glad you did.

• Resolve to have a portfolio that generates a steady or guaranteed paycheck. The ideal financial security for retirement is having a guaranteed income that increases with inflation, McNair says. "You want to plan for an income that meets or exceeds your annual income now so, if you'll be getting $1,000 a month from Social Security at age 62 and your current income is $4,000 a month, you need to have a plan to guarantee $3,000 a month to cover that gap." Annuities and life insurance are the only investments that provide a guaranteed income you cannot outlive, so consider them for at least part of your portfolio. "You don't want them to make up 100 percent of your portfolio, but they should provide the foundation," McNair says.

It's important to start thinking now about where you want to be in retirement and what combination of investments will ensure you have the lifestyle you want for as long as you live, he says.

"At 65, you don't want to be making risky investments because you're panicking about not having enough money."

About Andrew McNair

Andrew McNair is founder and CEO of SWAN Capital, specializing in Wealth Management and Retirement Income. After earning a degree in business administration/finance, and with two books on his financial strategies already published, McNair launched SWAN later that year. At 22, he was hosting a radio show, What Your Money Would Say, that provides financial guidance to retirees. McNair is also the founder and CEO of the Veteran Benefit Project, which works with veterans and their families at no charge to ensure they receive all of the benefits they deserve.

On December 5, 2013, at approximately 10:16 p.m., correctional officers at the Scott County Jail, while making their security rounds in the housing units, found Oscar Orlando Najera, date of birth 02/02/59, unresponsive. Correctional staff, as well as medical staff, attended to Mr. Najera. Fire and Medic were called and later he was pronounced deceased at Genesis Hospitals at approximately 11:08 p.m. Mr. Najera had been in the Scott County Jail since being booked in on 11/15/13 for the charge of Intoxication 3rd degree. During his book in, he had stated his last known residence was Rock Island, Illinois.

Attempts to locate next of kin have been unsuccessful. Cause of death has not been determined at the present time. An autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow. Results of toxicology tests are pending.

(DES MOINES) - Tim Albrecht, who has served as Gov. Branstad's communications director since November of 2009, is departing the Branstad-Reynolds administration to pursue a new private sector opportunity. Albrecht's last day will be Friday, December 13.

Former Branstad-Reynolds administration deputy communications director Jimmy Centers has been named the new director of communications.

"The opportunity to work as communications director in the governor's office is one I have worked toward my entire career, and I am so excited I could serve the people of Iowa in this capacity under Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds, who each set a strong example of hard work, dedication and passion for the state." said Albrecht. "This has been such a rewarding experience, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Jimmy Centers is a talented professional, and he is going to excel in this new position. We will ensure that a smooth transition takes place."

Branstad thanked Albrecht for his work with the administration.

"I want to thank Tim for all the great work he has done within my administration," said Gov. Branstad. "He is a passionate advocate for the state of Iowa, and never forgot his Ida Grove roots. Tim's embrace of social media, online tools and overall messaging was a benefit to nearly every department and agency within state government. I have really enjoyed working with Tim, and I wish him all the best in his new opportunity. While Tim will be missed, we are really excited to have Jimmy back in the official office."

Reynolds echoed the governor's sentiment.

"Tim has traveled with us to a majority of Iowa's counties, been with us as we worked through three legislative sessions, and has been an important advisor to us in a number of areas," said Reynolds. "We wish him well as he departs for new opportunities, and we are very excited to welcome Jimmy back into our office."

Albrecht said he enjoyed working with the reporters, staff and directors he interacted with on a daily basis, and that he will remain active in his new position.

"I intend to remain involved with Republican causes, and will continue to assist the Branstad-Reynolds campaign, should they choose to run again," said Albrecht. "With significant job growth, a return to a balanced state budget, and education reform well on its way, Iowa is enjoying a strong comeback. I look forward to assisting the governor and lieutenant governor in any way to help them continue their successful efforts."

Albrecht, 36, is a native of Ida Grove and a 2001 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, with a degree in Public Relations. He previously worked on the presidential campaigns of Steve Forbes and Mitt Romney, and as communications director for Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City. Albrecht resides in West Des Moines with his wife, Josie, and their infant son Davis.

Centers, 26, is a Peoria, IL, native and a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in Political Science. He served as the Northeast Iowa field director on the 2010 Branstad-Reynolds campaign, later serving as the administration's deputy communications director. He currently serves as the Branstad-Reynolds campaign's communications director, and his replacement there is expected to be named in the coming days. He resides in Des Moines with his wife, Gretchen.

# # #
Meditative Focus Improves Both Health and Business
Intuition, Says Veteran Consultant

Sitting down with the intention of stilling one's mind and body is no longer the sole province of hippies and Eastern medicine aficionados, says leadership expert Dr. Stephen Josephs.

Nike, 50 Cent and the Marine Corps all embrace the benefits of mindfulness meditation, he says.

"The benefits of mindfulness meditation do not exist in a vacuum; mindfulness meditation not only lowers your blood pressure, it also offers a host of other positives, including increasing business acumen," says Josephs, who has coached executives for more than 30 years and recently authored the new book, "Dragons at Work," (www.DragonsAtWork.com).

"It sharpens your intuitive business sense. By relaxing your body, breathing evenly, and paying attention to the present moment, you notice things you might otherwise miss. Paying exquisite attention is the key to staying real, and daily meditation builds that capacity."

The benefits of a calm and focused mind are ubiquitous; Josephs offers tips for business leaders.

• If you're faced with what looks like an enticing opportunity, don't just do something. Sit there. Breathe quietly and let the fear and greed subside. The easiest way to fool yourself in a deal, negotiation or transaction is to let your thinking stray from what's happening and get seduced by a dream. It could be the dream your counterpart is spinning for you or simply the dream of results, good or bad. Like most people, you have probably experienced moments when you knew something - a business relationship, an investment - was going south, but you hesitated to act because you didn't have facts to support your intuition. Sometimes, your intuition knows something that your logical mind does not.

• Pay attention to what your body is telling you; you may be expressing signals that your logical mind is slow to notice. In a psychological study titled "The Iowa Gambling Task," researchers gave subjects the task of making the most money possible by choosing cards from four decks. Unbeknownst to the subjects, the decks were stacked. Some were "good decks" (producing winners more of the time) and some were "bad decks," (producing losers). After about 40 to 50 picks, most subjects caught on to which decks produced winners and losers. Their bodies knew something that their rational minds had missed. After about 10 picks they began to produce physiological symptoms of stress when their hands reached for the bad decks. If you're not paying attention to those subtle signals, your innate wisdom is inaccessible.

• Meditation develops emotional balance and a better business mind. If you've never meditated, try it! Start small by simply sitting still and keeping your eyes closed for five minutes. Feel the weight of your body in its sitting position. Try to simplify your thoughts to basic things, down to the subtle sounds of the room, your breathing. Mindfulness meditation does not require extensive study in ancient traditions. Notice the difference after only five minutes; you will feel more relaxed. Later, try it for 10 minutes, and then longer. Do your due diligence in that state of mind. The equanimity that will sharpen your acumen is also the source of your happiness in life. Don't trade it for anything.

About Dr. Stephen Josephs

With more than 30 years experience as an executive coach and consultant, Stephen Josephs, Ed. D, helps leaders build vitality and focus to make their companies profitable - and great places to work. His doctorate at the University of Massachusetts focused on Aesthetics in Education: how to teach anything through art, music, drama and movement. Josephs is particularly interested in the intersection of business performance, psychology and mind/body disciplines. His new novel, "Dragons at Work," tells the story of a tightly wound executive - a fictionalized case study of coaching that produces fundamental changes in a leader. Josephs has also co-authored "Leadership Agility: Five Levels of Mastery in Anticipating and Initiating Change" (Jossey-Bass, 2006) with Bill Joiner, which shows how certain stages of psychological development affect leadership.

Quad Cities, USA: December 6, 2013 - The forecast for The Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree toy collection is bleak. When more than 3,000 toys are needed, and the toys are trickling at a very slow pace.

Right now, all four area Wal-Mart and the NorthPark (JCPenney Court) and SouthPark (Younkers Court) Malls have Christmas Trees displayed with angel tags with ideas of what to purchase for a child in need.

Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator for The Salvation Army, in his 4th year with the Quad Cities' Angel Tree program, "I do have great concern for the Angel Tree children's Christmas morning in this year of uncertainty. People are sacrificing as it is; so the big unknown is whether they can also afford to sacrifice for a child they've never met. But then again, this community's generosity catches me off guard every year."

Wal-Mart will also be hosting "Fill the Truck" on December 13th and 14th, 12nn - 6pm. Volunteers are needed to help make the Wal-Mart customers aware of the collection drive. Go to www.ringbells.org for easy sign-up.

Last year, thousands of toys were displayed at The Salvation Army's Toy Shop on the Christmas Assistance distribution days. Parents or guardians were able to find the toys that would suit their children. The new Toy Shop style distribution has helped The Salvation Army make sure EVERY child receives a toy, as well as give dignity to the parents who cannot afford toys.

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Walgreens and Select Chevy Locations

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT FOR THE "BE A SANTA TO A SENIOR PROGRAM" & THERE'S STILL TAGS ON THE TREES!

There's only 1 week left to make a difference this holiday season! YOU can be Santa to a local senior who needs a friend during the holidays when you participate in the "Be a Santa to a Senior" gift program at Walgreens and Select Chevy locations.

Take a name off the Senior Santa tree, buy a gift from their wish list, and return the unwrapped gifts. It's that simple. Last year over 2000 seniors received gifts, with even more signed up this year. Gifts are being delievered the week of December 16, please stop in at your local Walgreens or Select Chevy dealer to take a tag off the tree! Gifts need to be in by December 13.

For locations of participating Walgreens & Select Chevy Dealers, please visit www.CasiSeniors.org

Sponsored by CASI, Home Instead, Walgreens and your Select Chevy Dealers. For more information please call:  CASI at 563-386-7477 or go to CasiSeniors.org.

Home Instead 563-359-0027 or go to beasantatoasenior.com

FORMER IOWA AGRICULTURE SECRETARY, AN AG BROADCASTING LEGEND, AND AN ISU EXTENSION CROP SPECIALIST NAMED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO AG WINNERS AT 95TH IOWA FARM BUREAU ANNUAL MEETING

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Dec. 6, 2013 - Patty Judge is a trailblazer in Iowa agriculture, serving as the state's first woman to be elected Secretary of Agriculture, where she served two terms;  Mark Pearson, the late host of IPTV's "Market to Market" and the "Big Show" on WHO Radio, was a household name for many Iowans; and George Cummins, retired crop specialist with ISU Extension Service, who still uses his agronomy background and farming experiences to serve as an advocate for agriculture.  The efforts of these Iowans help the cause of Iowa agriculture and rural communities over the past few decades.  Their work has earned Judge, Pearson, and Cummins the 2013 Iowa Farm Bureau Distinguished Service to Agriculture award.  They were recognized during the Iowa Farm Bureau (IFBF) annual meeting in Des Moines, Dec. 4.

The award honors individuals who have played a significant role in the agricultural industry at the local, state and/or national level.  This is the 35th year for the award.  The three winners received plaques honoring their achievements and will be added to a permanent display at IFBF headquarters in West Des Moines.

Patty Judge

With years of experience in the healthcare field, efforts to promote rural Iowa, and public service, Judge spent her life promoting the state of Iowa.

After a career in healthcare as a registered nurse, Judge turned her attention to public service.  Judge was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 1992 and re-elected in 1996.  During her six years in the senate, Judge held numerous leadership positions including: assistant majority and minority leader, ranking member of the Agriculture Committee, member of the Appropriations Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Health and Human Services Committee, Natural Resources Committee, and Economic Development Committee.  She also served as chair of the Regulation and Administration Appropriations Subcommittee.

In 1998, Judge became the first woman in Iowa to be elected Secretary of Agriculture.  She served the role for two terms, following re-election in 2002.  Judge and her family have owned a cow/calf farm in Monroe County for over 40 years.  Her knowledge and experience of production agriculture help her effectively work with leaders to increase market opportunities for Iowa's agricultural products.  Judge traveled the world, leading trade missions on behalf of corn growers, soybean growers, and livestock producers.  Judge's legacy as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture is tied to her tireless promotion of renewable fuels, allowing renewable energy to become an integral part of Iowa's economy under her leadership.

In addition to working on the family farm, Judge owns and operates her own strategic planning business.

Mark Pearson

If you have farming ties in Iowa, chances are good you listened to the late Mark Pearson.  As former host of IPTV's 'Market to Market' for over 20 years and 1,000 episodes and longtime farm broadcaster and host of WHO Radio's 'Big Show', Pearson, was heard by nearly one million listeners and viewers.

In addition to serving as an agriculture personality on television and radio, Pearson worked as the Markets Editor for Successful Farming and as Iowa's Assistant Secretary of Agriculture.  In 1980, he received the most coveted award in agricultural broadcasting, the DeKalb Oscar.  In 1986 he enlisted in the Naval Reserve as a Military Intelligence Officer and eventually earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

In 1995, Pearson and his family moved to a farm in east Peru, Iowa, where he built a diversified grain and livestock operation.  Pearson was a popular speaker for farm, business, and financial gatherings across the country.

Pearson developed a reputation as someone able to bridge the gap between rural and urban America through his work on television, radio, business, and public speaking engagements.  He will be remembered for an incredible work ethic and an unwavering commitment to agriculture and rural Iowa.

George Cummins

Cummins is well renowned for his unique combination of agricultural experience and knowledge coupled with the ability to teach others.  Cummins has amazed those in the agricultural community with his animated and engaging seminars and training sessions, all the way up to his retirement.  Although officially retired, one doesn't have to look hard to find Cummins actively engaged in Iowa agriculture.

Cummins moved to Floyd County in 1981 as the new ISU County Extension agent.  Loyalty to the land grant college system and commitment to his farmer clients earned Cummins the reputation as a strong leader for agriculture.  Cummins orchestrated the countywide Floyd County Agricultural Development Authority (FCADA), a coalition of agricultural producers, businesses, and industry leaders to promote economic growth.  The multi-year leadership development program provided the dialogue and laid the groundwork for regional economic advancement.

Early in life, Cummins developed the same beliefs as his role model, Dr. Norman Borlaug.  Using Borlaug's work as inspiration, Cummins had an integral role in the creation of the Borlaug Learning Center located at the ISU Research Farm near Nashua.  Cummins has been recognized for his inherent desire to assist others in improving their lives through agricultural education.  His guidance and mentoring of young people while showing our role in feeding the world has earned the respect and admiration of many in the agricultural community.

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