In the last election, the Illinois Republican Party suffered its worst defeat in modern history ? spawning Democrat super-majorities in both houses of the General Assembly.

Solution: Run for Precinct Committeeman

You have no doubt heard the expression, "All politics is local." That may be true in many respects, but it's certainly true in one way which Republicans have paid little attention to. Democrats fill all of their Precinct Committeeman (PC) positions with active party members who get out the vote. Republicans have filled only half of their PC positions throughout the state. It's PCs who turn out Republican votes at the local level, who elect Republican County Chairmen, and who vote for members of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee.

If we want to restore honor and accountability to the party at the state level and enable conservative candidates for success in future elections, the answer is within our reach: fill as many Republican PC positions with some real grassroots conservative people.

Unfortunately, it's often difficult to find information on what a PC is and how to run for that position. Do a search for "precinct committeeman" on the official Illinois Republican web site weareillinois.org -- you won't find any references. If you want to control a party, you need to discourage grassroots participation and keep the power in the hands of a few -- and this principle is one which the establishment Illinois Republicans hold dear. It's called top-down politics.

Duties of a Precinct Committeeman

1. A Republican Precinct Committeeman represents the Republican voters of his precinct. He is the liaison between the Republican voters in his neighborhood (precinct) and the county's Republican Party.

2. Get out the vote. "This volunteer position is really what one makes of it. Some do more than others. But the Republican Precinct Committeeman's job is in essence all about helping to grow the GOP and working to deliver the maximum number of Republican votes from his or her precinct on Election Day. Precinct Committeemen comprise the core of any grassroots effort and no political campaign can be successful without these front line GOP ambassadors." (taken from Republican News Watch by Doug Ibendahl  http://republicannewswatch.com/wp/)

3. Republican Precinct Committeemen are to advance the Illinois Republican platform principles of lower taxes, smaller government, fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, strong national defense, and traditional family values.

4. Precinct Committeemen are responsible for appointing their party's election judges and are also able to register voters in their county. This will allow people to register to vote without having to drive to the courthouse.

5. All the elected PCs of a county make up that county's Central Committee.

10 ILCS 5/7-8(d): "The county central committee of each political party in each county shall consist of the various township committeemen, precinct committeemen and ward committeemen, if any, of such party in the county."

For example, Mercer County has a total of 24 precincts. Those 24 elected Precinct Committeemen of Mercer County (if indeed all 24 precincts have people running for PC) are called the Mercer County Central Committee.

6. The members of this county Central Committee are the only people who are allowed to vote during the County Convention, which is held every two years, 29 days after the March primary. Two important votes happen during a County Convention: 1) election of the County Chairman, and 2) election of the Illinois State Central Committee member (more on the Illinois State Central Committee here  http://republicannewswatch.com/wp/?p=12222). The County Chairman is elected for a two year term and the Illinois State Central Committee member is elected for a four year term.

10 ILCS 5/7-9(a): "On the 29th day next succeeding the primary at which committeemen are elected, the county central committee of each political party shall meet within the county and proceed to organize by electing from its own numbers a chairman and either from its own numbers, or otherwise, such other officers as such committee may deem necessary or expedient. Such meeting of the county central committee shall be known as the county convention."

How to Run for Precinct Committeeman

1. MEET THE REQUIREMENTS ? To run for Precinct Committeeman you must be:

-A registered voter of your precinct.

2. GET ON THE BALLOT

-Fill out the Precinct Committeeman Primary Petition and print two copies.

 http://www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/P-27.pdf

-Begin gathering signatures of registered voters IN YOUR PRECINCT beginning on September 3, 2013.

-Meet the signature requirements - Precinct Committeemen require a minimum of 10 signatures. Make sure to get at least 20 signatures to avoid a petition challenge.

-File the following nominating papers with the County Clerk (along with your petitions with the 20 signatures) the week of November 25th thru December 2nd, 2013:

 http://www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/P-1.pdf

 http://www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/P-1C.pdf

Elected Vs Appointed Precinct Committeemen

1. The County Chair must be a currently elected Precinct Committeeman. Any other county party officers (vice-chair, secretary, treasurer) do not have to be elected PCs. See 10 ILCS 5/7-9 (a) cited above.

2. What if there is a vacant precinct -- no one runs for Precinct Committeeman in any particular precinct in that year's primary? The newly elected County Chair (elected at the County Convention) may appoint a Precinct Committeeman for a vacant precinct one day after the County Convention, not before.

10 ILCS 5/7 9(i): "Except as otherwise provided in this Act, whenever a vacancy exists in the office of precinct committeeman because no one was elected to that office or because the precinct committeeman ceases to reside in the precinct or for any other reason, the chairman of the county central committee of the appropriate political party may fill the vacancy in such office by appointment of a qualified resident of the county and the appointed precinct committeeman shall serve as though elected; however, no such appointment may be made between the general primary election and the 30th day after the general primary election." 10 ILCS 5/7-8(b): "All precinct committeemen elected under the provisions of this Article shall continue as such committeemen until the date of the primary to be held in the second year after their election."

An appointed PC serves "as though elected," so, his term, as well as the elected PC's term, expires at the date of the next primary. Therefore, an appointed PC cannot be elected as county chairman, vote for county chairman or vote for the SCC unless he is elected at the primary election preceding the county convention.

Conclusion

Just like the person who serves on the petty jury -- whose vote may be the most important judicial vote there is -- if you believe in small "r" republicanism, then the Precinct Committeeman may be the single most important political position in state government.

And it only takes a few signatures.

Laurie Bluedorn

New Boston, Mercer County

Are you looking for a way to volunteer, have fun and give back to the community supporting 600+ students age 9-14?

~ 150 Volunteers (adults and students in college & high school) are needed for supporting the 5th annual Quad Cities FIRST LEGO League (FLL) regional qualifiers on December 7 in Moline at John Deere Middle School for Illinois teams and December 14 & 15 in Davenport for Iowa Teams at the Putnam Museum.  In total, the combined tournaments will have 87+ FLL teams with over 600 students with the expected number of attendees over 2,500+ people.  The top teams from the qualifiers will go on to the State Championships in Iowa & Illinois. 

No previous experience or technical background is required for many of the volunteer positions.  Positions requiring a technical background  and /or requiring pre-work with training  are noted including for judging and referees.  

Volunteers will be provided food, beverages and a great experience supporting our local youth!

Link to further information including registering to volunteer. (Please register by 15Nov or sooner)

Thanks for your support!

Feel free to forward this note to others interested in volunteering including students in high school and college.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad today launched an innovative new public-private partnership called Home Base Iowa, an effort that will match military veterans with jobs available across Iowa.

Home Base Iowa will raise private funds to support national targeted marketing efforts to veterans, including in-person outreach, a social media campaign and outreach through military publications.

Former Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's General Stores CEO Bob Myers will co-chair the effort.

"Through their service, veterans have already proven they share the values we hold dear as Iowans - hard work, leadership, and patriotism, among others," said Branstad. "We'll be calling upon the business community to partner with Home Base Iowa to help us meet our goals of increasing employment in this state, decreasing veterans' unemployment, and recruiting high quality individuals to Iowa."

Several hundred thousand veterans will leave the service over the next few years, while having a higher unemployment rate nationally.

Gov. Branstad notes that in his travel to Iowa's 99 counties, he's heard from companies that are ready to hire, but struggle to find workers with the right skills.

"We repeatedly hear from employers that they are ready to hire," said Branstad. "We've made significant investments in developing the skills of Iowa's workforce - through education reform, increased support for community colleges, the STEM initiative, and Skilled Iowa. However, this skills gap still exists. Home Base Iowa is a public-private partnership which will recruit veterans to come to Iowa to work, to become part of our communities - to be Iowans."

Branstad made the announcement during his weekly news conference, held at the Iowa Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston.

# # #

It's the strongest storm to make landfall in recorded history.

Typhoon Haiyan brought catastrophic wind and rain to nearly 10 million people in the Philippines, with storm surges as high as 20 feet. Government officials are saying the storm's death toll could top 10,000.

But you can help.

Already CWS is tapping into global networks to help provide emergency food, shelter, water and other relief to those most in need. And as the weakened storm moves north, CWS staff in Vietnam stand prepared to help.

Help survivors now.

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa, Nov. 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of
Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. ("Heartland") (Nasdaq:HTLD) is
pleased to announce today that it has acquired 100% of the stock of
Gordon Trucking, Inc. of Pacific, Washington ("GTI") and certain
associated assets in transactions valued at approximately $300 million.
With combined total revenue of approximately $1 billion and a terminal
network spanning from Washington to Florida and from Pennsylvania to
Southern California, Heartland estimates the combined companies will
operate the fifth largest asset-based truckload fleet in North America.
Steve and Scott Gordon have joined Heartland's management team. Larry
and Virginia Gordon will retire after 50 years of building GTI, and
Larry Gordon has joined Heartland's Board of Directors. The
transactions are expected to be immediately accretive to Heartland's
earnings per share, excluding transaction-related expenses.

Highlights


--  Total transactions value at closing of approximately $300 million
consisting of cash, Heartland stock, and assumed GTI debt, before taking
into account approximately $60 million in net present value of expected
future cash tax savings attributable to a Section 338(h)(10) tax
election.
--  Total transactions valued at closing, on a debt-free, cash-free basis,
at approximately 5.0x adjusted earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") for the twelve months
ended September 30, 2013 ("LTM") (approximately 4.0x LTM Adjusted EBITDA
considering net present value of expected future cash tax savings).
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See Appendix for
reconciliation and non-GAAP disclosures.
--  Earn-out of up to $20 million strongly aligned with goal of
approximately $30 million in consolidated adjusted operating income
improvements through 2017.
--  GTI's West Coast-centered operations and terminal network dramatically
increase Heartland's size, geographic coverage, and customer
diversification.
--  GTI's customer service, safety, and driver focus are similar to
Heartland's.




Description of Transaction

Heartland acquired 100% of the outstanding voting and non-voting stock
of GTI and certain associated assets. At closing, the transactions were
valued at approximately $300 million before taking into account the net
present value of future cash tax savings, the potential earn-out, and
any post-closing working capital adjustment. Heartland expects to use
approximately $165 million of its cash reserves and expects to have
approximately $95 million in outstanding debt after the transaction and
repayment of assumed GTI debt.

The consideration at closing included approximately $150 million in
assumed or refinanced GTI debt and $150 million paid to the
stockholders of GTI and associated asset owners. Payments to
stockholders of GTI and associated asset owners were approximately $110
million in cash and approximately $40 million in Heartland's common
stock. The allocation was approximately $14 million for voting stock,
$121 million for non-voting stock, and $15 million for associated
assets. The Gordon family has agreed to retain a substantial portion of
its Heartland stock through 2017 to align the family's interests with
the interests of Heartland's other stockholders.

GTI was an S corporation for federal tax purposes and passed through
most of its income tax attributes to its stockholders. The transaction
included an election under Internal Revenue Code Section 338(h)(10),
under which Heartland will acquire tax basis of approximately $191
million relating to revenue equipment and other fixed assets. The
balance of the transaction value, after adjustments, will be allocated
to intangible assets. Future tax deductions associated with the
increase in tax basis and deductible intangible assets are expected to
generate cash tax savings with a net present value of approximately $60
million (discounted at 6%). The actual cash savings will depend on the
final purchase price allocation, the amount and timing of future
taxable income and deductions, any earn-out achieved, escrow releases,
changes in law, and other factors.

About GTI

GTI is a truckload carrier headquartered near Seattle, Washington. GTI
was founded by the Gordon family in 1946, and the family remains
actively involved in the business. GTI is primarily focused on dry van
markets but also gains approximately 14% of its revenue from
refrigerated operations and 7% from freight brokerage operations. GTI's
equipment includes approximately 2,000 tractors and 6,500 trailers.
GTI's average length of haul is approximately 400 miles.

GTI's service center network is concentrated in strategic markets in
the western United States, with major locations in Washington, Oregon,
Northern California, Southern California, and Idaho. These locations
have no overlap with Heartland's locations and are expected to provide
substantial geographic diversity to Heartland's overall operations.
Other locations include Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. Most
of these facilities are leased from limited liability companies
controlled by the Gordon family.

GTI has a diverse and high-quality customer base, with major customers
including Georgia Pacific, General Mills, Pepsi, Wal-Mart, and
Unilever. Only one customer accounts for more than 10% of GTI's total
revenue, and on a combined basis, no customer is expected to account
for more than 8.5% of combined Heartland/GTI total revenues. Of GTI's
ten largest customers by revenue, only 5 are among Heartland's top 10
accounts.

GTI's drivers and owner-operators offer a high level of service as well
as a commitment to safe operations. GTI has received numerous "carrier
of the year" and similar service awards from its customers. GTI has
been the Washington Trucking Association's safe carrier of the year for
six straight years, is the 2012 Truckload Carriers' Association safest
carrier in the U.S. (100+ million miles category), and proudly employs
the reigning TCA truck driver of the year. Both companies exhibit
outstanding Compliance, Safety, Accountability ("CSA") scores as
reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Expected Financial Impact

Income Statement

GTI generated approximately $433 million in total revenue and $20
million in operating income, during the twelve months ended September
30, 2013. For the same period, Heartland estimates that GTI generated
approximately $22 million of adjusted operating income and $60 million
of Adjusted EBITDA. The adjustments consist primarily of expenses under
the prior ownership that are not expected to continue, as well as items
considered to be unusual. Adjusted financial items are non-GAAP
financial measures. See Appendix for reconciliation to the most closely
comparable GAAP measure and other disclosures.

Transaction-Related Expenses

Heartland expects to recognize approximately $1.0 million in
transaction-related expenses in the fourth quarter of 2013. Additional,
unknown costs may arise as the acquisition is integrated.

Capital Expenditures

Immediately before the transaction, Heartland's tractors had an average
age of 1.9 years and its trailers had an average age of 3.2 years.
Immediately before the transaction, GTI owned or leased approximately
2,000 tractors with an average age of 3.2 years and 6,500 trailers with
an average age of 5.5 years. GTI's operations include a substantial
amount of very short and specialized hauls, and the fleet age is
expected to become modestly newer but remain somewhat older than
Heartland's historical fleet age.

Synergies

Heartland and GTI have identified a goal of $30 million in consolidated
adjusted operating income improvements (excluding gains on sale and
certain other items) by the end of 2017 compared with combined adjusted
operating income (excluding gains on sale and certain other items) of
approximately $96 million for Heartland and GTI for the twelve months
ended September 30, 2013. The major areas where synergies are expected
include implementing best practices across the organization, increasing
in-house maintenance using the combined network, optimizing staffing
and locations, purchasing economies, conforming insurance and claims
structure, and gaining efficiencies in revenue yield and empty miles
from optimizing the combined operations. The parties expect to gain
these improvements relatively steadily from 2014 through 2017, and a
substantial portion of the earn-out is aligned with this goal.

Outstanding Shares

Heartland issued approximately 2.9 million shares of its common stock
from treasury shares in the GTI acquisition. Shares were valued at
$14.37 per share, the average closing price for the ten trading days
ended November 8, 2013. Heartland's outstanding share count will
increase to approximately 87.7 million, and its diluted share count
will increase to approximately 87.9 million. Heartland expects to
continue paying its regular quarterly dividends of 2 cents per share.
The expected consolidated book effective tax rate is expected to
increase based on the mix of state taxes.

Management Comments

Michael Gerdin, Chairman, President, and CEO of Heartland, commented:
"We searched for many years for the best fit to expand our capabilities
for customers, our opportunities for drivers, and our growth for our
stockholders. With GTI, Heartland acquires a major presence in the
West, affording the combined customer base significant capacity
nationwide through what is expected to be one of the five largest
asset-based truckload fleets in North America. GTI has a well-earned
reputation for superior customer service, with a modern fleet and a
strong safety record. Culturally speaking, it is an excellent fit. I am
pleased that Steve and Scott Gordon have joined Heartland's management
team and Larry Gordon has joined our board of directors.

"We first approached Larry, Virginia, Steve, and Scott some time ago.
As the conversations continued early this year, we jointly identified a
few guiding principles: a fair price, substantial earnings accretion, a
unified culture, the commitment of Steve and Scott to joining the team,
and alignment of interest between the Gordon family and our other
stockholders. At each stage, we were able to progress the discussion
because we kept these guideposts in mind. In the end, we have an
energized team with strong alignment and a commitment to operating a
much larger company at the industry-leading profitability Heartland's
stockholders have come to enjoy. I could not be more excited about the
opportunity or more pleased to add the Gordons to our team."

Larry Gordon, founder and Chairman of GTI, commented: "From the
beginning, I told Mike that the owners were not eager to sell, but we
would consider Heartland's proposal because of our desire to be part of
the best truckload carrier in the industry. Through these transactions,
our people have the opportunity to build on a strong foundation, learn
best practices, contribute to an industry leader, and gain access to
new customers and geographies. We were excited to receive a substantial
portion of the family's value in Heartland shares and become one of
Heartland's largest stockholders. We believe in the transactions and in
our ability to contribute greatly to the combined company."

New Credit Facility

Heartland has entered into a five-year, unsecured $250 million
revolving credit facility supplied by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Borrowings
under the facility will bear interest at a floating rate of LIBOR +
62.5 basis points annually (currently an annual rate of 0.865%). Unused
amounts are subject to a commitment fee of 6.25 basis points annually.
After giving effect to the closing and refinancing of existing GTI
debt, Heartland expects to have available borrowing capacity of
approximately $155 million to fund working capital, capital
expenditures, and general corporate uses.

The revolving credit facility contains customary terms and conditions.
Heartland must maintain a consolidated leverage ratio (total funded
debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA) of less than 2:00 to 1:00. In
addition, Heartland must generate at least $1.00 of adjusted net income
annually and maintain tangible net worth of at least $200 million.
Heartland expects to be in compliance with the financial covenants for
the foreseeable future.

Advisors

Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. served as transaction and legal advisor
to Heartland. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. provided financing, and Wells
Fargo Securities, LLC provided financial advice.

Moss Adams Capital LLC served as financial advisor, and Perkins Coie
LLP served as legal advisor, to GTI and its stockholders.

Conference Call

Heartland will conduct a live conference call Tuesday morning at 10:00
am EST. The dial-in number is 866-710-0179, access code 28539.
Heartland representatives will include Heartland's CEO Michael Gerdin
and Heartland's CFO John Cosaert. Also present will be GTI's CEO Larry
Gordon, GTI's COO Steve Gordon, and GTI's CIO Scott Gordon. Heartland
representatives will be referring to a slide presentation that will be
available at www.heartlandexpress.com/investors and on Form 8-K filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Telephone replay will
be available for 30 days beginning tomorrow by dialing 877-919-4059
(334-323-7226 international), access code 12686180.

About Heartland

A leader in transportation and logistics, Heartland Express provides
collaborative truckload transportation service that enables companies
to deliver exceptional service across their transportation network to
improve customer satisfaction. Companies choose Heartland Express for
its award winning on-time pickup and delivery, fleet capacity to cover
commitments scaled to their needs, leadership in providing information
about their shipments, and its performance in moving beyond the
transactional to the strategic relationship to solve problems.
Heartland is based in North Liberty, IA with nationwide service from
Washington to Florida and New England to California.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to the
expected results of acquiring GTI, future capital expenditures and debt
levels, expected synergies, and financial goals. Forward-looking
statements are usually identified by words such as "anticipates,"
"believes," "estimates", "plans," "projects," "expects," "hopes,"
"intends," "will," "could," "may," or similar expressions. These
statements are based on information currently available and speak only
as of the date the statement was made. Such forward-looking statements
are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking
statements are inherently uncertain, are based upon the current
beliefs, assumptions and expectations of management, and are based on
current market conditions, all of which are subject to significant
risks and uncertainties as set forth in the Risk Factors Section of our
Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as those
risk factors may be updated from time to time. As a result of these and
other factors, actual results may differ from those set forth in the
forward-looking statements. The prices of the Company's securities may
fluctuate dramatically. The Company makes no commitment, and disclaims
any duty, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect
future events, new information or changes in these expectations.

Appendix

1. Reconciliation of GTI's estimated Adjusted EBITDA to GTI's net
income for the twelve months ended September 30, 2013.




Non-GAAP Reconciliation




This press release contains EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are
"non-GAAP financial measures" as that term is defined in Regulation G
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In accordance with Regulation
G, Heartland has reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures to their
most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are included because Heartland used these
measures in evaluating the GTI acquisition, and management believes
these measures provide investors and securities analysts information
used generally in evaluating acquisitions in Heartland's industry.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not intended to represent, and should
not be considered more meaningful than, or as an alternative to, net
income. Investors should not place undue reliance on these measures, as
Heartland primarily evaluates its results using net income.




Estimated
Twelve
Months
Ended
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)            September
(Unaudited)                       30, 2013
---------

Net Income(1)                      $ 16,331
Plus:
Income tax expense(1)                  188
Interest expense                     3,493

Depreciation and amortization       37,561
---------
Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA)                            57,573
Adjustments:(2)
Discontinued owner expenses            983
Discontinued facilities and
aircraft costs                      1,130

Other unusual items                    410
---------

Adjusted EBITDA                    $ 60,096
=========

(1) GTI was an S corporation prior to
acquisition date and thus did not
recognize federal or most state income
taxes.
(2) Adjustment items are not expected to
continue. These do not constitute all
adjustments that are required or permitted
under Regulation S-X.




CONTACT:  Heartland Express, Inc.
Mike Gerdin, Chief Executive Officer
John Cosaert, Chief Financial Officer
319-626-3600

CHAMPAIGN - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Tuesday will urge stakeholders, lawmakers and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to work together to pursue a bold, long-term solution to the structural problems of the state school funding system at an ISBE public budget hearing being held at the Champaign Public Library.

"The current system is unsustainable and unfair," said Simon. "We have to ensure that all of our students can learn and thrive through a fair and equitable education funding model."

The second of five planned public hearings conducted by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Champaign meeting is aimed at soliciting ideas and recommendations from local community members on education funding priorities for K-12 in the upcoming fiscal year. ISBE is also encouraging resident to voice their opinions and thoughts on the state's current funding formula. ISBE is currently working with the Illinois Senate Education Funding Advisory Committee to examine statewide education funding distribution. Testimony from the public hearings will be shared with the Senate committee as it works to prepare recommendations on an equitable and transparent funding system by February 2014.

According to a Rutgers University study, Illinois has the second largest funding disparity between well funded and poorly funded schools, and is one of the lowest in the nation in terms of state spending on public education in relation to state wealth.  Simon is backing a long-term solution to school funding that will reduce inequities and build up to adequate funding. Simon will discuss ideas to revise funding formulas to help low-income and rural communities, examine the possibility of creating a constitutional amendment designating education as a fundamental right, and explore the possibility of ISBE seeking legislative authority to modify the state aid formulas when funding falls short.

 

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.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 12 

EVENT: Illinois State Board of Education Public Budget Hearing

TIME: 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St., Champaign

 

###

November 11, 2013

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES- The 2013 KJ's Mustache Challenge is a local event where participants toss out their razors for four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas all the while collecting donations to benefit the Quad Cities Child Abuse Council.

The 2013 Mustache Challenge committee is hosting two kick-off parties in an effort to gain more Challengers and promote the upcoming fun to both sides of the river. The first kick-off party is at Pints on Utica Ridge Road in Davenport on November 14th, from 5:30p to 7:30p. The second party will be held at Pub 1848 on River Drive in Moline on the official kick-off date for 'Growing Season' - November 21st, from 5:30p to 7:30p.

"We've been doing the Mustache Challenge for 8 years now, and each year our total donation has grown," says longtime Challenge committee member, Jim Veto. "It's a great opportunity for people to shave a little out of their holiday giving budget to make a donation to such a worthy, and entirely local, cause. The pub crawl was a blast last year, and we anticipate this year's being even better."

The Challenge is open to both men and women. We ask for a minimum donation of $25 to receive the commemorative t-shirt and to participate in the Mustache Bash Pub Crawl on December 21st in Downtown Moline.

Challengers are encouraged to participate in this anti-shave movement to help raise money for the Quad Cities Child Abuse 24/7 Dads program. 24/7 Dads is a parenting development and support program for fathers.  It consists of 12, two-hour weekly sessions that focus on men's attitudes toward fathering and helping men evaluate their parenting skills.  Five areas emphasized through the curriculum are:  self-awareness, caring for self, fathering skills, parenting skills and relationship skills.

This fundraiser is in memory of Mustache Challenge participant, Kyle John of Moline, who at age 27 passed away in 2008 after a courageous five year battle against Ewings Sarcoma. His close friends have continued the Mustache Challenge in celebration of his spirit and charitable heart.

For more information about KJ's 2013 Mustache Challenge and the QC Child Abuse Council visit www.kjmustachechallenge.org and www.childabuseqc.org. KJ's Mustache Challenge is also on Facebook.

#####

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement on the newly released rule for the implementation of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The rules require health insurance to cover both mental and physical health equally by prohibiting plans from limiting mental health benefits. Since the passage of this historic law in 2008, Loebsack has been pushing the Administration to issue a final rule so the law could be fully implemented.

"As someone whose mother struggled with mental health issues, I have experienced firsthand the necessity of timely and proper care. I am incredibly pleased that the final rule for the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act has been issued. Mental illness is just that: an illness. Those who need access to treatment should not face additional burdens because their suffering is mental rather than physical.

"As a result of this law, patients who seek mental health treatment will no longer face higher out of pocket costs or arbitrary limitations on their services. It is my hope that this will prompt those who have been reluctant to seek treatment due to the financial burden to get the help that they need.

"This is an important step towards addressing the mental health needs of all Iowans, but there is still more work to be done. We must continue to break down the stigma that surrounds asking for help as well as improve access to services in our schools for struggling students, and I will continue to fight for these goals."

###

Governor Proclaims Dec. 2-8 as "Iowa Farm Bureau Week"

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Nov. 11, 2013 - Members of the state's largest grassroots farm organization will gather with excitement to hear nationally-renowned economist and futurist, Dr. Jay Lehr,  keynote the 95th Annual Meeting of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Dec. 3 and 4 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines, formerly known as Veterans Auditorium.

To mark the occasion, Governor Terry Branstad has declared Dec. 2-8 as 'Iowa Farm Bureau Week' to honor the many accomplishments and contributions of the 95-year-old grassroots farm organization.

"This year our annual meeting theme, 'Generations of Innovation,' celebrates the dedication, accomplishments, and potential of our many diverse family farmers.  Today's responsible farmers are dedicated members of their communities," says IFBF President Craig Hill.  "They're always looking for better ways to provide safe food choices for today's consumers and embrace innovation and the expertise of others.  That's why we're bringing a high caliber group of experts like Dr. Lehr, an expert in environmental science with five decades of agricultural economics experience, to speak on a variety of timely agriculture-related subjects."

In addition to innovative speakers, the 95th IFBF annual meeting will also feature several 'hands-on' educational seminars to help Farm Bureau members navigate challenging markets, rules and regulations, the evolution of conservation, as well as preparing for the future and strengthening the family farm legacy.  This year the access to expert advice from noted leaders has been expanded to include three separate sessions on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

In addition, Iowa's best and brightest young farmers will take the stage for the IFBF Young Farmer Discussion Meet Dec. 3, competing for the state title, a John Deere X320 riding lawn mower, and the chance to advance to the national competition during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention, January 12-15, in San Antonio, Texas.

IFBF President and Milo farmer Craig Hill will address members and special guests on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 8:15 a.m. The organization will celebrate the generations of innovation and contributions dedicated Farm Bureau members have made with a recognition luncheon Tuesday, Dec. 3, at noon and a young farm leaders' achievement luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 12:30 p.m.

Farm Bureau's voting delegate session will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Accomplished trumpeter, Jesse McGuire, will provide entertainment on Tuesday, Dec 3, during the Recognition Luncheon.  Michael Sarver, a singer and finalist on the eighth season of American Idol¸ will close out the 2013 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 4, following the Young Farmers Luncheon.

Members can register for the 2013 IFBF Annual Meeting at their county Farm Bureau offices. For a complete listing of events and activities, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

Editor's Note: Media interested in attending are encouraged to complete the attached registration form and submit to Kim Firebaugh by Wednesday, November 27.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the Newsroom page on the IBF website at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

Former U.S. Senate Candidate Offers Practical, Spiritual Tips

Even with the onslaught of terrible daily news reports - from mass killings to natural disasters, to government shutdowns -- there are some who deny that the world is becoming increasingly chaotic, says Zane Lawhorn.

"You'll hear people rationalizing what's going on in the world as 'not all that different' from earlier times. The claim is that 24-hour global news programs magnify bad news in a way that's unprecedented. But I tend to view the bad news as just that - bad news," says Lawhorn, a doctor of optometry, former U.S. Senate candidate, a presidential elector for West Virginia in the 2008 presidential election and biblical scholar who has published multiple titles, including "The Messiah Is Here!" (www.zanelawhorn.com).

"Our leaders can't work together; the government seems always on the verge of shut down - or is shut down; spending is out of control; socialist tariffs dictate what's to be our health-care system; maniacs with deadly weapons target public places on what seems to be a regular basis - and that's just what's going on within our borders ... we're seeping into an era of chaos, just as foretold in the Bible."

Now is the time for individuals and families to prepare for deepening chaos, he says.

• Make a checklist for essential goods. Our three essentials will not change in an increasingly chaotic world, and that is the fact that we all need food, water and shelter. Grocery stores have stocks that will last no longer than a week in the event of a complete shutdown of commerce. Resources will be plundered as soon as the population realizes that society's mechanisms have failed. Now is the time to stock up on canned goods, sufficient water, and shelter that can withstand the worst of times.

• Have a plan to convert your money into usable goods or currency. When financial institutions devolve into utter chaos, your money will be worthless. It makes no sense to hold onto it, but you may not be ready to convert your bank account into a pile of gold or useable goods. If that's the case, you should, at the very least, have a plan to efficiently turn money into something useable. Be very vigilant, however, because the window of opportunity will quickly close once everyone realizes anarchy has overtaken civil society.

• Be spiritually solvent. Lawhorn believes these ripples of chaos we are already experiencing are no mere coincidences - they are prophetic signs of change, or End Times. "Common-sense preparation will improve your odds of survival exponentially for whatever comes your way," he says. "Only God knows his will, but we are told in the Bible to prepare for what is already happening, and nothing will be more important during the tough days ahead than the hope available from a righteous relationship with God."

About Zane Lawhorn, OD

Zane Lawhorn has been a doctor of optometry for nearly 30 years. He was raised in a humble household deep in the heart of southern West Virginia and was repeatedly told he wouldn't realize his dreams. Today, he is happily married to his wife for almost 25 years, Donna, and has raised two children, Mitchell and Megan. Lawhorn is a church elder, Sunday school teacher, committee chairman and a real-estate entrepreneur. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from West Virginia University. He was a presidential elector for West Virginia during the 2008 presidential election; Lawhorn's duty was to vote for his state in the election for Republican candidate John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin, who carried the state.  In 2006, he ran in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate in West Virginia, and he plans to run again.

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