Mount Carroll--Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) presents the area premiere of 'S Wonderful: The New Gershwin Musical, an all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the brilliant music and lyrics of brothers George and Ira Gershwin.  The show, which includes over 40 classics like "I've Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Summertime," "Rhapsody in Blue," and "Nice Work If You Can Get It," opens Thursday, August 15, 2013 and runs through Sunday, August 25th.

Director Courtney Crouse said, "The beauty of the Gershwin's music and lyrics is palpable. The feelings they evoked when first written, they still evoke today. It connects deeply with people everywhere. The storytelling we do with dance adds to the universal nature of these themes. It moves us, and we identify. It's impossible not to."

Season subscriptions are  $100, 28% off the single ticket price. Subscription prices increase to $110 on September 1. Single tickets for TLP's 2014 mainstage season will go on sale in May 2014. Groups of 15 or more may reserve blocks of tickets immediately.

'S Wonderful performs evenings at 7:30pm, and there are 2pm matinees on Sunday and Wednesday. There is also a Saturday matinee performance on the opening weekend at 3pm. Order tickets through the box office 10am - 5pm daily at 815-244-2035 or any time at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. Tickets are non-refundable.

Governor Signs Bills During Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD - In honor of Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair, Governor Pat Quinn today signed several new laws to support our service members across Illinois. The laws today are designed to address the unique needs of women veterans; increase opportunities for veteran-owned businesses; and protect military memorials. These actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to honor, protect and support the men and women who have served our nation.

"Our men and women in uniform deserve our gratitude, and these new laws are a way of saying thanks," Governor Quinn said. "Memorials to our heroes should be treated with dignity and honor, and Illinois must be a state that supports our women veterans and veteran business owners. These laws will strengthen our mission of making Illinois the best state in the nation for our veterans."

"It is very fitting that these bills become the law of the land on Veterans Day at our State Fair," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Erica Borggren said. "We appreciate Governor Quinn's leadership on veteran issues and his support for this community of proven public servants. These bills will help our women veterans and will assist veteran entrepreneurs to access more business opportunities."

The new laws signed today by Governor Quinn include :

House Bill 3346, sponsored by State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) and State Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry), requires the Illinois Discharged Service Member Task Force to evaluate the needs of women veterans and, as part of its fiscal year 2014 report, make recommendations regarding how to meet those needs. The law goes into effect immediately.

House Bill 2408, sponsored by State Representative Jerry Costello II (D-Belleville) and State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Matteson), allows small businesses owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans to also register as minority, disabled and women owned businesses when applicable. This gives these businesses more opportunity to do business with the state of Illinois. The law goes into effect immediately.

Senate Bill 1824, sponsored by State Senator John M. Sullivan (D-Rushville) and State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford), requires those who build veteran memorials on public property to raise enough funds to cover the maintenance and preservation of the memorial as well as its construction. The law goes into effect immediately.

Senate Bill 2231, sponsored by State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and State Senator Natalie Manley (D-Joliet), increases penalties for criminal damage and defacement of veteran and military memorials. The law goes into effect January 1, 2014.

House Bill 3112, sponsored by State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan), allows the Learn Charter School in North Chicago to set aside 33 percent of its lottery seats for children of military personnel stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station. This will help the Navy recruit more instructors for the base by offering enhanced educational opportunities for their children. The law goes into effect immediately.

DES MOINES, IA (08/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Kelsey Smith, 17, of Henry County was crowned the 2013 Iowa State Fair Queen by Gary McConnell, president of the Fair Board. The ceremony took place on Saturday evening at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.

The daughter of Jason and Debbie Smith of Mount Pleasant, Kelsey was chosen out of the 102 contestants who participated in this year's competition. All had been crowned queen of their respective county fairs prior to the State Fair.

Chandler Mores, 18, of Shelby County was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Alan Mores and Donna Christensen-Mores of Harlan. Second runner-up was Megan Pretz, 18, of Louisa County, the daughter of Michael and Dayle Pretz of Columbus Junction. Adelai Swanson, 19, of Wright County was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Stuart and Lori Swanson of Galt.

Natalie Hanson, representing the National Cattle Congress in Benton County, was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. The 18-year-old is the daughter of Robert and Maureen Hanson of La Porte City. Megan Black, 19, of Jefferson County, was given the Personality Plus Award. She is the daughter of Matt and Dawn Black of Batavia.

Queen Kelsey, who will reign for the next year, receives a $2,800 scholarship from the Iowa State Fair in addition to her crown, sash and trophy. She also receives a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist, a $600 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall, a Tiffany Co. necklace and a personalized Iowa State Fair brick from the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation to be placed at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

The first runner-up earns a $1,300 scholarship and $300 gift card to Jordan Creek Mall; the second runner-up wins $700 in scholarship money and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card; and the third runner-up receives a $500 scholarship and $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Outstanding Leadership recipient wins an $800 Scholarship and a $250 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. The Personality Plus winner receives a $500 scholarship and a $200 Jordan Creek Mall gift card. All members of the Royal Court receive a plaque from the State Fair and a floral bouquet from Boesen the Florist. An anonymous donor graciously provided the Jordan Creek gift cards for those who placed and the Tiffany Co. necklace for the queen.

Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

Note to editors: County Fair queen photos are available. E-mail your request to the Iowa State Fair photographer at steve@stevepope.com or call 515-262-3111 ext. 204.

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New Laws Extend Tuition Waivers and Supplement Use of GI Bill Benefits 

SILVIS - Governor Pat Quinn today visited Hero Street in Silvis to sign two new laws that improve educational opportunities for Illinois veterans. The laws extend National Guard tuition waivers and allow students using their GI Bill of Rights benefits to be billed for tuition as in-state students. Today's actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to serve those who have served our country.

"The men and women of our National Guard are valuable members of any campus community," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will put more National Guard members in the classroom and are an easy way for the people of Illinois to say 'thank you.' Here on Hero Street, which has sent more than 100 residents into military service since World War II, and in every community in Illinois, we want to help our veterans and improve their lives."

"The Illinois National Guard grant is a great incentive for our Soldiers and Airmen to remain in the military," Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei said, "Now our experienced Illinois Guardsmen can earn two more years of education after ten years of service, which will ultimately enhance their value to their community, employer and overall military service."

Under Senate Bill 2229, sponsored by State Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) and State Representative Deborah Conroy (D-Villa Park), anyone with at least 10 years of service in the Illinois National Guard will be eligible for six years of tuition waivers instead of the current maximum of four years. This recognizes the fact that older service members may take a longer time to complete their studies. The new waiver takes effect in the upcoming 2013-2014 school year.

"By furthering their education, National Guard members can advance their own careers while using the knowledge they've gained to better serve our state," Senator Frerichs said.

First created in 1976, the Illinois National Guard Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. During the 2011-2012 school year, 1,978 National Guard members took advantage of the grant program, with 804 attending a state university and 1,174 attending a community college. Illinois National Guard members should contact their college financial aid office to determine what portion of their total tuition and fees will be covered by the grant.

Governor Quinn today also signed House Bill 2353, which allows students using their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to be billed as in-state students for the purpose of tuition. The benefit only applies state-supported institutions of higher learning in Illinois. The law is effective immediately.