(DES MOINES) - The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today reminded farmers impacted by recent severe weather to contact their crop insurance agent to file a claim before harvesting or destroying any impacted crops.

In addition to filing a claim, taking photos of damaged crops and buildings can help farmers document the damage. It is import that farmers do not harvest, destroy or physically alter the damaged acres until crop insurance has adjusted the claim.

When USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices reopen following the federal shutdown, farmers should follow the usual damage-reporting process and contact their local FSA office for any disaster loans or debris removal assistance that may be available.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed a proclamation establishing Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, as the special election date in Iowa Senate District 13, which became vacant following Sen. Kent Sorenson's resignation.

The proclamation's wording is below.

SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, The Office of State Senator from the 13^th Senatorial District, consisting of the following areas:

A.    The twenty-fifth representative district shall consist of:

a.      The city of Bevington.

b.     Madison county.

c.      In Warren county:

i.     The cities of Milo and Norwalk.

ii.     Jackson, Otter, Squaw, Virginia, and White Oak townships, and that portion of Linn township not contained in the forty-second representative district.

B. The twenty-sixth representative district in Warren county shall consist of:

a.         The city of Indianola.

b.         Allen, Liberty, Lincoln, Palmyra, Richland, Union, and White Breast

townships, that portion of Belmont township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Milo, that portion of Greenfield township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Norwalk, and that portion of Jefferson township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Norwalk, and that portion of Jefferson township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Bevington.

has become vacant by the reason of the resignation of Senator Kent Sorenson.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terry E. Branstad, Governor of the State of Iowa, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the law do hereby proclaim and direct that a special election to fill said vacancy shall be held within said District on

TUESDAY, THE 19^TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2013, A.D.

WHEREFORE, all electors within said 13^th Senate District will take due notice and the County Commissioners of Elections of said counties will take official notice as provided in Iowa Code section 39.6, 2013.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HERE­UNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED.  DONE AT DES MOINES THIS 7^TH DAY OF OCTOBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN.

__________________________________

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

ATTEST:

_________________________________

MATT SCHULTZ

Proclaims October as "Water's Worth It" Month in Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by thousands of water professionals from around the world to officially open the 86th annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC^®) at McCormick Place in Chicago. Governor Quinn is committed to protecting the environment by modernizing Illinois' water infrastructure and in recognition of the conference, he proclaimed October as "Water's Worth It" Month in Illinois.

"Water is an essential and limited natural resource and Illinois is fortunate to have reliable access to clean water," Governor Quinn said. "I encourage all Illinois residents to observe 'Water's Worth It' month by recognizing the challenges involved in maintaining clean and safe water, and the need to maintain and modernize our water infrastructure. We are grateful to have dedicated water professionals and volunteers who work every day to ensure people have access to clean water."

Since its first meeting in Chicago in 1928, the conference has grown into the largest of its kind in North America. WEFTEC offers water quality professionals from around the world the best water quality education and training available today. Also recognized as the largest annual water quality exhibition in the world, the expansive show floor provides unparalleled access to the most cutting-edge technologies in the field; serves as a forum for domestic and international business opportunities; and promotes invaluable peer-to-peer networking between its 20,000 attendees. The 2013 conference runs from October 5-9.

Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State Address to help local governments facing a critical need to overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and distribution and collection systems. The Clean Water Initiative is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used.

"Governor Quinn's Clean Water Initiative is absolutely vital for growing our economy and protecting Illinois' environment for this and future generations," Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett said.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it is estimated the total water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years total $32 billion, including $17 billion in wastewater projects (which is the 6th highest among the states) and $15 billion in drinking water projects (4th highest need in the nation).

To learn more about Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov. To learn more about WEFTEC, visit weftec.org.

When:  Thursday, October 10, 2013

Where:  Mama Compton's, 1721 - 2nd Ave., Rock Island

Time:  3:00pm until 8:00pm

How much:  Donations at the door.

Come support a local artist in need so we can all contiue to enjoy his ar and his heart.  All proceeds go to Chuck to help pay his medical bills.

Featuring a silent auction of Chuck's art and other items, a bake sale, cash raffle, 50/50 raffle, basket raffle, games, movies and - of course - food!

Live music by Greenmore, Bob Burns & Rob Dahms, from 4:00pm until 5:30pm.

Donations accepted at the door.  Come out and play for and with Chuck!