15 Aug 2013

Eldridge Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Production of Child Pornography

By Val Quast

DAVENPORT, IA - On August 13, 2013, James Edward Hall, age 75, of Eldridge, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Jarvey to 15 years in prison for production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Judge Jarvey also sentenced Hall to a life term of supervised release.

On November 12, 2012, Hall knowingly induced a minor male to conduct certain acts while Hall recorded the activity. On December 5, 2012, pursuant to a search warrant, a search was conducted at Hall's residence. An onsite preview of Hall's computer was conducted, and the video of the minor was found on the computer. Hall was interviewed and admitted that he had recorded the 15 year old juvenile male in Hall's residence.

This case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff's Office, and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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15 Aug 2013

Blue Ribbons and More at the Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Blue Ribbons Awarded in Iowa State Fair Horseshoe Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Horseshoe champions competed in the 15th Annual Midwest Senior Classic and Open Doubles divisions of the Horseshoe Pitching Tournament held Monday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

The State Fair hosts both Championship and Open Class competitions every Fair day. Division winners are crowned daily. All Horseshoe Pitching competitions take place on the clay courts just east of Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall.

Complete results below:

MIDWEST SENIOR CLASSIC

Championship Class

1) Glenn Warden, Grimes

2) Marvin Engstler, Garner

3) Richard Shepardson, Iowa City

4) Vern Kollasch, Iowa City

5) Tom Tabat, Phoenix, Ariz.

6) Bill Sprague, Berwick

Class A

1) Doug P. Anderson, Stratford

2) LeRoy J. Law, West Des Moines

3) Shirley Sprague, Berwick

4) Wally Runia, Balaton, Minn.

5) Bob Rounds, Perry

6) Skip Kapolka, Davenport

Class B

1) Carl Kaiser, Des Moines

2) Carl Krukow, Clear Lake

3) Steve Hatch, Knoxville

4) Chris Jordan, Peru

5) Marvin Dirks, Fonda

6) John Ridgely, Earlham

Class C

1) Bob Dugger, What Cheer

2) Richard Cranston, Keswick

3) Paul Clark, Marshalltown

4) Jack Navin, West Des Moines

5) Harley Krukow, Iowa Falls

6) Darwin Mott, Hartford

OPEN DOUBLES

Class A

1) Vern Kollasch, Iowa City, and Bobby Dahl, Afton

2) Tom Cranston, Keswick, and Richard Cranston, Keswick

3) Shirley Sprague, Berwick, and Chris Jordan, Peru

4) Carl Krukow, Clear Lake, and Harley Krukow, Iowa Falls

Class B

1) Tom Flores, Des Moines, and Anthony Buttrey, Des Moines

2) Deb Davis, Ankeny, and Elizabeth DeBord, Des Moines

3) Steve Hatch, Knoxville, and David Brent, Pleasantville

4) Ralph Davis, Ankeny, and Brandon DeBord, Des Moines

Class C

1) Jeff Vanderhoof, Villisca, and Jill Vanderhoof, Villisca

2) Randy Clark, Monroe, and Ramon Scarpino, Des Moines

3) John Ghrist, Des Moines, and Rick Adkisson, Clive

4) Parker Gibson, Chicago, Ill., and Jack Davis, Adel

Dairy Exhibitors Earn Honors in Iowa State Fair Jersey Competition

Dairies competed for top honors in the Jersey Dairy Cattle show judged Thursday, August 8 at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

The Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Females were shown by Steinridge Jerseys of Lawler.

Covington Jerseys of Leon took first place in the Premier Breeder contest and received second place for Premier Exhibitor. First place in the Premier Exhibitor contest went to Lavon Farms of Plano, Texas, while Schulte Bros of Watkins took second place in the Premier Breeder category.

The Premier Breeder Award is given to the competitor who earns the most points for animals bred and exhibited by the entrant or others during the day's show. The Premier Exhibitor Award is given to the exhibitor who accumulates the most points based upon the day's placings.

Additional results below (name, hometown and animal identification):

Junior Heifer Calf: March 1 to May 31, 2013

1) Bushman Dairy, Calmar, Edgebrook Verb Lashea, 3/9/2013, JE840003012584227

2) Luke Koepke, Denver, GCJ Legal Justice, 3/2/2013, 118498344

3) Canoe Ridge Dairy, Decorah, Canoe-Ridge Fire Missy, 3/7/2013, 71767656

4) KCCK Holsteins / P&A Ayrshires, Dyersville, Bambis-KCCK Tequila Elsie, 3/16/2013, 118553676

5) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Tequila Dream, 4/11/2013, 118592440

6) Sandy Knoll Dairy, Worthington, Northern Lites Governor Van, 3/1/2013, 067119844

7) Sandridge Farm, Vinton, Lyon Plus Lonita, 3/1/2013, 118574082

8) Sandridge Farm, Vinton, Lyon Plus Lane, 3/1/2013, 118574073

9) Barglof Farms, Waterloo, Bon Bon's Headline Blur, 3/28/2013, 118455343

10) Lango Dairy, Hopkinton, Samantha, 3/28/2013, 118523189

11) Rockin-K Holsteins, Cedar Falls, Rockin-K Headline Jetta, 4/25/2013, 118484996

Intermediate Heifer Calf: Dec. 1, 2012 to Feb. 28, 2013

1) Gene Henderson, Manchester, Meadowridge King Hotshot, 12/8/2012, 118349332

2) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Love Tequila- ET, 12/5/2012, 118571230

3) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa, Freeman-Holtz Saphire, 12/12/2012, 118401148

4) Bushman Dairy, Calmar, Edgebrook Whiskey A-Go-Go, 12/12/2012, JE840003012584426

5) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Partee HPDH Verbatim London-ET, 12/1/2012, 118416373

6) Canoe Ridge Dairy, Decorah, Canoe-Ridge Fire Mamba, 12/5/2012, 71767652

7) David Koss, Epworth, Ski Pal Force Truffles, 12/1/2012, 065391799

8) Groves Jerseys, Skidmore, Mo., Sunny Grove King Peanut, 12/3/2012, 118522133

9) Kara Schueler, Coralville, Lyon Premier Sister, 12/2/2012, 118457747

10) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Tequila Liz ET, 12/3/2012, 118571249

11) Arthur Acres , Maynard, Arthur Acres Velocity Ginny, 12/6/2012, 840003012898575

12) Kruses LJ Swiss, Holy Cross, CCJ Vanessa Governor Vanna, 1/10/2013, 18434441

13) Rockin-K Holsteins, Cedar Falls, Rockin-K Belvedere Jinger, 2/20/2013, 118484987

14) Roth Dairy, Milford, Neb., Sunny Lea Gov Julie, 12/12/2012, 118393733

15) Nors Holsteins, Decorah, Iota Fire Sarina, 12/6/2012, 118393582

Senior Heifer Calf: Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2012

1) Arthur Acres , Maynard, Edgebrook Tequila Madison-ET, 9/4/2012, 118411734

2) Nordic-Haven Holsteins, Decorah, Nordic-Haven Gin, 9/1/2012, 71135274

3) Groves Jerseys, Skidmore, Mo., Sunny Grove Voyager Lucy, 9/3/2012, 118408181

4) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Edgebrook Tequila Margarita, 9/4/2012, 118593629

5) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Tequila Grab-ET, 9/7/2012, 118376901

6) Arthur Acres, Maynard, Arthur Acres Grandious Saralee, 9/7/2012, 118451844

7) Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, Donahue, Norway Maple Casper Tess, 9/18/2012, 118230784

8) Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler, Hometown First Impression, 9/5/2012, 11611190

9) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Budjon-Vail Comerica Maleah-ET, 9/1/2012, 118294472

10) Sandy Knoll Dairy, Worthington, Gibbs K Governore Tickle, 9/2/2012, 118414719

11) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City, Ja Glo Miles Cammy, 10/5/2012, 118333021

12) Gabrielle Klemme, Coralville, Lyon Belvedere Edgy, 9/21/2012, 118368353

13) Elron Farms, Lost Nation, Gibbs Counsiler Miami, 9/5/2011, 118333142

14) Nors Holsteins, Decorah, Beaver Vu Furor Ellie, 9/22/2012, 118586492

Summer Yearling Heifer: June 1 to Aug. 31, 2012

1) Fedestel Jerseys, Larchwood, Fredestel Action Kayla, 8/7/2012, 118588485

2) KCCK Holsteins / P&A Ayrshires, Dyersville, Bambi-KCCK Legionaire Electric, 6/26/2012, 118553667

3) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Go For It-ET, 6/20/2012, 118376899

4) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa, Freeman-Holtz Jazzmyn, 6/6/2012, 118273440

5) Sandy Knoll Dairy, Worthington, Laurel Brook Tequila Jewel, 6/1/2012, 118164883

6) Summit Farm, Inc., Lester, Vhm Riley Summer, 7/13/2012, 067154723

7) Sandridge Farm, Vinton, Ssf Grandious Whitney, 6/11/2012, 118327840

8) Blue Knoll Farm, New London, Blue Knoll Mudpuddle, 6/20/2012, 118488879

Junior Yearling Heifer: March 1 to May 31, 2012

1) Gene Henderson, Manchester, Meadowridge Mac Kaitynn, 3/11/2012, 118030133

2) Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler, Schulte Bros Giller Glory-ET, 3/2/2012, 118121154

3) Le-o-La Holsteins, Peosta, Nabholz Tequila Sara, 3/2/2012, 118016265

4) Bushman Dairy, Calmar, Edgebrook Jack Lexie, 3/16/2012, JE840003012584223

5) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Giller Gold-ET, 3/3/2012, 118121163

6) Groves Jerseys, Skidmore, Mo., Rock Ella Moneymaker Rimm, 3/2/2012, 11404107

7) Sandy Knoll Dairy, Worthington, UHT Verbatim Kutie, 3/1/2012, 118165811

8) Blue Knoll Farm, New London, Blue Knoll Prisilla, 3/13/2012, 118008130

9) David Koss, Epworth, Ski Pal Bel Shania, 5/27/2012, 065391665

10) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City, Ja Glo Stoney Lilly, 5/23/2012, 118190509

11) Rockin-K Holsteins, Cedar Falls, Rockin-K Tequila Jozie, 3/8/2012, 118011028

12) Sandridge Farm, Vinton, Sandridge Vin Tootsie, 3/1/2012, 118192967

13) Natalie Johnson, Murray, Lyon Carmel Treasure, 4/2/2012, USA 11801440

Winter Yearling Heifer: Dec. 1, 2011 to Feb. 29, 2012

1) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Tequila Lizzy ET, 12/4/2011, 117928749

2) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros Tequila Livvy-ET, 12/3/2011, 117928730

3) Bushman Dairy, Calmar, Edgebrook Getaway Midnigh, 12/5/2011, 118094513

4) Gabrielle Klemme, Coralville, Lyon Kyros Nexa, 12/2/2011, 118009654

5) Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, Donahue, NORWAY MAPLE ECLIPES TRISH, 12/5/2011, 117993341

6) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City, Ja Glo Deery, 12/14/2011, 118019017

7) Kara Schueler, Coralville, Lyon Louie Sunrise, 12/1/2011, 118009618

Senior Yearling Heifer (Not in Milk): Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2011

1) Bushman Dairy, Calmar, Edgebrook Grand Prix Destiny, 9/6/2011, JE840003012584220

2) Fedestel Jerseys, Larchwood, Fredestle Comerica Bobbi, 9/12/2011, 118086778

3) Groves Jerseys, Skidmore, Mo., R&S Sunrise Annabelle, 9/14/2011, 117911165

4) Natalie Johnson, Murray, Lyon Action Leslie, 9/3/2011, USA 117923959

5) Z-Way Farms, Postville, Edgebrook Reward Martina, 9/7/2011, 117954250

6) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa, Freeman-Holtz Master Larissa, 9/27/2011, 117928208

Junior Best Three Females

1) Schulte Bros, Watkins

2) Schulte Bros, Watkins

3) Bushman Dairy, Calmar

4) Groves Jerseys, Skidmore, Mo.

5) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City

6) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa

7) Rockin-K Holsteins, Cedar Falls

Junior Two Year Old Cow: March 1 to Aug. 31, 2011

1) Lavon Farms, Plano, Texas, LAVON FARMS SEQUENCE, 3/26/2011, 118209643

2) Covington Jerseys, Leon, Covington Renegade Miranda, 3/25/2011, 117632686

3) Arthur Acres , Maynard, Miss Nevada Lexus, 3/2/2011, 117586305

4) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Schulte Bros TB Gianna-ET, 9/3/2011, 117928682

5) Lyon Jerseys, LLC., Toledo, Lyon J Benny, 3/31/2011, 117687501

6) Sandy Knoll Dairy, Worthington, FV Jewel Tea, 4/22/2011, 17945973

7) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City, Ja Glo Shine Sissy, 3/31/2011, 117627693

8) Sandridge Farm, Vinton, Lyon Nevada Cindy, 5/27/2011, 117774591

9) Covington Jerseys, Leon, Covington Fernleaf Kuhne Maid, 4/6/2011, 117632734

10) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa, Freeman-Holtz Minister Josie, 6/11/2011, 117928244

11) Sandy Knoll Dairy, Worthington, Arthur Acres Outlaw Saige, 7/18/2011, 177834837

12) Sandridge Farm, Vinton, Lyon J Jany, 3/17/2011, 117687369

Senior Two-Year-Old Cow: Sept. 1, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2011

1) KCCK Holsteins / P&A Ayrshires, Dyersville, Bambis Gibbs Excitation Suzie, 10/14/2010, 117590173

2) Summit Farm, Inc., Lester, Summetz Celebrity Dori, 9/23/2010, 067174533

3) David Koss, Epworth, Covington Leader Debra, 9/1/2010, 117402137

4) Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler, Genesis Justice Fanny, 10/27/2010, 11009839

5) Lyon Jerseys, LLC., Toledo, Lyon Louie Racey, 12/17/2010, 117559512

6) Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, Donahue, Jakes Betty, 12/10/2010, 117446250

7) Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, Donahue, Catos Action Girasol, 9/14/2010, 067140369

8) Sandridge Farm, Vinton, Lyon Ira, 1/1/2011, 118485018

Junior 3-Year-Old Cow: March 1 to Aug. 31, 2010

1) Schulte Bros., Watkins, Avonlea Int'l Dare To Dream, 6/1/2010, 10989484

2) Kruses LJ Swiss, Holy Cross, CCJ Natalie Sargent Nadine, 3/17/2010, 11708849

3) Rockin-K Holsteins, Cedar Falls, Rockin-K Iotola Jerzie, 3/17/2010, 117117431

4) Covington Jerseys, Leon, Covington Goldstar Madison, 3/9/2010, 117248245

5) Bushman Dairy, Calmar, GCJ Barbaro Vail, 3/30/2010, 117401369

6) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa, Freeman-Holtz Kurt Samantha, 6/10/2010, 117502631

7) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City, Ja Glo Jacinto Fancy, 5/30/2010, 117281983

8) Sandy Knoll Dairy, Worthington, Schulte Bros Giller Galaxy, 3/27/2010, 117183557

9) Sandridge Farm, Vinton, Antietam Hill Bun Bun, 3/14/2010, 117318869

Senior 3-Year-Old Cow: Sept. 1, 2009 to Feb. 28, 2010

1) Lavon Farms, Plano, Texas, LAVON FARMS ACTION PEGGLE, 9/9/2009, 117251254

2) Lyon Jerseys, LLC., Toledo, Lyon Action Chalice, 1/10/2010, 117046067

3) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City, Ja Glo Andrea Sandy, 9/10/2009, 116842688

Cow Four Years Old: Sept. 1, 2008 to Aug. 31, 2009

1) Summit Farm, Inc., Lester, Enniskillen Senior Mamie, 3/3/2009, JECAN000009968633

2) Lavon Farms, Plano, Texas, Lavon Farms Syrus Roseanne, 9/15/2008, 116392745

3) Groves Jerseys, Skidmore, Mo., Klus-Grove Vertigo Cammille, 4/27/2009, 53292650

4) Lyon Jerseys, LLC., Toledo, Lyon Blair Elsie, 10/28/2008, 116597588

5) Summit Farm, Inc., Lester, Jersey Summetz Applejack Serm Selam, 7/29/2009, 067124362

6) Canoe Ridge Dairy, Decorah, Freeman-Holtz Razzel, 3/9/2009, 116701804

7) Schulte Bros., Watkins, BBDN Furor Encina-ET, 12/1/2008, 116475622

8) Fishersons, Edgewood, Nkipps Sparkler Veryfine, 12/6/2008, 116413794

9) Canoe Ridge Dairy, Decorah, Canoe-Ridge Dale Nike, 3/3/2009, 66406233

10) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa, Freeman-Holtz Nadia, 9/6/2008, 116542962

11) Arthur Acres , Maynard, Edgebrook Jackknife Nora, 6/7/2009, 117166387

12) Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, Donahue, Multi-Rose Militia Valerie-Et, 4/19/2009, 116690375

Cow Five Years Old: Sept. 1, 2007 to Aug. 31, 2008

1) Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler, Stephen Comerica Viola, 1/16/2008, 116116222

2) Lavon Farms, Plano, Texas, Ron-Net Sultan Bailey, 3/14/2008, 116127695

3) Lavon Farms, Plano, Texas, Hollylane Latola Justine-Et, 9/20/2007, 115865123

4) Lyon Jerseys, Llc., Toledo, Lyon Iatola Conlee, 9/30/2007, 115934232

5) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa, Maple Lawn Furor Farra, 6/2/2008, 116097798

6) Doug Schoof, Primghar, LDS Hired Gun Nora, 8/14/2008, 117737569

7) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City, Ja Glo Sparkle Rocket, 8/16/2008, 116243199

Aged Cow: Before Sept. 1, 2007

1) Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler, Edgebrook Nevada Nibbles, 7/18/2007, 115967928

2) Covington Jerseys, Leon, Covington Rebel Babybell, 9/28/2006, 115281745

3) Lavon Farms, Plano, Texas, Lavon Farms Golden Rose, 10/11/2004, 114290467

4) Bushman Dairy, Calmar, KJF Lacus Centurion Lira-ET, 9/1/2004, 114415697

5) Doug Schoof, Primghar, Schoofs Comerica Poka, 8/12/2007, 117216279

6) Fishersons, Edgewood, Elm Knoll Jace Mya, 9/30/2006, 116517014

7) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa, Silver Dreams Master Joy, 3/2/2007, 115497728

8) Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, Donahue, Jace Char Staci-Et, 5/22/2007, 115477416

9) Nordic-Haven Holsteins, Decorah, Nordic-Haven Furious Trixie, 4/14/2006, 062574207

10) ABCS Family Farm, Altoona, Rozilynn KC Rose, 11/4/2005, USA 114847445

Lifetime Production

1) Covington Jerseys, Leon, Vipor DC Marlys, 8/16/2002, 112894254

2) Lyon Jerseys, LLC., Toledo, Lyon Centurion Lavena, 4/25/2006, 115062342

Best Three Head

1) Lavon Farms, Plano, Texas

2) Lyon Jerseys, LLC., Toledo

3) Covington Jerseys, Leon

4) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa

5) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City

6) Canoe Ridge Dairy, Decorah

7) Rockin-K Holsteins, Cedar Falls

Best Four Head

1) Lavon Farms, Plano, Texas

2) Lyon Jerseys, LLC., Toledo

3) Covington Jerseys, Leon

4) Holtz View Farms, Maquoketa

5) Ja-Glo Jerseys, Central City

6) Rockin-K Holsteins, Cedar Falls

Junior Champion Female: Gene Henderson, Manchester

Reserve Junior Champion Female: Gene Henderson, Manchester

Intermediate Grand Champion Female: Schulte Bros, Watkins

Reserve Intermediate Champion Female: KCCK Holsteins / P&A Ayrshires, Dyersville

Senior Grand Champion Female: Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler

Reserve Grand Champion Female: Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler

Grand Champion Female: Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler

Reserve Champion Female: Steinridge Jerseys, Lawler

Premiums Awarded in Iowa State Fair Horse Show

Premiums and ribbons were awarded in the Open Western Horse Show judged Saturday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results follow:

Western Pleasure - Ladies 19 and Over

1) J.R. Reichert Ventures, Marengo

2) Sue Reichert, Marengo

3) Lindsay Black, Saint Charles

4) Debbie Pierce, Carlisle

5) Samantha Kinslow, Weston, Mo.

6) Brittany Baysinger, Des Moines

7) Fox Ridge Farm, Center Point

8) Sarah Van Pelt, Woodward

9) Nancy J. Robertson, Harper

Western Horsemanship - Riders 18 and Under

1) Brittany Abernathy, Indianola

2) Lisa Weatherwax, Ankeny

3) Cara Klyn, Grinnell

4) Jessica Taylor, Granger

5) Laura Pfab, Granger

6) JR Reichert Ventures, Solon

7) Danielle Rich, Ottumwa

8) Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

9) Logan Kinyon, Lenox

Western Pleasure - Riders 14 and Under

1) Danielle Rich, Ottumwa

2) Fox Ridge Farm, Center Point

3) Emily Miller, Newton

4) Taylor Dorbeck, Powersville, Mo.

Western Pleasure - Men 19 and Over

1) Cara Klyn, Grinnell

2) Brian and Josie McQuillen, Cascade

3) Kelly Cox, North Sioux City, S.D.

4) James Thorp, Marion

5) Levi Ferguson, Searsboro

Western Pleasure - Riders 13 and Under

1) Linda McCormick, Indianola

2) Fox Ridge Farm, Center Point

3) Sierra McCullough, Knoxville

4) Danielle Rich, Ottumwa

5) Hannah Baker, Bondurant

Walk-Trot Pleasure - Riders 18 and Under

1) Brittany Abernathy, Indianola

2) Danielle Rich, Ottumwa

3) Linda McCormick, Indianola

4) Sierra McCullough, Knoxville

5) Logan Kinyon, Lenox

7) JR Reichert Ventures, Solon

8) Jake Peers, Urbandale

9) Lisa Weatherwax, Ankeny

"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.

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15 Aug 2013

Rev. Eaton Elected ELCA Bishop

By Religious News Service

(RNS) The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Wednesday (Aug. 14) elected the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton as the denomination's first female presiding bishop. Eaton received 600 votes against incumbent Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, who received 287.

Eaton, the current ELCA bishop of the Cleveland-based Northeast Ohio Synod, is married to the Rev. Conrad Selnick, an Episcopal priest. Like Hanson, she is considered a moderate who supported the denomination's decision to allow partnered gay clergy while allowing room for churches to disagree, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

A native of Cleveland, she received a master of divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School.

"We are a church that is overwhelmingly European in a culture that is increasingly pluralistic," Eaton told the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Pittsburgh shortly after the election.

"We need to welcome the gifts of those who come from different places, that is a conversation we need to have as a church."

The ELCA, which has lost members nearly every year since its founding in 1987, experienced a dramatic drop when it lost nearly half a million members in 2010 and 2011.

Hanson is credited with leading the nation's largest Lutheran body ? with more than 4 million members in 9,638 congregations ? with a steady hand during turbulent times as the ELCA wrestled with the gay policy that Hanson favored but was hesitant to push on the larger church.

Even so, under his watch the Chicago-based ELCA saw a small but significant schism as conservatives upset with the decision to allow gay clergy defected to a new rival denomination, the North American Lutheran Church.

The election was a surprise to many, as Hanson was expected to win an unprecedented third term after 12 years in office. Hanson was the third presiding bishop in the denomination's history; three of four finalists for the position were women.

"When I stood before you 12 years ago, I told you this is not an election won, this is a call received. And now this call has been extended to Bishop Eaton," Hanson said at the assembly. "This is a humble and a holy privilege to serve the gospel as the pastor of this whole church."

In June, Lutherans in Los Angeles elected the ELCA's first openly gay bishop, four years after the denomination voted to allow openly gay men and lesbians to serve as clergy.

Eaton joins Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who in 2006 became the first woman to lead a church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The two churches share a full communion agreement that allows shared clergy and joint ministry.

Eaton will serve a six-year term beginning Nov. 1.

14 Aug 2013

U.S. Coast Guard announces notice of proposed rulemaking for personal flotation device type codes

By Headquarters Public Affairs, U.S. Coast Guard

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard announced Wednesday publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to remove references to type codes in its regulations on the carriage and labeling of Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs).

PFD type codes are unique to Coast Guard approval and are not well understood by the general public. The current PFD type code classification system is planned to be redesigned to focus on performance criteria rather than construction standards. A new easy-to-understand label concept is intended to help both professional mariners and recreational boaters select the best device for their intended uses and routes.

Removal of the current PFD type codes from carriage and labeling requirements would assist future incorporation by reference of new industry consensus standards for PFD labeling that will more effectively convey safety information without the use of type codes, and is a step toward harmonization of Coast Guard regulations with PFD requirements in Canada and other countries.

"Lifejackets that are currently Coast Guard-approved and serviceable are still perfectly safe to use and are not made obsolete by the proposed standards. This rule simply streamlines the use of PFD type codes to pave the way for future alignmetn wtih one international standard," said Brandi Baldwin, P.E., Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, Office of Design and Engineering Standards at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.

The notice of proposed rulemaking and related materials may be reviewed at www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2013-0263.

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14 Aug 2013

Invitation to Pints for Preservation at Niabi Zoo

By Robert Jackson Jr.
FRIDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 23 - 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - AT NIABI ZOO
Pints 3rd annual tasting event at the zoo is a casual evening where you can explore the zoo, visit the animals and enjoy a sampling of a few of your favorite beverages. Support the zoo's exhibit improvements by joining us for Pints. Construction is already underway on a new lion exhibit and future zoo plans include the addition of new or renovated habitats.
Meet your friends at 6:00 p.m. Friday night in the giant tent on the festival lawn, then embark on your adventure together sampling beverages featured in your passport. This roving cocktail party lets you taste beverages at stations located at different animal exhibits. Must be 21 to attend.
$30 Niabi Zoo Members
$35 non-members and guests

Buy a 6-pack for the member price of $160,
non-members pay only $190.
14 Aug 2013

How to Pay for Senior Care with Limited Resources

By Ginny Grimsley
Expert Offers Tips for Troubleshooting Health-Care Woes

We don't often think of living a long life as a problem, especially for those we love. But what happens when Mom, Dad, a spouse or another beloved family member are in need of regular health care yet are apparently short on finances?

Actually, paying for care may be well within your loved one's means, says insurance expert Chris Orestis.

"It's a secret the life insurance industry has managed to hide for decades: Your policy can be used to pay for long-term health care such as home care, assisted-living or nursing home expenses," says Orestis, a former insurance industry lobbyist.

"Many people who need long-term care can't afford it, so they drop the policies they've been paying on for years in order to qualify for Medicaid. The life insurance companies profit from the fact that they get all those years of premiums and never have to pay out a death benefit."

Orestis, who's been lobbying state Legislatures - including Texas - to make the public aware of their legal right to use this option, says seniors can instead sell their policy for between 30 and 60 percent of its death benefit value. The money can be put into an irrevocable fund designated specifically for their care.

He offers more tips for paying for a senior's health care:

• Don't go straight to Medicaid. If your first thought is skipping right to Medicaid, the government's health-care safety net for the very poor, then you may be heading for a trap. Once you have Medicaid paying the bills, you and your loved ones have little say in how you're cared for and by whom. This policy conversion option allows you to live in a place where you're happy and comfortable and it saves taxpayers millions of dollars every year. Also, with 30 percent of the Medicaid population consuming 87 percent of Medicaid dollars spent on long-term care services, more individuals will be forced to find their own resources to pay for those needs.

• Consider what you've already paid for; www.lifecarefunding.com. The practice of converting a life insurance policy into a Life Care Benefit has been an accepted method of payment for private duty in-homecare, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and hospice care for years. Instead of abandoning a life policy because your loved one can no longer afford the premiums, policy owners have the option to take the present-day value of the policy while they are still alive and convert it into a Life Care Benefit - Long Term Care Benefit Plan. By converting the policy, a senior will remain in private pay longer and be able to choose the form of care that they want but will be Medicaid-eligible when the benefit is spent down.

• Think again before tapping other assets. It costs more than $80,000 a year on average to pay for a loved one's stay at a nursing home, according to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care. And, $178 billion is spent out-of-pocket by individuals and families, accounting for 22 percent of the money spent on nursing homes, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. This can lead down a costly path of tapping other forms of wealth, or even seeking loans. Before doing this, consider utilizing a life insurance policy first. Conversions include provisions for funerals, and whatever money is not spent on care goes automatically to policy beneficiaries.

About Chris Orestis

Chris Orestis, nationally known senior health-care advocate and expert is CEO of Life Care Funding, which created the model for converting life insurance policies into protected Long-Term Care Benefit funds. His company has been providing care benefits to policy holders since 2007. A former life insurance industry lobbyist with a background in long-term care issues, he created the model to provide an option for middle-class people who are not wealthy enough to pay for long-term care, and not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid.

14 Aug 2013

MODERN WOODMEN PARK VOTED BEST MINOR LEAGUE BALLPARK

By Marco LaNave

Nationwide voting for 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Award places Quad Cities venue first

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 14, 2013) - After four weeks of nationwide voting by fans and readers of 10Best.com and USA TODAY, Modern Woodmen Park, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits, is the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. USA TODAY and 10Best.com announced the Top 10 ballparks Wednesday.

Modern Woodmen Park received the most votes from readers, fans and the general public nationwide among 20 nominated ballparks. The nominees were chosen by a panel of experts from USA TODAY, 10Best.com, and other contributors and sources for other Gannett properties. Throughout the competition, Quad Cities residents, visitors, fans, media and public leaders supported the campaign for a venue that has been frequently recognized nationwide as a unique destination for Minor League Baseball and family entertainment.

"This is a great honor that belongs to the City of Davenport, the mayors and city leaders from all of the Quad Cities, and people all throughout this great region," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Their constant and enthusiastic support of this club and this great ballpark continues to overwhelm and gratify us. But we will never rest on any laurels - we will continue to work to constantly improve and make even better this baseball diamond that has become the crown jewel of the Midwest and the nation."

"This designation affirms what we in the Quad Cities have known all along, that Modern Woodman Park, 'A jewel along the Mississippi,' is the most beautiful minor league park in the world," said Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba. "This national recognition serves as one more sign that our Rivervision plan, to make Davenport's Riverfront the most spectacular and magnificent between New Orleans and Minneapolis/St. Paul, is coming to fruition."

The River Bandits will host a special recognition for the Quad Cities community prior to the team's next home game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. At every River Bandits game through the end of the 2013 season, fans can sign a banner naming Modern Woodmen Park the "Best Minor League Ballpark". The banner will be permanently hung inside Modern Woodmen Park.

In addition, the River Bandits will celebrate the ballpark's No. 1 ranking by offering $1 general admission tickets to the 7 p.m. game Monday, Aug. 19, with upgrades available for $1 more.

Modern Woodmen Park, which opened in 1931 as Davenport Municipal Stadium and was previously known as John O'Donnell Stadium, is the oldest stadium used continuously by a current Minor League Baseball team for more than 50 years. The current Midwest League franchise has played in it continuously since 1960, and more than seven million fans have passed through its gates in that time.

As the River Bandits ownership, Main Street Baseball has brought the stadium several improvements - including the Sky Deck, Pepsi Loge Boxes, the DHCU On-Deck, the Crop Production Services Corn Field, a new high-definition video board and LED ribbon board. Earlier this season, Main Street Amusements opened a FlyWireTM dual zip line by Extreme Engineering, and a Mediacom Frog Hopper by S&S Worldwide, as part of a growing amusement lineup, including a new 112-foot tall Ferris wheel and carousel, that will continue arriving through next season.

UP NEXT: The first 2,000 fans to Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night will receive a bobblehead of Minnesota Twins first baseman and former River Bandit Justin Morneau, courtesy of Mediacom and the Dispatch-Argus. The 7 p.m. game kicks off a seven-game home stand through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: 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 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

14 Aug 2013

Republican Liberty Caucus Kick Starts Precinct Committeeman Drive

By Laurie Bluedorn
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. After Pat Brady resigned as party chairman, party leadership replaced him with Jack Dorgan ? a Springfield lobbyist who is linked to the Illinois Democrat Party leadership and to Bill Cellini, a notorious client currently in prison for federal corruption. 

This is the same Jack Dorgan who was involved in denying any opportunity to grassroots delegates attending the June 2012 Illinois Republican State Convention.
Embed video link http://youtu.be/WwqESIkuBlo

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 positions with active party members who get out the vote. Republicans have filled only half of their precinct committeeman positions -- and it's the precinct committeemen who elect members of the Republican State Central Committee. Do you see where I'm going? If we want to win elections and restore honor and honesty to the party at the state level, the goal is within our reach if we can just fill the open precinct committeeman positions with real grassroots liberty-minded people ? and that is one of the goals of the RLC-IL.

It is now self-evident that Illinois Republicans need a change in leadership. In order to bring this about, we must elect Republican candidates from the precinct to the statehouse who demonstrate commitment to basic principles of republicanism ? individual liberty, personal responsibility, free enterprise, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and full accountability of elected officials and government agencies. In order to advance this effort to take back the Republican Party for the people ? from the grassroots up ? we have formed the Republican Liberty Caucus of Illinois. Our members work within the Republican Party to promote strong policy, to vet candidates, and to hold Republicans answerable to the principles of liberty.

Allen Skillicorn
Chairman, Republican Liberty Caucus of Illinois
allen@allenskillicorn.com
14 Aug 2013

Veronica Ariel Stout of Erie Earns Degree From Benedictine University

By Phil Brozynski

LISLE, IL (08/13/2013)(readMedia)-- Benedictine University proudly announces that it awarded 385 Associate of Arts (A.A.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degrees to students who completed their degree requirements on or before May 2013.

The University also awarded 274 Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees to students who completed their requirements on or before May 2012.

Five students were awarded an Ed.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change and 17 students were awarded a Ph.D. in Organization Development.

Veronica Ariel Stout of Erie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude.

Benedictine University is an independent Roman Catholic institution located in Lisle, Illinois just 25 miles west of Chicago, and has branch campuses in Springfield, Illinois and Mesa, Arizona. Founded in 1887, Benedictine provides 55 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate and four doctoral programs. Benedictine University is ranked No. 1 among the country's fastest-growing campuses between 2000-2010 in The Chronicle of Higher Education's list of private nonprofit research institutions, and Forbes magazine named Benedictine among "America's Top Colleges" for the third consecutive year in 2013. Benedictine University's Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program is listed by Crain's Chicago Business as the fifth largest in the Chicago area in 2012.

14 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Strengthen Illinois Agriculture

By Brooke Anderson

New Laws Ensure Safer Egg Products, Greater Agricultural Expertise on the Illinois Finance Authority Board, and Greater Support for Illinois Wheat

SPRINGFIELD - In honor of Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, Governor Pat Quinn signed several bills to support the state's number one industry. The new laws will mean safer egg products, increased agricultural expertise on the state financing board, greater support for Illinois wheat and more accurate weighing and measuring systems. Today's actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to promote and support Illinois agriculture.

"Agriculture Day celebrates our number one industry and these new laws will help thousands of farmers across our state," Governor Quinn said. "By supporting Illinois agriculture, we can create jobs and grow our economy while continuing to feed Americans and people around the world."

House Bill 2783 was an initiative of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and was sponsored by State Representative Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica) and State Senator Tim Bivins (R-Dixon). It allows the state to impose fines and other penalties on egg wholesalers who sell eggs to any person or business not properly licensed by the state. The legislation also allows the state to suspend the wholesale license of the offender if he or she fails to pay these penalties. This new authority to monitor the selling and wholesaling of eggs will protect public health and ensure that safe, quality eggs are being marketed in Illinois. The new law is effective immediately.

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 2748, which requires at least two members of the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) have expertise in agribusiness or production agriculture. IFA provides access to low-cost, non-conventional financing to help businesses, farms, local governments, and hospitals get needed growth capital. Having two members with agricultural expertise will make IFA more responsive to farming needs. The bill was sponsored by State Representative Josh Harms (R-Watseka) and State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and takes effect immediately.

Additionally, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 2709 and House Bill 2273. House Bill 2709, sponsored by State Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) and State Senator John M. Sullivan (D-Rushville), appoints a temporary wheat development committee that will foster new markets for wheat products and provide research for wheat farming and production.

House Bill 2273, sponsored by State Representative Patrick Verschoore (D-Milan) and Senator Sullivan, clarifies the state's Weights and Measures Act as it pertains to heavy truck scales operated by agricultural grain, feed, fertilizer, chemical, or construction aggregate producers. The law takes effect immediately and requires these scales to be certified by the state to help ensure the accuracy of these devices.

Also signed today was House Bill 1272, which designates the first Saturday of every month as "Eat Local, Buy Illinois Products Day" to promote local food initiatives, agribusiness and encourage local communities to reinvest in the local economy. Sponsored by State Representative Sam Yingling (D-Round Lake Beach) and State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria), the bill takes effect immediately.

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