Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after being sworn in at the beginning of the 113th Congress.

"I am honored to have been given the opportunity to continue to serve the great people of Iowa's Second District.

"As we begin the 113th Congress, we have many issues that must be addressed, and none is more important than boosting the economy and setting our country on a sustainable path.  To do this, we have to work to create jobs and bolster middle class and working families.  We have to resolve our long-term deficit and debt problem, but it cannot be done on the backs of seniors, the middle-class, and hard working families.  I truly believe that our best days are in front of us and with hard work and commonsense, we will be able to move our great country forward.

"I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the Second District and be their voice."

Loebsack will have two District offices, in Iowa City and Davenport, and will remain in the same office in Washington.  He also has staff based in Burlington and Albia.

Iowa City District Office

125 South Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240

Phone: 319-351-0789

Toll Free: 1-800-914-4692

 

Davenport District Office

209 W. 4th St., #104

Davenport, IA 52801

 

Washington, D.C.

1527 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

Phone: 202-225-6576

 

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EVANSVILLE, IN (01/03/2013)(readMedia)-- Patilyn Lowery of Bettendorf, IA, has achieved a place on the University of Evansville Dean's List for academic achievements during the Fall Semester 2012. Lowery is majoring in Art.

To make the Dean's List, a student at UE must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

"At the University of Evansville, motivated students such as Patilyn Lowery experience a challenging and collaborative learning environment and thrive under the guidance of talented faculty," said UE President Thomas A. Kazee. "Earning a place on the Dean's List shows a strong commitment to academic success, and students and their families should be very proud of this accomplishment."

Byrum Family Dentistry Holds Screening Exams for the Community

BETTENDORF, IA - According to 2012 estimates from the American Cancer Society, about 35,000 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer annually, and an estimated 6,800 people will die of these cancers. The professionals at Byrum Family Dentistry believe that even one death from oral cancer is one too many.
That's why Byrum Family Dentistry is offering free oral cancer screenings throughout 2013 to all patients who schedule dental cleanings. "If detected early, oral cancer is highly treatable," said Dr. Mindy Hochgesang of Byrum Family Dentistry. "The exam consists of shining a special light into the patient's mouth. It's quick, easy and pain-free." No stains or rinses are required during the procedure.
"When patients diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancers are examined, a small number may have another cancer in a nearby area," Dr. Hochgesang added. "It may be in the larynx, the esophagus, or even the lung. That fact helps to illustrate the importance of early detection."
Byrum Family Dentistry, the dental practice of Robert L. Byrum, D.D.S., P.C., and Melinda Hochgesang, D.M.D., is located at 3878 Middle Road, Bettendorf, IA.
The VELscope Difference
According to Hochgesang, the screening procedure uses a hand-held device called the VELscope. This device provides dentists and hygienists with an easy-to-use method for the early detection of a wide variety of oral diseases, including pre-cancerous conditions and cancer.
The VELscope handpiece emits a safe green light into the oral cavity which enhances the contrast between normal and abnormal tissue. This aids in the discovery of oral abnormalities before they become visible under ordinary light. "The VELscope is the only non-invasive device of its kind clinically proven to help discover oral disease," Hochgesang said.
In addition to cancer detection, the VELscope system can also help in finding other oral abnormalities, such as viral, fungal and bacterial infections; inflammation from a variety of causes; squamous papillomas; and salivary gland tumors.
Committed to the Community
The professionals at Byrum Family Dentistry believe in actively promoting dental health in the community. Since 1990, Dr. Byrum has made monthly donations to area charities such as the Make a Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Routinely, toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste have been donated to area causes, including shelters, schools, and overseas military personnel.
For more information or to schedule a dental cleaning and cancer screening, call Byrum Family Dentistry at (563) 332-7734 or visit ByrumFamilyDentistry.com.
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The latest Farm Futures survey results show growers plan to increase corn ground in 2013, cut soybeans.

ST. LOUIS, MO., 7:30 A.M., CST, (01/03/2013) ? After three disappointing corn crops in a row, good yields in 2013 will be essential to rebuilding inventories, according to the latest Farm Futures magazine survey.

The extent of that effort takes shape in coming weeks, beginning with USDA's January 11 estimates of 2012 production. The Farm Futures survey showed growers raised 10.62 billion bushels of corn on harvested acreage of 87.5 million and nationwide yields of 121.3 bpa. USDA's November estimate put the crop at 10.725 billion bushels.

Results of the survey were released today at the opening day of the annual Farm Futures Business Summit in St. Louis, attended by more than 400 producers.

"Based on our survey of more than 1,550 growers and the government's own certified acreage data from the Farm Service Agency, it appears production should be lower than previous estimates, said Senior Editor Bryce Knorr, who conducted the research. "This makes good yields and large acreage crucial in 2013 to provide the corn needed by end users in the U.S. and around the world."

Attractive profit margins should convince growers to increase plantings this spring. Producers told Farm Futures they intend to boost corn seedings to 97.75 million in 2013, a little less than 1% more than in 2012.

"While the planting intentions we found were not as big as some predict, it was a substantial increase from our first survey in August, which projected 93 million acres," said Farm Futures Market Analyst Paul Burgener. "The reality of another year with outstanding returns for corn convinced many growers to try more corn on corn, despite their long-term desire to return to more balanced rotations with soybeans."

As a result, the latest survey finds farmers plan to put in 76.84 million acres of soybeans. That would be a little less than the 77.2 million USDA last estimated for 2012, though more than the 76.1 million farmers responding to the survey said they put in last spring. Farm Futures estimate of 2012 production is 2.969 billion, only a few thousand bushels lower than USDA's November projection.

"In August, our survey showed farmers ready to splurge on soybeans, increasing 2013 plantings to 78 million acres," said Knorr. "But soybeans were trading well over $16 a bushel at the time. With new crop prices substantially lower, farmers are again focusing on total returns, giving corn the edge."

USDA issues its first survey-based forecast of 2013 spring crop planting intentions at the end of March, with a preliminary estimate put out in February at its annual outlook forum. The agency will release a survey-based estimate of winter wheat seedings January 11. Farm Futures found growers planted 42.1 million acres of winter wheat in the fall, up 1.8%, with total wheat seedings for 2013 put at 57.16 million, up 2.5%.

Burgener noted the latest winter wheat estimate was down 1 million from the magazine's August survey. "While soft red winter wheat plans were unchanged, dry conditions on the Plains caused hard red winter wheat growers to cut seedings by 800,000 acres from initial intentions," Burgener said. "Those fields could wind up in corn, milo, cotton, millet, sunflowers, or soybeans depending on winter and spring moisture, another wild card the market must consider."

Farm Futures surveyed more than 1,550 growers about their plans from November 23 to December 12.

Survey results by crop:

2012 Crop Production


Corn

Soybeans

Planted

96,641

76,124

Harvested

87,503

75,060

Yield

121.33

39.55

Production

10,616,86

2,969



2013 Crop Planting Intentions
Crop

Acres

Change*

Corn

97.75 million

100.8%
Soybeans

76.84 million

99.5%
All Wheat

57.16 million

102.5%
Spring Wheat

12.9 million

104.8%
Durum

2.2 million

104.8%
Soft Red Winter Wheat

9.6 million

117.7%
Hard Red Winter Wheat

29.0 million

97.0%
White Winter Wheat

3.5 million

105.6%
All Winter Wheat

42.1 million

101.8%

*Corn and soybean change is vs USDA November 2012

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today named former state lawmaker Stewart Iverson to the Finance - Local Taxation position on Iowa's Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board. Additionally, Iverson is accepting the governor's request to chair the board.

Iverson, 62, is filling the term of Richard Stradley, who resigned in November. The term runs through April 30, 2017.

"Stewart Iverson understands the complexities of Iowa's property tax system, and will take a fair and measured approach on the board," said Branstad. "I am also pleased Stewart has accepted my request for him to serve as chairman, because his leadership will ensure an open-minded and equitable route for all Iowans who navigate the appeals process."

The State of Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board is a state agency created for the purpose of establishing a consistent, fair and equitable property assessment appeal process. The Appeal Board conducts administrative hearings with the statutory authority to review any final decision, finding, ruling, determination, or order of a local board of review relating to protests of an assessment, valuation, or application of an equalization order.

"I am pleased Stewart has decided to continue to serve the public in this role," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Stewart's knowledge of the appeals process, combined with his experience as an elected official, enables him to bring valuable insight to the board."

The position requires Senate confirmation. The Iowa General Assembly convenes on January 14.

Iverson has worked at a number of agricultural employers, and farmed for 32 years. Iverson began serving as a state representative in 1989, prior to his election to the Iowa Senate in 1994. Iverson served as the majority leader in the Iowa Senate from 1996-2006. 

He and his wife, Vicki, reside in Clarion.

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Join the staff, library board, and FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Fairmount Branch Library (3000 N. Fairmount Street) for an open house and reception for LaWanda Roudebush.  She ends nine years (8/6/2003 - 1/31/2013) of dedicated and enthusiastic service as the Davenport Public Library Director!

Please stop by to congratulate and wish her well in her retirement!  In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to the FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library.

POST YOUR CONGRATULATION, THANK YOU, AND HAPPY RETIREMENT WISHES IN THE COMMENT SECTION FOR HER RETIREMENT POST ON THE PR BLOG AT http://blogs.davenportlibrary.com/pr/ or email them to marketing@davenportlibrary.com!  We will print them off for LaWanda after her retirement on January 31.

 

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A grantssubmission deadline has been announced by the Moline Community Foundation. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply if they serve the citizens of Moline and the surrounding region, including the Quad Cities. All materials necessary to receive funds are due in The Moline Foundation offices by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2013 or must be postmarked by or on  Thursday, January 31, 2013.  Any non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, including those who have never received Moline Foundation funding in the past, is welcome to apply.

An application should consist of eleven copies of a written request stating the name and address of the organization, its mission, names and addresses of Board members, income and expense statement, balance sheet, and the specific purpose for which any money received would be used including a project budget. The name, telephone number, and email of a contact person must also be included. The requested materials should be mailed according to the above deadline. If you need further information, please call Linda Martin at the Moline Foundation at (309) 764-4193. The Moline Foundation offices are located at the Deere-Wiman House, 817 - 11th Avenue, Moline.

The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a community foundation which provides grants to health, human services, education, workforce development, the arts and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Moline and the surrounding area, including the Quad Cities region in both Iowa and Illinois. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts and works with citizens to achieve their dreams to improve the community.

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IOWA FALLS - One hundred forty-nine students, including Austin Smith of Davenport, have been named to the Fall 2012 (August to December) Dean's List at Ellsworth Community College. To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must have taken 12 or more credit hours during the semester (a full-time class load) and have earned at least a 3.5 grade point average while attending ECC classes in Iowa Falls or online. Part-time students are not included on this list, and developmental courses do not count toward a student's GPA. The staff and administration congratulate these students for their academic excellence.
Le Claire, Iowa, January 3, 2013 - Mississippi River Distilling Company continues all the holiday celebrations with a second anniversary this Friday, January 4, during their First Friday Feature from 5:30-8 p.m. MRDC officially opened the doors December 17, 2010, but the First Friday evening gives the public a chance to celebrate with the owners and distillers. To celebrate two years in business, customers will receive 15% off their purchase of two or more regular bottles of spirits, or, buy any two seasonal spirits (Pride of the Wapsi Strawberry Vodka or Iowa Coffee Company Coffee Liqueur) and get 20% off.  

MRDC will feature two signature cocktails; Hot Buttered Baron, a drink to warm you up on a cold January night and Cucumber Smash featuring River Pilot Vodka, fresh cucumber puree, rosemary/sage simple syrup and lime juice. Chef Stephanie Godke will prepare Mocha Muffins made with MRDC's coffee liqueur and Rye and Root Beer Glazed Ham. All drink and food recipes can be found on the website www.mrdistilling.com.  

Coming up next will be the release of MRDC's next seasonal spirit, Dry Dock Sorghrum.  Distillers are shooting to have it on shelves in February. MRDC distillers finally figured out a way to put a local slant on rum which is typically made from sugar cane or molasses; neither of which are in great supply in Iowa. They've used sorghum syrup made in Lynnville, Iowa and fermented and distilled it.  It went into new charred oak barrels and then was blended with a sugar cane base spirit for a uniquely smooth sipper like you'd expect from MRDC.
Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays. Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment. The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process. Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.  

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SPRINGFIELD - January 2, 2013. Governor Quinn issued the following statement on today's vote by the Illinois Senate Public Health Committee to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois.

"I am very pleased to see the Senate's Public Health Committee take this important step today to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois.

"Following the horrific Aurora, Colorado movie theater massacre that left 12 dead, I proposed a statewide ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines to best protect the people of Illinois.

"As I have repeatedly made clear, there is no place in Illinois for weapons designed to rapidly fire at human targets at close range.

"Today's vote is a good sign that we are making progress as we continue to build a majority in the General Assembly.

"I want to thank Senator Tony Munoz, Senator Dan Kotowski and Senator William Delgado for their leadership and partnership to get this done. I urge the Senate to take up this matter quickly.

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