(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named former state Sen. Larry McKibben and construction business owner Milt Dakovich (pr: "DOCK-o-vitch") to the Iowa Board of Regents.

McKibben and Dakovich begin their terms today and will serve through April 30, 2019.

"I have chosen two passionate public servants who will help guide our Regents institutions through the next six years," said Branstad. "Larry's legislative expertise and Milt's construction background will provide both of them with the knowledge and experience needed for these two seats on the board."

"We are pleased they agreed to serve on the Board of Regents at this important time," said Reynolds. "Larry and Milt understand the importance of this new role, and are committed to offering a world-class education for all students.

McKibben, 66, served in the Iowa Senate from 1997-2008, where he chaired the Ways & Means Committee, also serving as the president pro tem. He earned his B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa, served as a graduate teaching assistant at Iowa State University and earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa. He is currently an attorney with the firm of Moore, McKibben, Goodman & Lorenz, LLP, in Marshalltown.

"I believe education is the foundation for the growth, development and well-being of future generations of Iowans," said McKibben. "I have spent my entire professional life as a problem solver. I believe that my educational background, leadership skills and breadth of lifetime experiences gives me the depth of knowledge and skill to contribute in a positive way to achieving high standards of educational excellence at the Regents institutions.

Find McKibben's photo here: https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Larry-McKibben.jpg

Dakovich, 58, has a B.S. from Iowa State in both civil engineering and construction engineering. He currently serves as the president of Aspro, Inc. in Waterloo. He is a past president of both the Associated General Contractors of Iowa and the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa.

"I am the product of Iowa public higher education and recognize its importance," said Dakovich. "It is vital that this state have quality, affordable education. Our future workforce depends on it."

Find Dakovich's photo here: https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Milt-Dakovich.jpeg

McKibben and Dakovich will be up for Senate confirmation in the 2014 legislative session.

The Iowa Board of Regents consists of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, and the Iowa School for the Deaf. For more information, visit http://www.regents.iowa.gov/.

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June 8 Ceremony Recognizes 633rd Theater Gateway Personnel Accountability Team

SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/04/2013)(readMedia)-- Approximately 10 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers will be recognized June 8 by the National Guard Bureau Freedom Salute Campaign for their sacrifice and service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony for the 633rd Theater Gateway Personnel Accountability Team based in Springfield will be 10 a.m. at Camp Lincoln; 1301 MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield.

The Soldiers mobilized in June 2012 and deployed to Kuwait. The 633rd was the first National Guard unit mobilized to provide operational control over the Theater Gateway at Ali Al Salem, Kuwait.

Soldiers were responsible for the initial reception, staging and onward movement of personnel deploying to the Central Command area of responsibility (CENTCOM AOR). The 633rd also coordinated the reception, lodging and movement of personnel from all branches for the rest and recuperation leave, emergency leave, and temporary duty in the CENTCOM AOR.

The team processed more than 40,000 deploying or redeploying troops. They also processed more than 35,000 individuals participating in the Theater Rest and Recuperation Leave program and issued more than 1,200 identification cards.

The Freedom Salute Campaign program is a small way to show these patriotic citizen-Soldiers, their families and employers how much their sacrifice is appreciated. On behalf of the National Guard Bureau, the Illinois Army National Guard will present each eligible Soldier with an encased American flag, as well as a sequentially-numbered

commemorative coin, certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Families will also receive items recognizing their support and sacrifice.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard Soldiers and those who supported them while deployed.

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and should notify the Public Affairs Office by 3 p.m., June 7 to be granted access onto Camp Lincoln. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569.

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June 6th. 2013 :  7.00 p.m.
Does Six Sigma work?

Reviewing management principals  of Six Sigma.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s Six Sigma was the new method: "Transforming the way we work" : Six-Sigma was the new  customer-centered, profit-driven, defect-reduction,  people-power, process-power method of American business as publicized by management gurus and consultants to American business, and subsequently, to world business.
Did it work?
Do we continue this method or do we transform it to the next level? If so, what will this new level be?
( If you are unaware of the principals of six sigma, basic information principals will be provided)
Open discussion:
Free and open to the public.
This Thursday June 6th. 2013  evening:  Independent Scholars' Evenings:
At
The Phoenix Fine Art Gallery
1530 Fifth Avenue.  Moline. Illinois.
7.00 p.m
309-762-8547 for the Moline Club
309-762-9202 for The Institute.
light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.
doors open at 6.30. Please use the 5th Ave entrance.  The event will be held in the Dragon Gallery next to The Phoenix.
Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by
The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996

Quad Cities pulls one-half game ahead of Beloit into second place before series with Cedar Rapids

BELOIT, Wis. (JUNE 3, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers Colton Cain and Mike Hauschild combined to limit the Beloit Snappers to just one run, and third baseman Rio Ruiz drove in first baseman Jonathan Singleton for both runs in a 2-1 victory at Pohlman Field Monday night.

After winning three of four games in Beloit, the River Bandits (32-24) pulled one-half game ahead of the Snappers (32-25) for second place in the Midwest League Western Division. Quad Cities had fallen out of second place after losing to Beloit at home on May 19.

Beloit scored its only run of the night in the second inning against Cain, as right fielder John Wooten drew a two-out walk and scored on a Ryan Delgado double that dropped just inside the right-field line. Cain worked five innings and allowed one run or fewer for a fifth straight outing. He allowed two hits to put runners at first and second base in the fifth inning but got two ground balls to end the threat.

Singleton and Ruiz put Quad Cities on the board in the sixth inning, as right-hander Derek DeYoung issued a one-out walk to Singleton and allowed a double by designated hitter Jesse Wierzbicki. With runners at second and third base and one out, Ruiz flied to left fielder Ryan Mathews, bringing in Singleton with the tying run against DeYoung, who allowed four hits through the first six innings.

Hauschild (4-0) started the bottom of the sixth inning with a 1-1 tie and got the first four batters he faced before allowing consecutive singles by Wooten and Delgado. But he got second baseman Christopher Bostick to hit a ground ball that shortstop Carlos Correa charged and threw on the run for the second out. With runners at second and third, left fielder Ryan Mathews lined toward deep left field, but Jordan Scott made a running catch to end the inning and preserve a 1-1 tie.

In the eighth inning, Singleton grounded a ball past a shifted defense down the third-base line for a double with one out against right-hander Vincent Voiro (3-2). After Wierzbicki grounded out, Ruiz battled Voiro to a 2-2 count before grounding a single into right field for his second hit, second RBI and the second run Singleton scored in the game.

Hauschild preserved the lead by pitching a perfect eighth inning. In the ninth, he allowed a leadoff single by third baseman Renato Nunez before first baseman Matt Olson hit into a double play. Wooten then grounded to Ruiz, who threw to Singleton for the game's final out.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, June 4. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Tuesday, June 4.

The River Bandits have their final scheduled off day of the first half Tuesday before they begin a three-game series with the first-place Cedar Rapids Kernels Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. in Cedar Rapids.

UP NEXT: Reservations can be made from now until June 10 for the River Bandits Father's Day Cookout and pre-game catch scheduled for Sunday, June 16. Check out www.riverbandits.com for details or call 563-324-3000. 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 the ballpark, along with a new dual zip line, a carousel, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft on June 6 and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., say that despite a recent federal ruling affirming that Medicare data should be available to the public and federal efforts to make some data publicly available, much more still needs to be done to make Medicare claims data fully transparent.

"Medicare is a $500 billion program with billions of dollars going out in error each year," Grassley said. "The bad actors get bigger and bolder all the time. They stay out of law enforcement's reach all too often. It's time to try new things. More transparency about billing and payments increases public understanding of where tax dollars go and foster accountability. The bad actors might be dissuaded if they knew their actions were subject to the light of day."

"Medicare claims data transparency seems to be moving in the right direction, but we're just not there yet," Wyden said. "Aggregated data and statistical averages can hide differences between providers and settings, and don't allow Americans to truly compare their health care choices. In order to enjoy the benefits of full transparency, Medicare claims data should be readily available to the public."

Grassley and Wyden plan to reintroduce the Medicare Data Access for Transparency and Accountability Act (Medicare DATA Act). The bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations to make available a searchable Medicare payment database that the public can access at no cost. The bill also clarifies that data on Medicare payments to physicians and suppliers do not fall under a Freedom of Information Act exemption.

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by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

 

Q:        When is Flag Day?

A:        Every summer on June 14, the United States pays tribute to the 50 stars and 13 stripes that majestically symbolize the founding principles and enduring freedoms of this great country.  From town squares to school yards, store fronts, front porches, cemeteries, sports venues and public buildings, Americans from all walks of life are called upon to show our patriotism and citizenship by flying the flag of the United States of America.

On June 14, 1877, the United States observed the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by the Continental Congress. Years later, Congress made observance of Flag Day an official designation, requesting under law that the President issue an annual proclamation observing June 14 as Flag Day. The legislation passed in 1949. In 1966, a joint resolution of Congress invited Americans to display the flag during the entire week in which Flag Day occurs.

Q:        Why is it important to observe Flag Day?

A:        While other countries derive their national identities from a common ethnicity, centuries of shared history, or as subjects of the same royal family, our nation was founded on a shared set of timeless principles.  Our flag is more than just another national symbol.  Old Glory reflects the honor, integrity and truths embraced by generations of military service members, first responders, public servants and private citizens who proudly call America home.  From our youngest citizens in classrooms across the country, to sports fans who share the love of the game, to those who have witnessed moments of peril and uncertainty, through times of war, terror and natural disasters, the American flag brings comfort to those who mourn, honor to those who have fallen, and hope to those who believe that in America, even in the darkest of hours, the best days are yet to come.

During my travels across the state - visiting with Iowans in schools, in veterans groups, and at service club meetings - the flag is invariably on display, serving as a visual reminder of the truths we hold self-evident, that we share "certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

As Iowans enjoy the rites and rituals of summer time, let's make the time to celebrate our common heritage, to fly the flag and to recite in public the Pledge of Allegiance.  We share an allegiance to honor freedom, liberty and justice for all.  Americans for more than 200 years have embraced the red, white and blue for its symbolic salute to those who have fought for and defended the guiding principles that bind us together as a nation, stitched together for all to see, from sea to shining sea.

*** Iowans may obtain American flags flown over the United States Capitol year-round through my office.  Flags come with certificates commemorating special occasions, if you wish.  For order forms, go to www.grassley.senate.gov.  Click on Constituent Services and then Flag Requests.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Iowa City, IA - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after he joined Governor Branstad and other state and local officials to tour flood affected areas and the flood preparations that are underway in Johnson County.

"I am pleased that the Governor and Lt. Governor took the time to come and see firsthand the preparation the folks in Johnson County and at the University of Iowa have put in to help protect the area from damaging flooding.  While the area is not out of the woods yet, I am encouraged by the latest forecasts.  The hard work of the Johnson County Emergency Management team, University of Iowa, and the scores of volunteers demonstrates just how strong this community really is.

"I am also pleased that despite the dysfunction and partisan bickering that is all too common in Washington; Iowans can rise above it in a time of need.  I am proud to be a part of that work and will coordinate with the Governor, Army Corps of Engineers, the University, and local officials as the threat of flooding continues."

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With sky high loan rates and even higher drop-out rates, do these colleges educate students or bankrupt them?

Tonight, Tuesday, June 4 at 8:00pm ET

DALLAS -June 3, 2013  This week on "Dan Rather Reports" we take an in-depth look at the business of for-profit colleges.  Schools like ITT Technical Institute, DeVry University and University of Phoenix differ from schools such as Penn State or USC because they actually treat education as a business - teaching students while still turning a profit.  And, while most people may be aware that these colleges are for-profit, what they probably don't know is that most of these profits come from the federal government.  In fact, in 2012 ITT Tech reported revenue of 1.3 billion dollars - more than 1 billion of that came from the taxpayers.

This taxpayer money comes in the form of Pell Grants, money that the Government gives to low income students to help fund a college education, and federal student loans.

"I always said they had a bad business model and the business model was, go out and recruit the poor students. Why? They get the most Pell grants and they get the most loans," Iowa Senator, Tom Harkin told Dan Rather.

Harkin lead a Washington investigation into for-profit colleges and how students, who drop out, or who have to take on high interest personal loans in order to bridge financial gaps, are affected by the expense of a for-profit education.

In the case of ITT Tech, Harkin's investigation uncovered a huge disparity in costs.

"The cost for the associate degree was $48,000.  Two years." Harkin told Rather.  "Not too far away is Des Moines Community College.  Exact same degree, $9,000."

And, students at for-profit colleges default on the Federal loans at twice the rate of those attending traditional colleges.  They are responsible for half the Federal loan defaults while only making up 10% of the student body.

And while these numbers look to stack up against for-profit colleges, those in the industry say that they are offering an important service to high risk students.

Steve Gunderson, President of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (the organization that lobbies on behalf of the industry) tells Rather, "92% of the students who enroll in our schools are non-traditional students.  Almost every student has multiple barriers to academic success."

But when questioned about high interest rates on the loans that these students must obtain to pay tuition, and whether or not the schools could charge less money, Gunderson says, "What's the school to do? I think you and I would both criticize the school more if they abandoned the student at the 96th percentile of their academic journey." 

"Dan Rather Reports:  For-Profit Colleges" airs Tuesday, June 4 at 8:00pm ET/5:00 p.m. PT only on AXS TV.

For more information, visit Dan Rather Reports,Dan Rather's Official website, Dan Rather Reports on Facebook and Dan Rather Reports on Twitter.

About AXS TV

Launched in July 2012 under the vision and stewardship of entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is the premier destination for live events, breaking news, and as-they-are-happening trends in the worlds of pop culture, music, fashion, and entertainment.

AXS TV Concerts is the premier source on television for 100% live music.  From multi-day festivals to stadium tours to club acts, AXS TV delivers an unparalleled shared experience for fans of all genres. Leveraging the network's vast landscape, artists expand their reach to live behind-the-scenes moments, live fan Q&As, social media engagement and more unique opportunities specifically for the AXS TV audience. With multiple live concerts weekly, AXS TV is the number one destination for artists and their fans to experience and share a pure live event in the world of music and pop culture. Live LIVE!

The largest independently owned and operated network, AXS TV was developed by entrepreneur Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin.  The network partners include Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media and Creative Artists Agency (CAA).  AXS TV is available in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other TV providers.

AXS TV can be found online at www.axs.tv, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/axstv and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/axstv. AXS TV Concerts can be found online at www.axs.tv, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/axstvconcerts and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/axstvconcerts.

The 29th annual Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is coming up July 4 through 6 at Davenport's LeClaire Park.  Volunteers are still needed for all shifts July 3 through 7, including admission gate, beer tent, set up and tear down, and backstage hospitality.  Over 200 volunteers are needed.

Volunteers receive free admission to the Blues Festival as well as a souvenir festival t-shirt.  Priority is given to Mississippi Valley Blues Society members.  "Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Blues Festival," says Patty Britt, volunteer coordinator.  "The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is the only major blues festival in the nation that's produced by a volunteer organization, the MVBS.  We rely on volunteers to help with all aspects of the festival."

To register, go to www.mvbs.org and click on BluesFest, then Volunteers.  That will take you to the registration page.  Or call the Blues Society office at 563-32-BLUES.

CHICAGO - Governor Quinn today issued the following statement regarding Fitch's downgrade of Illinois' credit rating.

"Today's downgrade is no surprise. As I have repeatedly made clear to the General Assembly, this will continue to happen until legislators pass a comprehensive pension reform bill, and put it on my desk.

"Every time the General Assembly misses the deadline, Illinois' credit rating is downgraded, which hurts our economy, wastes taxpayer dollars and shortchanges the education of our children.

"If I could issue an Executive Order to resolve the pension crisis, I would have done it a long time ago. But I cannot act alone. Legislators must send me a bill to get this job done.

"I plan to meet with the Speaker of the House and the Senate President tomorrow.

"I will keep fighting for pension reform until it is the law of the land."

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