New Laws Honor Veterans and Servicemembers by Easing Process of Becoming Police Officers, State Troopers, EMTs and Commercial Vehicle Drivers; Recognizing Military Skills and Experience

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - Governor Pat Quinn today celebrated the Fourth of July by signing a package of bills helping more members of the United States Armed Forces, Reserves and Illinois National Guard find employment as police officers, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and commercial vehicle drivers. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to support our Veterans and servicemembers. The new laws will utilize the experience, teamwork and discipline servicemembers gain on the front lines to help serve the public on the home front.

"Our servicemembers and Veterans are some of the best-trained men and women in the world and are perfectly suited for a number of important jobs," Governor Quinn said. "Anyone who has driven a military vehicle in Iraq should be qualified to drive a commercial vehicle in Illinois. Anyone who has treated shrapnel wounds from an IED in Afghanistan should be able to treat an accident victim here."

"Our Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen go through exceptional training with the highest standards to earn the titles of military police officers or medics or truck drivers," said Brig. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. "As citizen-Soldiers, this is a great opportunity for them to apply those military-acquired skills in the civilian sector."

"Thanks to Governor Quinn's leadership and the efforts by the sponsors of these bills, our Illinois Veterans will have additional access to jobs and opportunities," Erica Borggren, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs said. "Illinois Veterans appreciate these important acts to ease the transition into the civilian workforce."

House Bill 2563 allows members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves and Illinois National Guard who have at least two years experience operating a military motor vehicle to bypass the state skills test in applying for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Sponsored by State Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Sycamore) and State Sen. Tony Muñoz (D-Chicago), the new law will help address a shortage of CDL drivers across the nation and provide an additional career path for servicemembers.

"This concept came up in discussions with my district Veteran's Advisory Council as a way to help military personnel transition quickly back into the private sector," State Rep. Pritchard said. "This legislation gives Veterans credit for skills learned while serving in the military as they apply for civilian licenses and jobs."

"Veterans who have extensive experience in driving commercial vehicles should not have to pay to take a test," State Sen. Muñoz said. "This will allow our Veterans coming home from active duty to attain their CDL more quickly and find employment."

Sponsored by State Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and State Sen. Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign), House Bill 3186 recognizes members of the armed forces, Reserves and Illinois National Guard's military training and clinical experience when applying to be an EMT. The bill also waives the application fee for all Illinois State Troopers or members of the Illinois National Guard who volunteer as an EMT in a municipality with a population of 5,000 or fewer. Supported by the State's Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, the new law will help create more EMTs in underserved areas and throughout Illinois.

"By signing HB 3186 into law, Governor Quinn is doing two very important things," State Rep. Moffitt said. "First, it allows communities across the state to benefit from the valuable and extensive training and skills in EMS that many of our Veterans bring back to civilian life and can be used to make our communities even safer places. Second, it is a way to express our appreciation to our Veterans for their service by opening more job opportunities for them using some skills gained in the military. It's a win-win."

"There is an increasing need for EMTs in rural communities throughout Illinois, however, it has been difficult to recruit candidates to fill these positions," State Sen. Frerichs said. "I am proud we found a way to not only recruit qualified EMTs but to make it easier for former members of the military to bring the skills they learned in the field back to our communities."

Senate Bill 204 - sponsored by State Sen. Muñoz and Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) - makes college degree requirement exemptions for certain members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Illinois National Guard looking to become Illinois State Police officers. Current law permitting the exemption already exists, but only lists two medals as requirements to qualify for exemption. The new law will expand the list of medals required, helping more servicemembers find employment.

"This legislation will create more opportunities for Veterans to become Illinois State Police officers, and I am pleased that the governor signed it into law," State Rep. Hoffman said. "The skills our servicemen and women acquire in the armed forces make them a valuable asset in the law enforcement field."

HB 2563, HB 3186 and SB 204 are all effective Jan.1.

DEKALB, IL (07/03/2013)(readMedia)-- DeKalb - Northern Illinois University announces the awarding of graduate and undergraduate degrees at the conclusion of its spring session, Friday, May 10, 2013 and Saturday, May 11, 2013. Information released by NIU's Office of Registration and Records and by the Graduate Schools shows new graduates from the local area include :

Hope Clark of Wilton, IA Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Justin Johnson of Rock Island, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Emily McLain of Prophetstown, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Gabriela Cason of Morrison, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Taylor Jackson of Fulton, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Jeff Johnson of Bettendorf, IA Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Anthony Nielsen of Tampico, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Lisa Brininger of Sterling, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

LaKenya Westbrook of Moline, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Erin Reynolds of Sterling, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Thomas Stock of Rock Island, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

David Erdman of Sterling, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Dino Eleftheropoulos of East Moline, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Jake Tablante of Sterling, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Shelly Drehmer of Morrison, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Matthew Martin of Rock Falls, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Phillip Shipley of Sterling, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Joshua Navarro of Sterling, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Courtney Ford of Moline, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Irlen Carranza of Rock Island, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Alison Davis of Rock Island, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Kyle Kiel of Moline, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Rachel Harris of Fulton, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Rachel Hogeboom of Coal Valley, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Adam Kargl of Rock Island, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Mary Ludin of Rock Island, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

James Gillen of Sterling, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Amber Francque of Morrison, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Matthew Gill of Prophetstown, IL Graduates from Northern Illinois University

Located in one of the most dynamic regions of the country, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a diverse and international student body of nearly 23,000.

Bend, Oregon brewery plans series of tastings and events to help introduce its brews to craft beer fans in The Hawkeye State

02 July 2013 - Bend, Oregon - Deschutes Brewery is gathering a top-notch crew, hitching up its giant traveling beer barrel, Woody, and launching its beer in style for Iowans later this month. The public is invited to come to any of the following events to sample a few delicious Deschutes Brewery beers and chat with representatives.

Don't miss Woody either!  The giant, good-times-on-wheels mobile bar rolls his way around Iowa during our launch week, complete with multiple delicious Deschutes Brewery beers, a stereo, and a disco ball. He is a natural gathering spot at any event for all thirsty individuals (and any misplaced members of your party). Follow Woody's shenanigans on Twitter at @DBWoody or you can "friend" him at

The brewery is hosting 33 "Meet, Greet, Sample" events all over Iowa from Saturday, July 20 - Friday, July 26, as part of its launch efforts.  It's the perfect opportunity to try some combination of official Deschutes Brewery Iowa Launch beers, including award winners and style leaders Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Twilight Summer Ale, and Chainbreaker White IPA.  Making small talk with Woody and other personalities from Deschutes Brewery is a terrific bonus.  This schedule follows below the signature events described below.  Please visit Deschutes Brewery's events page for more information.

Friday July 19, 5-7 PM

What: Official Iowa Launch Party
Oh, the beers you will try! Woody will be present, sampling beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Twilight Summer Ale, and Chainbreaker White IPA. At 5 PM sharp, they will tap the first kegs of Deschutes Brewery beers ever in Iowa , so don't miss the dramatic unveiling!

Where: El Bait Shop, 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Friday July 19, 8 PM Start Time

What: Downtown Des Moines Pub Crawl
After visiting with Woody at El Bait Shop, it's time to explore great craft beer all over downtown. Get your gang together and celebrate Deschutes Brewery beers on tap at some other local favorite watering holes.

Where:

• El Bait Shop, 200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA, 50309
• The Royal Mile, 210 4th St, Des Moines, IA, 50309
• Shorty's, 208 Court Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50309
• The Levee, 100 Court Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50309

Saturday, July 20, 3-7 PM

What: Cityview Brewfest
The Cityview Brewfest boasts some 500 craft beers and unlimited sampling.  Who's thirsty?  It is the perfect Saturday afternoon spot to celebrate Deschutes Brewery's arrival in Iowa.  Cost is $23 in advance and $30 at the door.  Go to www.brewfestdsm.com for more information.

Where: Principal Park, 3530 Westown Pky, Des Moines, IA, 50266

Saturday, July 20, 8 PM

What: Official Deschutes Brewery After Party
Why stop the fun when the Cityview Brewfest comes to a close? Keep the party going with Deschutes Brewery beers and live music from Pianopalooza.

Where: The Keg Stand, 3530 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Monday, July 22, 5 - 6:30 PM

What: Meet The Brewer
Are you a homebrewer or craft beer enthusiast? Now's your chance to come chat with a brewer from Oregon's Deschutes Brewery as their gang is in town celebrating their arrival in Iowa. Pick brewer Callan Vaccaro's brain, try some beer samples, and expand your knowledge of the brewing process.

Where: Court Avenue Brewing Company, 309 Court Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50309

Monday, July 22, 8 PM

What: Brewery Olympics
Who doesn't like a little friendly competition? We're pulling out some classic bar games like bag toss (cornhole), washers, bowling, skee ball and darts to test some talent and celebrate Deschutes Brewery's arrival in Iowa. Try to beat the brewer! Beer samples from Woody, Deschutes Brewery's giant, good-times-on-wheels mobile bar, tops off the fun.

Where: Trophy's, 2701 Douglas Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310

Tuesday, July 23, 6 PM

What: Bicycle Pub Crawl
Riding bicycles from pub to pub is one of our favorite things. Deschutes Brewery is in town to introduce and celebrate our arrival in the great state of Iowa.  And celebrate RAGBRAI.  We start at Ichi Bike, then move onto local favorites Capital Pub and Hot Dog, Beechwood Lounge, and Buzzard Billy's.

Where:

• Ichi Bike, 311 E Walnut St., Des Moines, IA, 50309
• Capital Pub and Hot Dog, 400 SE 6th St., Des Moines, IA, 50309
• Beechwood Lounge, 416 E Walnut St., Des Moines, IA, 50309
• Buzzard Billy's, 615 3rd St., Des Moines, IA, 50309

Wednesday, July 24, 8-10 AM

What: RAGBRAI Farewell
You think it's too early for beer? We think not.  It's beer for breakfast with Woody, Deschutes Brewery's giant, good-times-on-wheels mobile bar.  Woody will pour samples for RAGBRAI riders - and other thirsty visitors - on their way out of town to ensure the perfect start to the day's ride.

Where: Steer and Stein (at the State Fairgrounds), 106 3rd St SE, Altoona, IA, 50009

Wednesday, July 24, 8:30 PM

What: Beer-lesque: Tastings and Tassels!
What's better than an evening full of craft beer from Oregon's Deschutes Brewery? An evening full of craft beer...coupled with the one and only Naughty Pierre and his troupe of lovely ladies.  They will feature a Deschutes Brewery beer in each of their burlesque and variety stage acts. This is sure to be a night of excitement, laughter, and unforgettable fun.  Try beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Twilight Summer Ale and Fresh Squeeezed IPA.

Where: The Gramercy Tap, 400 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA, 50309

Cost: $10.  Tickets can be purchased at The Gramercy Tap in advance, or at the door, or by calling 515.288.9606.   This event will sell out!

Thursday, July 25, 7 PM

What: Hats Off To Homebrewers
Attention homebrewers and beer geeks!  Come share your love for craft at Red's Alehouse with the gang from Deschutes Brewery and the brand new Big Grove Brewery and Public House.  Chat with Big Grove Head Brewer, Bill Heinrich, and Deschutes Brewery Brewer, Callan Vaccaro.  Sip on delicious beers new to the state of Iowa, as everyone marvels at the birth of one brewery and the arrival of another...25 years in the making.  Gather complimentary brewing supplies, including clone recipe booklets and bags of whole flower hops, to use in your next homebrew (supplies are limited).  And don't forget to check out Woody, the giant good-times-on-wheels mobile bar.  But that's not all....

Enjoy beer samples expertly paired with Red's Alehouse Executive Chef Shane Miller's original food creations.  Mix in a "Stump the Brewmaster" Q & A session.  It all adds up to a can't-miss-night!

Where: Red's Alehouse, 405 N. Dubuque St., North Liberty, IA, 52317

Cost: $20  Tickets can be purchased at Red's Alehouse in advance, or at the door, or by calling 319.626.2100.  This event will sell out!

Friday, July 26 , 6-9 PM

What: Deschutes Brewery Flight Night
Friday is flight night! Take off with original small plate creations by Executive Chef Will Evans, each paired perfectly with Deschutes Brewery beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Chainbreaker White IPA, Twilight Summer Ale and Black Butte Porter. If that doesn't make you fly on down here, then you will when you hear what foods inspired the small plates: bacon, cheese, chocolate and panna cotta. Everyone's favorite!

Where: Blackstone, 503 Westbury Drive #1, Iowa City, IA, 52245

Cost: $18 Flights include 4 beer samples and 4 food small plates

Meet, Greet, Sample Schedule (W = Woody Present)

Des Moines - unless otherwise noted

Saturday, July 20, 2013

• HyVee-Madison Avenue (Council Bluff)  3-6 PM (W)
• Tish's (Council Bluffs) 8-10 PM (W)

Sunday, July 21, 2013

• HyVee-Urbandale  2-4 PM (W)

Monday, July 22, 2013

• Zombie Burger              11:30-1 PM (W)
• Legends American Grill  5-6:30 PM (W)
• Johnny's Hall Of Fame              5-6:30 PM (W)
• Mickey's Irish Pub  5-6:30 PM (W)

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

• Wellman's Pub-West Glen  11-12:30 PM (W)
• HyVee-Grand  1-3 PM (W)
• Gateway Market   4-6 PM (W)
• Whole Foods   4-6 PM (W)
• HyVee-Fleur    4-6 PM (W)
• Saints Pub and Patio   4-6 PM
• Dublin Bay (Ames)  4-6 PM
• The Point  4-6 PM

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

• Jethro's-Waukee  11:30-1 PM (W)
• Dahl's-Ingersoll  5-6:30 PM
• HyVee-Ankeny              5-6:30 PM
• Mavericks  5-6:30 PM
• Old Chicago-Ankeny  5-6:30 PM (W)
• HyVee-Mills Civic Pky  5-6:30 PM

Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, and Iowa City

Thursday, July 25, 2013

• Mondo's Drafthouse  11:30-1 PM (W)
• HyVee-Coralville  1:30-3:30 PM (W)
• New Pioneer Food Co-Op  1:30-3:30 (W)
• HyVee-Waterfront  4-6 PM (W)
• John's Grocery 4-6 PM (W)
• Zeppelin's Bar And Grill  4-6 PM
• Clinton St. Social Club              4-6 PM
• Mickey's Irish Pub-Iowa City  4-6 PM

Friday, July 26, 2013

• Parlor City  11-12:30 PM  (W)
• HyVee-Marion   1-3:30 PM (W)
• HyVee-Oakland Rd.  1-3:30 PM (W)
• Benz Beverage Depot  4-5:30 PM (W)
• Sanctuary Pub 4-5:30 PM

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Iowa State University Extension & Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District are hosting a Livestock Facilities Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information to producers who are considering feeding cattle under roof. It will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, from 9:30 - Noon at the Clinton Community College Campus in Maquoketa located at 501 West Washington Street.

The major focus of the meeting will be to compare and contrast mono-slope deep bed pack barns, slatted floor deep pit barns, and hoop buildings. Speakers for the program include Dr. Dan Loy, Iowa State University beef Specialist on facility comparison and management; Dr. Greg Brenneman, ISU Extension Agricultural Engineer, on manure from different types of facilities and it's economic value; and Lori Schnoor, Jackson County District Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), on water quality improvements to feedlots and funding available. A panel of producers will also discuss their experience with different types of facilities.

The meeting is free, and is open to any interested producer. For more information on the program contact Lori Schnoor at the Jackson County NRCS office at 563-652-2337 ext. 3.

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