PORT BYRON, Ill. - Legislation to allow concealed carry in Illinois, House Bill 183, has been sitting on the governor's desk since June 5, and state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, released the following statement calling on the governor to take immediate action on the bill and responding to recent statements by Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon and state's attorneys in Randolph and Madison counties.

"Law-abiding gun owners in Illinois have waited far too long to exercise the full Second Amendment rights they are entitled to and are in effect all across our country. The governor needs to end the waiting game and take action to implement the concealed carry plan we passed in House Bill 183. The longer gun owners wait, the more confusion grows, and the further our rights are trampled. Lt. Gov Simon is urging local governments to create their own ordinances, and state's attorneys are turning a blind eye to enforcing the laws, possibly risking felony charges for gun owners who leave their areas. I do not want to see any responsible, law-abiding gun owners jailed because of delays in finalizing this new law.

"If the governor chooses to veto our concealed carry legislation, I ask that he does so quickly, so that we can override his veto and get concealed carry enacted as soon as possible. The governor has called the Legislature back into session next Wednesday, giving us the perfect opportunity to have a vote on a veto.

"I joined Lt. Gov. Simon's firearms working group earlier this year because it was another opportunity for me to defend the rights of gun owners and fight for a strong concealed carry law. I oppose her further attempts to fracture our state's policy on concealed carry. Now that the legislature has agreed to a final plan, I will continue pushing to see concealed carry become the law of the land."

For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, 309-848-9098, or toll free at 855-243-4988.

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CALENDAR

June 15th- Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Open for Lunch 11am-2pm- 3 different sandwiches and chips for $5 www.faithfulpilot.com

June 15th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Active Christians Hot Dog Roast and Potluck Picnic. 5:30 p.m. We will provide the hot dogs, buns, ketchup and mustard. Bring something to share and your own drink. We will play Corn Hole and other outdoor games. No cost.

June 15th- 16th Annual Golf Outing Benefiting the Buffalo Bill Museum of LeClaire - Olathea Golf Course Matt Boesch, head golf pro from Hawk's View Golf Club in Lake Geneva, WI, will host a golf clinic at 9:00 am before the 10:00 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $50 per person and includes 9 holes golf with cart and a pizza lunch with beverage. If you don't golf, come anyway to place a bid on all the wonderful silent auction items and enjoy the pizza lunch for $7. To make a reservation for yourself or a foursome call Olathea at 289-4653, Packy Huettman at 289-5971, Steve Suiter at 289-2724 or Barry Long at 949-6969. www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com

June 16th - Asbury Methodist Church "WORSHIP IN THE PARK" and Potluck Service The Worship Committee of Asbury United Methodist Church, Bettendorf, is planning a Praise Worship Service in the Park on Sunday, June 16 at 10:30 a.m.  The service will be held at Veterans Memorial Park Bandshell, 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf. Following the service there will be a potluck picnic with sliced ham provided.  Please bring a dish to share and your own table service, drink & lawn chair.

June 17th-21st - Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School - Asbury United Methodist Church 9 a.m. to noon, 1809 Mississippi Blvd., Bettendorf - 563-355-5218 Register on-line www.asbury-bett.org.  VBS is offered for participants ages Kindergarten through 5th grade (completed), and to volunteers 6th grade and up.  If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Swinney at 563-505-0060 or mswinney@mchsi.com.

June 17th-20th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Bible School Monday, June 17 thru Thursday, June 20: 5:30 pm to 8 pm - dinner, crafts, worship, music and recreation; ages 4 years to 11 years; cost $10; please call 563-381-7777 to pre-register; Theme: Living Waters

June 17th - Economic Development Meeting postponed at this time.

June 21st - 22nd - THE LeCLAIRE GIRLS' GET AWAY WEEKEND! On the evening of Friday, June 21, and all day Saturday, June 22, 2013, TUGFEST hosts the Girls's Getaway Weekend in LeClaire, Iowa! Sign up today for this amazing event featuring give aways, coupons, music, games and delicious food. MEET Anthony Ryan Auld the Winner of this year's "Project Runway All Stars" at the Girls Get Away Fashion Show & Cocktail Party on Saturday evening. No other contestant has had more wins beating the best designers in a single season of the show. Anthony Ryan will be speaking about his journey to becoming a top fashion designer and winning Project Runway All Stars. KWQC's anchor and on-air reporter Bailey Deitz will be the mistress of ceremonies for this special event. The LeClaire Girls' Get Away will start on Friday evening, June 21, at the Wide River Winery, where you will taste award-winning wines, enjoy the music of Pieces of Candy in the Wine Garden, and pick up your GIRLS GET AWAY passport to LeClaire with your goody bags.

On Saturday, June 22, LECLAIRE GIRLS GET AWAY events include :

* Grasshoppers will host music and wine tasting on their beautiful lawn.

* Win Prizes every hour on the hour at Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium.

* Dwellings will be hosting Margarita Man.

* Robert Day of the Faithful Pilot, and the winner of the Quad Cities Top Chef competition, will demonstrate some of his secret cooking techniques.

* Zaruba's will host mini make overs.

* Free Tours at the Mississippi River Distilling Company.

* Expert Tammy Allen will teach a FREE Class in "Punch Needle" at Primitive Cottage.

* The Buffalo Bill Museum will offer a Quilt Making Class.

Cost to participate in the LeClaire Girls Get Away are $65 per person. Go to Leclairegirlgetaway.com

 
June 22nd - Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Open for Lunch 11am-2pm 3 different sandwiches and chips for $5 www.faithfulpilot.com
June 24th - Le Claire Library is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10:00am-2:00pm.  For an appointment please direct donors to call 289-6002.

June 25th - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire - Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia What to do and say, what to not to do and say, living with and helping family and friends, with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or Dementia. Dessert and coffee at 1:30, program and discussion to follow. No cost; please call 563-381-7777 to pre-register.

June 27th - Mississippi River Distilling Company Takes Over the Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Bar 5:30-7:30 P.M. The men from MRDC take over the Faithful Pilot with signature drinks and Pilot appetizers for $25 per person www.faithfulpilot.com

June 29th - Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits Open for Lunch 11am-2pm 3 different sandwiches and chips for $5 www.faithfulpilot.com

June 30th- Wine Tasting at the Faithful Pilot Cafe & Spirits 3:00-5:00 P.M.  $15 per person Taste 14 wines and heavy appetizers from The Faithful Pilot www.faithfulpilot.com

Save the Date

July 1st - Friends of the LeClaire Community Library is planning an Open House to celebrate our 9th anniversary! Details are forthcoming!

 

July 5th - First Friday in LeClaire

July 13th - Trivia Night - LeClaire Civic Center hosted by LeFirst Presbyterian Church of LeClaire. Doors open at 6:30; game starts at 7 pm. Cost $10 per person; call 563-381-7777 to pre-register individuals or a table. We are raising money for the Hurricane Sandy Victims. Bring your own snacks and drinks or purchase something there. 

 

July 15th-19th - LeClaire Baptist Church - "Colossal Coaster World" VBX Week For kids age 4 up through kids going INTO 6th grade! Cost: FREE! Time:  9:00 AM - Noon Location:  1326 Wisconsin Street LeClaire, Iowa  52753 Family program:  SUNDAY, July 21 at 10:30 a.m. followed by our "Burger Bash" lunch! For more information or registration: phone:  (563) 289-4191 e-mail:  leclairebaptist@leclairebaptist.org or REGISTER ONLINE at www.leclairebaptist.org (under ministries and kids vbx link)

 

July 18th - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire - Funeral Planning At the time of death, decisions can be difficult. This program will help you plan your own funeral or help you think about decisions when planning another's funeral. Lunch at 11:30, program and discussion to follow. No cost; please call 563-381-7777 to pre-register.

 

FYI

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire FREE LUNCH at the Civic Center, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Third Tuesday of the month: June 18, July 16, August 20: Come to eat and stay for the conversation! 

LeClaire Antiques is hosting an on going Plant Sale benefiting LeClaire Parks. Go by and see the beautiful plants for sale - great prices!

Programs, performers & activities for all ages. Registration materials for Children (B-5th G) available at the library starting May 20th.Program information & Activity Calendar available at the library & online @

Please volunteer or help recruit volunteers for the LeClaire Information Center! We get a lot of great comments about the LIC, and we help promote all of LeClaire:

1. Through telling visitors about our great attractions, shops, restaurants, parks, schools, housing developments, etc.,

2. By mailing out information to individuals, small groups and bus tours who want to come find out what LeClaire is all about, and

3. Through providing nice, convenient public restrooms to shoppers, diners, people checking out our attractions, families, LeClaire residents who are just out for a walk - everyone appreciates the restrooms!

Almost everyone knows at least one person who loves to talk and meet new people - a retired neighbor or stay-at-home mom, a relative, a friend, a person from church, a person from your civic club, a person from exercise class... Please contact Cindy at 563-650-7963 or info@visitleclaire.com Volunteers are trained and there is lots of brochures and information to share with visitors.

Let's make downtown LeClaire and the LeClaire Information Center the best it can possibly be!

 

Buffalo Bill Museum is now open until 5pm daily. As of April 1st, the museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays 12noon to 5pm. A reminder: group discounts are available for tour groups, clubs/reunions, and school groups. Call the museum at 563-289-5580 for details!

Reusable Usables - Planet Green recycled art after school classes on Tuesday and Thursdays.RSVP 563-289-3946 or angie@reusableusables.org

"LIKE" the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce on FaceBook Visit the chamber's Face Book page and discover a great source of news, business announcements, events, and other information that is updated frequently. It's a useful source of updated information for all members and non-members!

 

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

July 9 - Blue Iguana - Lunch -noon

August 13 - Big Dave and Holly's - lunch -noon

September 10 - Steventon's - after hours - 5-8pm

October 8 - Hungry Hobo - lunch - noon

November 12 - tbd

December 10 - Happy Joes - lunch -noon

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

 

Meet and greet Pastor Melody any Wednesday from 1-3 pm at Happy Joe's. Pastor Melody from First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire, will be at Happy Joe's in LeClaire, every Wednesday, from 1-3 pm, sipping on a soda, reading and waiting to visit with you and your friends. Stop by and say hi. Or, if you have a prayer request or a question, just let her know. Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in

advance.

Asbury United Methodist Church is hosting a "Partnering to EmPOWER" fundraising event for Winnie's Place on Tuesday, October 15th.  The team putting together the event is looking for vendors who would be interested in participating in this worthy cause. Booth fees are $15 for sales people and $25 for those providing a service (ALL booth fees will go to Winnie's Place). Vendors will also agree to donate 9% of their sales to Winnies Place, which corresponds to the statistic that every 9 seconds, a woman is abused. Interested vendors are asked to contact Heidi Lubben at hjlubben@aol.com for more details. Marketing packets for vendors will be available June 15th. The deadline for returning a signed vendor agreement is August 20th.

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center -

2013 Trivia Nights:

July 13 - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

 

LeClaire 2013 Events Calendar:

First Fridays each month 5:00-8:00 P.M.

June 21st-22nd - Girls' Getaway Weekend

Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion (Hollyhock Park)

Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 8th-10th Tugfest

October 6th - Dogtoberfest at Bier Stube

October 13th - AppleFest

October 24th - HalloWine

October 26th - Witches Walk Costume Contest and Parade

December 6-8, 2013: Christmas in LeClaire

Family Nights at the LeClaire Rec Center: Details at www.leclairereccenter.com

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!

Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 11-0601

JOHN R. BAUR vs. BAUR FARMS, INC. and ROBERT F. BAUR

No. 13-0152

IOWA SUPREME COURT ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY BOARD vs. DONALD N. LAING and D. SCOTT RAILSBACK

After 300 years, get Ussher's masterpiece, 'Annals of the World'

It has been called "the best ancient history book after the Bible."

For generations, the only way to read it was in Latin.

But, in one of the most significant publishing events of the 21st century, James Ussher's colossal history of the world, titled "Annals of the World" is now available from the WND Superstore- in English - after over 300 years of being accessible only to scholars.

"Annals of the World" Ships FREE today! Read more here!

In this masterful and legendary volume, commissioned by Master Books to be updated from the 17th-century original Latin manuscript to modern English and made available to the general public, is the fascinating history of the ancient world from the Genesis creation precisely dated through the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple.

Find out:

    Why was Julius Caesar kidnapped in 75 B.C.?

    Why did Alexander the Great burn his ships in 326 B.C.?

    What really happened when the sun "went backward" as a sign to Hezekiah?

    What does secular history say about the darkness at the Crucifixion?

In the years 1650-1654, James Ussher set out to write a history of the world from creation to A.D. 70. The result was published in 1658 as the literary classic "The Annals of the World." This famous comprehensive history of the world, originally published in Latin, offers a look at history rarely seen. Ussher traveled throughout Europe, gathering much information from the actual historical documents. Many of these documents are no longer available, having been destroyed since the time of his research.

Integrating biblical history (around 15 percent of the text is from the Bible) with secular sources, Ussher wrote this masterpiece. Considered not only a literary classic, but also an accurate reference, "The Annals of the World" was so highly regarded for its preciseness that the timeline from it was included in the margins of many King James Version Bibles throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

"The Annals of the World" is a necessary addition to any church library, pastor's library, or any library - public or personal. The entire text has been updated from 17th-century English to present-day vernacular in a five-year project commissioned by Master Books. Containing many human-interest stories from the original historical documents collected by Ussher, this is more than just a history book - it's a work of history.

"Annals of the World" Ships FREE today! Read more here!

Special features:

    Includes CD of Ussher's Chronology of the World - full of colored charts, graphs, timelines, and much, much more

    Important literary work that has been inaccessible in book form for over 300 years

    Translated into modern English for the first time

    Traces world history from creation through A.D. 70

    Over 10,000 footnotes from the original text have been updated to references from works in the Loeb Classical Library by Harvard Press

    Over 2,500 citations from the Bible and the Apocrypha

    Ussher's original citations have been checked against the latest textual scholarship

    One of history's most famous and well-respected historians

    Spent over five years researching and writing this book

    Entered college at age 13

    Received his master's degree at age 18

    Was an expert in Semitic languages

    Buried in Westminster Abbey

About the book:

    Made of the highest quality material: Smyth sewn, gold-gilded edges, foil embossing on front, back, and spine

    Cover presented in the style of classic literary works

    Packaged in a beautiful box for display purposes and durability

    8 appendixes

    Fully indexed

    Paragraphs numbered

    Chronological presentation of material

This is one of the most important literary, historical and Christian works you'll ever own, a treasure for any home library. It's a must for your homeschool library.

For generations, this classic work was considered part of the essential reading for educated people. Now you can read it - in English.

As a very special added bonus, when you purchase "The Annals of the World" from the WND Superstore, you can also receive - FREE - three issues of our acclaimed monthly Whistleblower magazine, which many have called the best news magazine in the world. That's a $22.50 free value! (Offer good in the U.S. only.) Watch for the free offer during checkout.

Order your copy of James Ussher's extraordinary "Annals of the World" in softcover or hardcover from the WND Superstore.

The perfect companion to "Annals" is this one - "Adams Chart of History."

This well-known illustrated timeline of earth history was first published in 1871. A vintage reproduction of that acclaimed timeline, this well-known illustrated timeline of earth history was first published in 1871. "Adams Chart of History" is an amazing 27 1/2 inches tall, and the foldout chart features detailed, full-color drawings of various stages of history, from Adam and Eve to the late 19th century. There is handwritten commentary throughout.

Perfect for educational settings or Sunday school walls, it includes the explanatory booklet that was originally published with the chart. The chart follows James Ussher's timeline from "The Annals of the World," the inspiration for Adams' monumental work.

It includes:
  • 5,882 years of historic time represented in this map.
  • 3,607 years of Bible history.
  • Rulers, their years in power, date of accession, and when they were succeeded; the rise, fall, and division of nations, and much more.
  • Intricate symbols, such as the 10 red crosses on the purple Roman empire, which represent the "10 persecutions" of the Christians.
  • Hundreds of beautiful illustrations with explanations throughout the chart - there truly is no other chart quite like this.

Like "Annals," there is a softcover version of this book at lower price.
Social Architecture a Key Role in Recruitment &
Retention; Industry Leader Gives Tips

A record 33 percent of 25- to 29-year-olds hold bachelor's degrees, up from 17 percent in 1971. Today's high school graduates know that a college degree means earning power so, despite the rising expense of post-secondary school, the business of higher education is more competitive than ever, says industry-leading social architect and entrepreneur David Porter.

An often-overlooked component in the coveted "three Rs" - Recruitment, Retention and Alumni Relations - is the dining hall and student meal plans, he says.

"During the mid 1990s, campuses throughout the country were dealing with widespread disenchantment with their aging dining facilities and stale menus, so many paid food contractors to take over management. That was a big mistake," says Porter, who designs dining programs and dining halls at colleges throughout North America. He shares tips for keeping students on campus, where they're more likely to bond with each and their schools, in "The Porter Principles: Retain & Recruit Students & Alumni, Save Millions on Dining and Stop Letting Food Service Contractors Eat Your Lunch" (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com).

"For most universities that contract out, the foodservice provider that controls tens of millions of dollars in purchases for the school is also its sole source of guidance on student dining. No matter how you slice it, there is a blatant conflict of interest here."

Porter, who has worked with the University of Georgia, University of New Hampshire, Ferris State University, George Mason University and the University of Richmond, among others, identifies three areas schools should focus on in their meal program and facilities:

• Do they make students want to eat on campus? Social architecture is the conscious design of an environment to encourage social behaviors that lead toward a goal. In this case, the goal is solidifying students' connections to one another and commitment to their school by drawing them together in a leisurely way at least once a day. Gathering together and socializing over meals on a regular basis helps students develop relationships that increase the odds they'll stay in school, and that they'll be active alumni after graduation. Students who live and dine on campus tend to have higher GPA's and are more likely to graduate.

• What do prospective students see? When giving tours to prospective students and their families, is the dining hall a destination, and if so, is it one to be proud of? The kitchen is a non-negotiable element in creating a home. If a future student sees the dining hall as an uninviting ghost town with drab food, then he or she will feel less inclined to live on campus, and may even seek another school simply for its more accommodating campus.

• Are good meals available when students want them? Parents and students both know what time young people tend to get up in the morning and how late they go to bed. Many classes extend well into the evening and lots of students avoid early morning classes. Meals need to be available well beyond the outdated 9-to-5 time frame. Trying to accomplish that by including off-campus restaurant deals in the meal plan, or having too many locations available on campus, will be counter-productive. That decentralizes the dining experience.

About David Porter

David Porter, FCSI, is chief executive officer and president of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., a foodservice master planning and design firm based in Crofton, Maryland. David has more than 40 years of hands-on food service operations and consulting experience and is a professional member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International. Porter Khouw Consulting has worked with more than 350 clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans, master plans and designs for the college and university market. Porter is a graduate of the prestigious hospitality program at Michigan State University and has been recognized repeatedly as a leader in his field.


ST. PETER, Minn. (June 12, 2013) - The Spring Semester Dean's List at Gustavus Adolphus College has been released. The list comprises students who have earned a 3.7 grade point average (based on a scale in which 4.0 = A) or higher for the semester ending in May 2013.

Carla DeWit of Bettendorf was named to the Dean's List at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college in St. Peter, Minn., that prepares 2,500 undergraduates for lives of leadership, service, and lifelong learning. The oldest Lutheran college in Minnesota, Gustavus was founded in 1862 by Swedish immigrants and named for Swedish King Gustav II Adolf. At Gustavus, students receive personal attention in small-sized classes and engage in collaborative research with their professors. Fully accredited and known for its strong science, writing, music, athletics, study-abroad, and service-learning programs, Gustavus hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and is internationally recognized for its annual Nobel Conference.

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FAYETTE, IA (06/13/2013)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University names its 2013 Spring Dean's List. To be honored, the undergraduate must have earned a minimum 3.50 GPA for the semester and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Shaun Eberhart, of Charlotte, IA

Haylie Franklin, of Muscatine, IA

Stephanie Ries, of Clinton, IA

Amanda Smith, of Moline, IL

Colbey Vance, of Port Byron, IL

Bridget Barrette, of DeWitt, IA

Shawn Cotton, of LeClaire, IA

David Green, of Bettendorf, IA

Jann Hebrank, of Park View, IA

Shelley Koritz, of Erie, IL

William Stellmach, of Davenport, IA

Christian Wirth, of Bettendorf, IA

Ericka Carpenter, of Wheatland, IA

Pamela Frost, of Delmar, IA

Warren Ewoldt, of Long Grove, IA

Robert Haxton, of Eldridge, IA

Kimberly Johnson, of Port Byron, IL

Tiffany Jones, of Davenport, IA

Austin Kean, of Davenport, IA

Alyssa Lenning, of Davenport, IA

Celia Porth, of DeWitt, IA

Annulka Shipp, of Bettendorf, IA

Amanda Shreve, of Davenport, IA

Kathryn Troendle, of Bettendorf, IA

Richard Troendle, of Bettendorf, IA

James Yackley, of Devenport, IA

Leann Zinn, of Davenport, IA

Travis Zurcher, of Moline, IL

For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to about 6,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

# # #

County Contests Kick Off June 15th

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - June 13, 2013 - The sweet smell of barbeque and smoked meat will soon be wafting in the air when the state's best grillers gather to compete in the 50th annual Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest on August 13 during the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

The championship pursuit begins in June when county Farm Bureaus host local contests to determine winners in several categories of outdoor cooking. Interested grillers and attendees should contact their county Farm Bureau office for more details and information on rules and local contests.

Local finalists from around the state will compete at the state fair for the coveted 2013 Cookout Contest Championship and cash prizes.  A gas grill, donated by Iowa Propane Gas Association (valued at $1,000), will be given to the winner in the youth category.

"Iowans take their grilling seriously and every year contestants from around the state look forward to showcasing their skills at our annual state cookout contest," said Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Coordinator Denny Harding.  "It's a great way for grillers to demonstrate their creativity while preparing high-quality meats produced here in Iowa."

Contestants will compete in six categories: beef, pork, lamb, poultry, turkey, and combo/specialty.  Entries in the beef category will be limited to chuck or round primal cuts, including ground chuck or ground round.  Combo recipes combine two or more meats from the five other categories.  Specialty recipes may feature venison or any other Iowa domestically raised product.  All wild game is excluded.  Dishes will be judged on taste, appearance, and originality.  Special recognition will go to contestants in showmanship, youth and team cooking categories.  Youth grillers must be between the ages of 13 and 18 years, as of August 1, 2013.  Farm Bureau or affiliated company employees are not eligible to compete.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to helping farm families prosper and improve their quality of life.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve economic growth, educational improvement, and environmental quality in their communities.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

Signs 'discharge petition' to force vote

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today joined fellow lawmakers to take action that would force House leadership to bring up legislation to prevent student loan rates from doubling.  Student loan interest rates are currently 3.4 percent, but are set to double to 6.8 percent on July 1st.  If Congress does not act, the average borrower's debt would increase by $1,000. This action builds on Loebsack's call to House and Senate leaders to come together and bring up a bill for a vote that can be passed by both Chambers and signed into law.  As the only member of the Iowa delegation to serve on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Loebsack, a cosponsor of the Student Loan Relief Act of 2013 (H.R. 1595), has helped lead the fight to ensure students do not see a raise in interest rates.

"With tuition rising rapidly and far too many Iowans struggling to make ends meet, middle-class families are finding it more and more difficult to pay for college." wrote Loebsack.  "Time is running out for us to get this done for our students and the future success of our economy.  I strongly urge you to work together to find a solution that will prevent this $1,000 increase on students come July 1st."

As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Loebsack has championed numerous pieces of legislation to increase access to higher education, including:

·         College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) Loebsack helped craft and pass this legislation, which makes college more affordable and accessible for all Iowans by increasing the maximum Pell Grant scholarship and expanding eligibility;

·         Year Round Pell Grants Loebsack authored a provision that created year-round Pell grants in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which was signed into law in 2008.  However, the year-round Pell grant was unfortunately eliminated in 2011.  In response to the ongoing need for more flexibility, Loebsack partnered with Rep. Cheri Bustos (IL-17) to introduce legislation which would reinstate the flexibility that was provided by Loebsack's provision in 2008.

·         Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act Loebsack was a cosponsor of this bill, which will save American taxpayers $61 billion by making the student loan process more efficient.  The bill further expanded the maximum Pell Grant available from $5,550 in 2010 to $5,975 in 2017, granting Iowa students more than $291 million for higher education. This bill was the largest single investment in student aid in America's history, and will make college more accessible, transform the way student loan programs operate and strengthens community colleges.

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Some of these players may be playing for the Quad Cities River Bandits in the very near future. - Ed.

Club has signed 13 of 40 selections from 2013 MLB Draft

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros announced today the signing of nine selections from the 2013 MLB First Year Player Draft: 2B Tony Kemp (5th round), CF Jason Martin (8th round), SS Thomas Lindauer (23rd round), LHP Albert Minnis (25th round), RHP William Chrismon (26th round), RHP Pat Christensen (27th round), LHP Randall Fant (29th round), RHP Zachary Morton (32nd round) and RHP Tyler Brunnemann (40th round). Contract terms were not disclosed. The announcement was made by Astros Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Elias.

Kemp, 21, becomes the Astros highest selection to sign since last weekend's draft. A second baseman out of Vanderbilt, Kemp was this year's SEC Player of the Year after leading the SEC in batting average, on-base percentage, runs and stolen bases. He was also a first-team All-American and finished his season ranking second in the NCAA in hits and 13th in batting average. Kemp was signed by Astros Area Scout Nick Venuto.

"Tony has been the spark atop the Vanderbilt lineup the past few years and we are thrilled to add him to the Astros organization," said Elias. "He has been a success everywhere he has played and brings energy, game-changing speed and defensive versatility to the field every day. He has excited our scouts all year and we expect Astros fans will feel the same when they see him play."

Martin, 17, is the first high school player to sign with Houston. He played last year at Orange Lutheran HS in California and was named a Rawlings Third Team All-American and to the California All-Region First Team. Martin was signed by Astros Area Scout Brad Budzinski.

"Jason has what we call a 'strong profile' for a center fielder - he's fast, he's a left-handed hitter, he works good at-bats and he can hit - all ingredients to develop into a prototypical leadoff man one day," said Elias. "He impressed our scouting staff this spring with his consistent and energetic play and is only 17 years old, so we are looking forward to watching him grow and advance in our system."

The Astros have signed 13 of their 40 draft picks this season. The players agreeing to terms on contracts are listed below.

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