21 May 2013

May 23rd. 2013 " Wither Moral Courage/Whither Moral Courage?" Joint Paper, ISE

By Narveen Aryaputri

Please bring your thoughts and examples to the continuation of the Institute's joint paper:

 

Below are the concepts on the topic brought up at our joint meeting on May. 16th. 2013: the first draft. Copies of the first draft will be available for attendees.

 

- What icons do we have to inspire morality?

- There are a lot of values in our morality which are planted in a person when they are little.

- A lot of moral courage is lost because of a sense of futility.

- To regain moral courage, we HAVE to have free market again.

- Early 1800s England rid England of regulations and special favors. Since then they progressed steadfastly. Moral courage developed through this self-responsibility fostered by this loss of special favors and deregulation.

- Moral Courage can mean a lot of different things.

- You have to know what morality is.

- Morality gets harder and harder to determine as we get further and further away from daily experience. ( it's presence in daily experience)  example: cloning: gene / stem cells: you cannot feel the morality of these esoteric issues. For esoteric issues you need a scientist.

- Moral courage is intertwined with character.

- Self-interest.

- What is moral courage in one country is different in another.

- The question of bullying: the teaching of moral courage to withstand  aggressive behavior not only at the school level but by institutional entities.

 

Independent Scholars Evenings. 7.00 p.m.

1530 Fifth Avenue, Moline, Illinois 309-762-9202 or 762-8547

Doors open at 6.30 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

Dress code: business casual.

 

Elevators are located through the 16th Street entrance. Please call after 7.00p.m.

The 16th. Street doors are closed after 7.00 p.m. for security reasons.

 

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, LTD is a 501(c)3 at State and Federal level organization under US laws since 1996. Please visit

http://www.qcinstitute.org to see our archives.

 

Available ongoing :

AMERICAN MIDWEST ART: Please visit the Phoenix Art Gallery on the first floor of the building:  specializing in American Midwest Art.

 

Current show is: " Illuminating" the  Art of LISA ANNE DAVIS at the Phoenix and Photography by DARREN MILLER in the Dragon, adjacent to the Phoenix.

 

The jewelry of ELSA ROMERO available at The Artisan Adventure in the corner: the old Fannie May store.

 

Artists showing at the Moline Commercial Club on the 2nd floor and in the

Artisan Adventure are:

 

ANNA ENGELBRECHT:

Midwest scenes: photography, gauche on canvas.

 

EKKEHARD STOEVESAND:

The Mississippi river in our area. Tractors. Oil on canvas. Genre:

German Expressionist Abstract.

 

HUGH LIFSON:

mixed media

 

ROBERT KAMECZURA:

photography, ink and pencil on paper, and giclee.

 

The galleries will be open at 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

 

Contributions may be sent to:

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. 501(c)3 at Sate and Federal Levels since 1996.

1530 Fifth Avenue, Moline, IL

21 May 2013

"Which Vision for America Will Our New College Graduates Embrace?"

By George Nickolas
By Burton Folsom
Charles Kline Professor of History and Management
Hillsdale College
Originally posted May 13, 2013, at BurtFolsom.com.

Students all over the country are graduating from college this month. Two commencement addresses at these graduations are worth noting because they illustrate the two major but very different visions for our country: first is the constitutional vision of limited government, and second is the statist vision that looks to government to solve problems.

Senator Ted Cruz presented the constitutional vision at Hillsdale College last Saturday. Cruz began by noting that most people in history have had very little freedom because they have lived under monarchies. The Founders broke that tradition. They declared independence from England and wrote a Constitution that enshrined the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights, the Founders argued, came from God, not government. Government was instituted to protect those natural rights that God has given every human being.

Cruz argued that the story of America is the story of liberty and prosperity that have flourished under the constitutional protection of limited government. The free market is, Cruz said, that "engine of prosperity." He noted that the U.S. has 4.5% of the world's population but produces 22% of the world's output. And the American influence is even greater in entertainment, science, and the internet.

The freedom given to Americans has meant that many Americans have started poor and ended up rich; and other Americans were born into wealth, but have lost much of it during their lives. Freedom produces a churning effect. But Cruz likes what he called "opportunity conservatism," the notion that public policy should look to ensuring that poor people always have the chance in a free society to work hard and improve their lives. Government often gets in the way of this. Therefore, government needs to be limited to keep it from harming those in society who are most vulnerable.

At Ohio State University, President Obama argued something quite different. He contended that government needs to be large and has done good things when it has been increased in size. To some extent he did a sleight of hand. He often mixed individual achievement and government achievement as though they were the same thing. What is accomplished under "self-government" is not at all the same as what is accomplished under "government." "The Founders left us," the president said, "the power to adapt to changing times. They left us the key to a system of self-government-the tool to do big and important things together that we could not possibly do alone." That included, among other things, the president said, "To stretch railroads and electricity and a highway system across a sprawling continent. To educate our people. . . ."

The Constitution did not provide for government to do "important things together," like building schools, railroads, electricity networks, or highways (except to deliver mail). Government, the Founders believed, should only be in the business of protecting liberty through national defense, the enforcement of contracts, and free elections. Private citizens invented and built railroads and discovered how to use electricity. Schools and highways were private or state functions. The federal government was given the power of protection, not the power of action within the economy.

In President Obama's example of railroads stretching across the country, many people in the 1850s wanted those railroads to be entirely private. It was not a group effort of doing "important things together." When some politicians proposed a federally built railroad across the country, southern states strongly opposed the idea. Only when they left the Union could Congress find the votes to build the road. The resulting Union Pacific Railroad proved to be an expensive disaster, and then it went broke. However, James J. Hill built the privately-constructed Great Northern Railroad with no federal subsidies; it never went broke and was built exceptionally well.

The president also used the example of education as an achievement of government. A key point here is that many politicians early in our history wanted to fund a national university, another "let's do important things together" moment, but Congress would not pass the bill to set up the university because the Constitution did not allow it. "Self-government" never meant an intrusive government. Also, when we look at public or "government" education today, we often see the wisdom of our Founders in keeping it private.

If the United States is to continue as a beacon of liberty and a fount of prosperity, Senator Cruz argued the U.S. must have limited government. People inventing, creating, and helping other people is a better recipe for success than exchanging our freedom for bigger government, and then asking that bigger government "do big and important things together" that the Founders never intended it to do.
Burton Folsom is Charles Kline professor of history and management at Hillsdale College.  He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, and he is the author of seven books, including The Myth of the Robber Barons, and New Deal or Raw Deal? His most recent book is FDR Goes to War, which he co-authored with his wife Anita.
21 May 2013

Spring / Summer Master Classes.

By Kim Furness
This season the Curtainbox will be offering two acting master classes, each appropriate for all levels of acting experience. In each class the student will learn how to analyze the written material to build a compelling performance. We will discuss and practice creating a character, defining relationships, determining specific intentions, and making bold, yet appropriate choices which will all lead to a strong and effective performance.

Monologue and Song Performance Class

Tuesday, May 28th from 6pm-9pm

The novice actor should come prepared to learn. We will provide you with a short monologue on the day of the class.
The actor with experience or who has taken class before should bring in a memorized monologue or song. The material should not exceed 2 minutes and 29 seconds. If the student chooses to bring a song, he/she must provide either a CD with the recorded accompaniment or bring in their own method of reproducing the accompaniment. Cuts of songs are appropriate if the full song is too time consuming. Whether preparing a song or monologue the student is encouraged, though not required, to bring in the written version of the material for reference during class.The student may bring one additional monologue or song which will be addressed as time allows.
CLASS FEE: $75.00 / Student

Scene Study

Tuesday, June 11th from 6pm-9pm

The student will be assigned a particular part in a scene well in advance so that the student has sufficient time to memorize the scene before the night of the class. Come prepared to learn and explore along with your classmates and scene partners.
CLASS FEE: $75.00

PLEASE NOTE: If you sign up for both classes you will get a $25.00 discount. Both classes for $125.00 .


To register:  Please call Kim Furness with any questions you may have regarding our upcoming classes. You may register by downloading the registration form and mailing it in with payment.  Or you may reserve a place in the class by phone, however, your place is not secure until payment is received.  Please feel free to call with any questions you may have.  Registration form is attached.

Looking forward to seeing you all in class!!
21 May 2013

Council Meeting Agenda for May 22, 2013

By Tanisha Briley
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City of Davenport, Iowa
Wednesday, May 22, 2013; 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
I. Moment of Silence
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Ald. Meeker
III. Roll Call
IV. Meeting Protocol and Decorum
V. Approval of Minutes of the May 8, 2013 City Council Meeting
VI. City Administrator Update
VII. Report on Committee of the Whole and Standing Committees
VIII. Appointments, Proclamations, Etc.
IX. Presentations
A. Junior Theatre
B. Presentation of Certificates to City by Quad City Riverfront Council
C. Davenport Schools Update
X. Petitions and Communications from Council Members and the Mayor
XI. Individual Approval of Items on the Discussion Agenda
XII. Approval of All Items on the Consent Agenda
**NOTE: These are routine items and will be enacted at the City Council Meeting by one roll call vote without separate discussion unless an item is requested to be removed and considered separately.

Reports on Standing Committees
Community Development Committee
1. Second Consideration of Ordinance to amend City Ordinance 2001-207 which rezoned 37 acres, more or less, for residential development by amending condition number 3 by deleting the restriction on platting (City of Davenport, petitioner Case No. ORD13-02).
2. First consideration of Ordinance for Case No. REZ13-01, being .38 acres, more or less, of real property located at the northeast corner of East 4th and Iowa Streets (402 East 4th Street) from "M-2" Heavy Industrial District to "C-4" Central Business District. The purpose of the rezoning is to allow the conversion of an industrial building to residential units (Y&J Properties LLC, petitioner). [3rd]
3. Resolution approving Case No. F13-07 being the County final plat of Oberbrooeckling Subdivision, located west of 110th Avenue (Y-48 or Buffalo Avenue) and south of 160th Street (W Locust Street) containing 1 residential lot. [Scott County]
Public Safety Committee
1. Second Consideration: Ordinance amending Schedule VII of Chapter 10.96 entitled "No Parking" by adding Pine Street along the east side from Kimberly Road to 46th Street. [Wards 2 and 7]
2. Motion approving beer and liquor license applications:
2A. New license, new owner, temporary permit, temporary outdoor area, location transfer, etc. (as noted): NAME ADDRESS LICENSE WARD
Jimmie O's Saloon 2735 Telegraph Road C Liquor 1
Oldham Enterprises L.L.C. OUTDOOR AREA ONLY
(Sturgis weekend) JUNE 12-15, 2013
(Rolff Street and parking lot)
BBQ and Craft Brew LeClaire Park B Beer 3
Indoor-Outdoor Productions Inc. TEMPORARY PERMIT
(new event) OUTDOOR AREA
JUNE 22 and 23, 2013
Chuck's Tap 1731 West Sixth Street C Liquor 3
White T Corp. OUTDOOR AREA ONLY
(annual golf outing) JUNE 8, 2013
(parking lot only)

Figge Art Museum 225 West Second Street C Liquor 3
Thunder Bay Grille L.L.C. OUTDOOR AREA ONLY
(Project Greenspace fund-raiser) MAY 30, 2013
Rally on the River QC Centennial Park C Liquor 3
Norton Productions L.L.C. TEMPORARY PERMIT
(formerly known as Sturgis and OUTDOOR AREA
Miss. River Motorcycle Rally) JUNE 12-15, 2013
Scott's Shovelhead Shed 220 North Pine Street C Liquor 3
S.S.S., Inc. EXTEND OUTDOOR AREA ONLY
(pre-Sturgis kick-off party) JUNE 7, 2013
(Pine Street)
Rookies Sports Bar 2818 Brady Street C Liquor 5
Rookies Inc. OUTDOOR AREA ONLY
(annual St. Ambrose golf MAY 31 and JUNE 1, 2013
outing)
Hooters 110 East Kimberly Road C Liquor 7
In Hoot L.L.C. EXTEND OUTDOOR AREA ONLY
(annual bikini contest) JUNE 27, 2013
Quad City Air Show Davenport Municipal Airport B Beer 8
Aerial Promotions Inc. TEMPORARY PERMITS
OUTDOOR AREA
JUNE 22-23, 2013
2B. Annual license renewals (with outdoor area renewals as noted): NAME ADDRESS LICENSE WARD
The Meat Market 1629 Washington Street C Liquor 4
Weetbruch Enterprises Inc.
Public Works Committee
1. Resolution awarding the contract and conditionally approving the executed contract for the completed site work in relation to the site preparation of the Modern Woodmen Park Ferris Wheel Project to Valley Construction of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $228,000, CIP Project #10481. [Ward 3]

2. Resolution awarding the contract and conditionally approving the executed contract for the caisson contract in relation to the site preparation of the Modern Woodmen Park Ferris Wheel Project to Steele Construction of Rock Island, IL in the amount of $138,000, CIP Project #10481. [Ward 3]
3. Resolution approving Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to the existing consultant agreement with Veenstra and Kimm, Inc. of Moline, Illinois, in an amount not to exceed $862,950 for the Joint Use Sewer Equalization Basin Wet Weather Treatment Optimization. CIP Project #10564 funded at $1,175,000. [Wards 1, 3, 5 & 6]
4. Resolution levying deficiency assessments for the Eastern Avenue and 67th Street Paving Project, CIP Project #1590. [Ward 8]
Finance Committee
1. Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2013 Operating and Capital Improvement
Budgets. [All Wards]
2. Resolution adopting the Internal Revenue Service mileage rate when reimbursing
employees for use of a personal vehicle. [All Wards]
3. Motion amending the 2007 lease agreement with Davenport Family Homes, Inc. [Ward

4. Resolution supporting the Putnam Museum's Community Attraction & Tourism grant
application to the Vision Iowa Board.
XIII. Other Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions
XIV. Public with Business
PLEASE NOTE: At this time individuals may address the City Council on any matters of City business. This is not an opportunity to discuss issues with the Council members or get information. In accordance with Open Meetings law, the Council can not take action on any complaint or suggestions tonight, and can not respond to any allegations at this time.
Please state your Name and Ward for the record. There is a five (5) minute time limit. Please end your comments promptly.
XV. Reports of City Officials
A. Civil Service Certification Lists
City Council Meeting 5
May 22, 2013
XVI. Executive Session to discuss strategy with counsel in matters involving litigation pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c)
XVII. Adjourn
21 May 2013

Governor Quinn Praises Final Ratification of Best Contract for Taxpayers in Illinois History

By Grant Klinzman

Three-year Agreement Receives Final Union Approval After 15 Month Negotiation

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today praised American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 members' final ratification of a new union contract covering approximately 35,000 state employees. Negotiations took more than 15 months and the agreement received final ratification by AFSCME members in a vote that concluded yesterday. The agreement is part of the governor's agenda to restore fiscal stability to Illinois.

"This contract is a win for every taxpayer in Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "At a time when our state is facing unprecedented fiscal challenges, this contract will save the state $900 million in healthcare costs and help restore fiscal stability to Illinois. I thank the many hard-working public workers who approved this agreement after many months of difficult negotiations. By coming to the table in good faith we were able to find common ground on a fair and responsible contract."

AFSCME announced final ratification of the contract today. The approved agreement will result in $900 million in healthcare savings over the life of the contract. The contract implements a new law requiring retirees to begin paying a modest portion of their health insurance premiums starting July 1. In addition, it includes modest Cost of Living Adjustments at a rate of 0 percent, 2 percent and 2 percent. The contract calls for new hires to start three steps lower, which amounts to about 9 percent less starting salary, which will save taxpayers money for years to come.

As part of the agreement, the union and the administration are seeking approximately $140 million in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 wages from the previous contract that remain an obligation of the state. The legislation is House Bill 212, House Amendment 2. The vote for final ratification comes after an agreement was unable to be implemented regarding pay raise litigation that has been tied up in court.

###


21 May 2013

Davenport Man Sentenced to Thirty Years in Prison After Federal Drug Conviction

By Val Quast
DAVENPORT, IA - On May 17, 2013, Roscoe Chambers, age 41, from Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Stephanie M. Rose to 360 months imprisonment, after a jury found him guilty of two counts of distribution of crack cocaine and one count of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.  Chambers was also ordered to serve eight years of supervised release after release from prison, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.

On June 23, 2012 and June 24, 2012, law enforcement officers conducted two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Chambers in a Davenport, Iowa, parking lot.  On June 23rd, Chambers also expressed interest in purchasing two handguns.  Based on these controlled purchases and other investigations, the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department conducted a search of Chambers' Davenport apartment.  From this apartment, officers seized over 70 additional grams of crack cocaine, cash and other items consistent with drug distribution.  On January 10, 2013, a jury found Chambers guilty of two counts of distribution of crack cocaine and one count of possession with the intent to distribute.  At sentencing, Chambers was found to be a career
offender based on two prior convictions for crimes of violence.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa State Patrol, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Davenport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

#     #     #
21 May 2013

Governor Quinn Requests Federal Disaster Aid for Families and Businesses in 16 Additional Counties

By Brooke Anderson

More Than 800 Homes Damaged by Floods in 16 Counties

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today asked the federal government to add 16 Illinois counties to a recent federal disaster declaration for 11 counties hit by widespread flooding in mid-April. Counties included in today's request are Bureau, Crawford, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford.

"We are continuing to do everything possible to help the families and businesses who are recovering from this historic flood," Governor Quinn said. "I want to thank President Obama for his fast approval of our first request for federal assistance, and I urge quick federal approval of this request so people in these counties can access the critical help they need."

The federal disaster declaration will help people and businesses in the 16 new counties by allowing them to apply for grants and loans to assist with storm-related losses. According to reports from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), more than 800 flood-damaged homes were found in the counties requested today, including 14 homes that were destroyed and 202 with major damage.

On May 10, President Obama approved Governor Quinn's request for a major disaster declaration for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry and Will counties. To date, more than 16,000 applications for assistance have been submitted from those 11 counties.

As more damage assessments are completed, Governor Quinn will request assistance for additional counties. Personnel from IEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and affected communities have documented damage to more than 4,300 homes since April 29.

Governor Quinn will also seek federal assistance to help local governments recoup 75 percent of their eligible flood-related costs. Since May 6, IEMA and FEMA have been meeting with local government officials to document expenses incurred for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of roads, bridges and other public facilities. That information is needed to support a request from the governor.

Governor Quinn declared a total of 49 counties state disaster areas after torrential rains caused widespread flash and river flooding. Those counties include : Adams, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Champaign, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lawrence, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago and Woodford.

###
21 May 2013

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds' public schedule

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released their public schedules for Monday, May 20  - Saturday, May 25, 2013.

 

The following events are open to the press:

 

Monday, May 20, 2013 

 

9 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold administration's weekly press conference

Robert D. Ray Conference Room

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

 

10 a.m. Gov. Branstad participates in Executive Council meeting

Robert D. Ray Conference Room

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

 

11:15 a.m. Gov. Branstad address Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Drake University - Olmsted Center

2507 University Avenue

Des Moines, IA

 

1:15 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs Year of the Veterinarian proclamation

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Small Animal Hospital

Ames, IA

 

5:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds attend Story County Republicans' Reception

Oakwood Road Community Center

2400 Oakwood Road

Ames, IA

 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

 

Note: Gov. Branstad departs for economic development meetings in Minnesota

 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 

 

11:45 a.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds addresses Ankeny Chamber of Commerce luncheon

Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce

21 S. Ankeny Blvd.

Ankeny, IA

 

2 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs American Cancer Society 100th Birthday proclamation

Governor's Formal Office

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

 

2:10 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs National Foster Care Month proclamation

Governor's Formal Office

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

 

2:20 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs American Stroke Month proclamation

Governor's Formal Office

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

 

2:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs Maureen O'Hara Day proclamation

Governor's Formal Office

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

 

2:40 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs Lyme Disease Month proclamation

Governor's Formal Office

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA

 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

 

10:30 a.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds participates in Governor's STEM Advisory Council Executive Committee meeting

Grimes Building - ICN Room

400 E 14th St.

Des Moines, IA

 

6 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds attend Polk County GOP Dinner featuring Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker

Sheraton West Des Moines

1800 50th Street

West Des Moines, IA

 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Note: Gov. Branstad departs for Vicksburg, MS, for rededication of the Iowa Memorial at Vicksburg.

4:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad attends welcome event for Iowans attending Iowa Memorial at Vicksburg Rededication Events

Great Hope Manor

2011 Cherry Street

Vicksburg, MS

 

7 p.m. Gov. Branstad attends the United States Navy Band performance

Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center

3201 Clay Street

Vicksburg, MS

 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

 

7:45 a.m. Gov. Branstad attends welcome breakfast for Iowans attending Iowa Memorial at Vicksburg Rededication Ceremony

Vicksburg Convention Center

1600 Mulberry Street

Vicksburg, MS

 

10 a.m. Gov. Branstad attends Iowa Memorial at Vicksburg Rededication Ceremony and participates in wreath-laying ceremonies

Vicksburg National Military Park

3201Clay Street

Vicksburg, MS

Note: The event will take place by the Iowa State Memorial, which is located on the South Loop at milepost 15.3 of the park tour road.

 

###
20 May 2013

IOWA FARM BUREAU APPLAUDS LEGISLATURE FOR RESTORING RECREATIONAL STATUTE FOR FARMERS, LANDOWNERS

By Andrew Wheeler

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - May 17, 2013 - The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state's largest grassroots farm organization, applauds the passage of HF 649, a measure to protect farmers and landowners who allow visitors onto their farm for recreational purposes. The measure unanimously passed the Iowa House and Senate and is now before Gov. Terry Branstad.

The measure resulted from an Iowa Supreme Court ruling in February which opened farmers and private landowners up to liability if someone was injured while on their land for recreational purposes such as fishing, hunting, and field trips.

"This is a big win for Iowa farmers and all Iowans who want to experience and learn more about life on the farm," said IFBF President Craig Hill. "By restoring this liability protection that farmers have had for four decades, the Legislature took a common sense approach that will be good for all Iowans."

The Iowa Supreme Court ruling stemmed from a field trip an Iowa kindergarten class took to a northeast Iowa dairy farm. A chaperone fell in a barn, claimed the landowner was negligent and sued.

The Iowa Supreme Court imposed a far more narrow interpretation of 'recreational' and liability protection than those that Iowa farmers have had since the 1970's. It said landowners could be protected only if they opened up their land to the general public and if the recreational activity occurred outdoors, not in a barn or shed. It also ruled that landowners lost liability protection if they acted as tour guides on the farm. That had prompted many legal experts to recommend that Iowa farmers severely limit the visitors onto their land or close their farm gates completely.

Hill added, "Not only does HF 649 restore liability protection for previous activities, it also includes educational activities, directs broad interpretation, eliminates public access concerns and removes the peril from the 'tour guide' role of landowners. The unanimous vote is a clear indication that the legislation is a common sense measure that will serve the needs of farmers, landowners and the general public."

-30-

About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online Newsroom page at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

20 May 2013

BANDITS FANS CAN HELP TEAM IN MILB.COM #FOODFIGHT

By Marco LaNave

Modern Woodmen Park's Ridiculously Oversized Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is in national competition

DAVENPORT, Iowa (MAY 17, 2013) - Fans at Modern Woodmen Park can enjoy a unique dining experiences, and now they can share their pride for the River Bandits' ballpark fare by voting for the team's Ridiculously Oversized Pork Tenderloin Sandwich in the first-ever MiLB.com #foodfight.

The Ridiculously Oversized Pork Tenderloin Sandwich - a Burger Cart highlight with six ounces of tenderized pork is served with lettuce, tomato and onions on a giant bun - is one of the 16 Scrumptious Sandwiches in the 64-item field featuring concession items across Minor League Baseball at www.milb.com/foodfight.

"River Bandits fans can choose from a wide array of unique and affordable tastes at Modern Woodmen Park, including the Ridiculously Oversized Pork Tenderloin Sandwich," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "What's even more exciting is that each year fans have more unique options on the ballpark menu, such as the Twinkie Dog, Funnel Dog and foot-long Bacon Corn Dog this season, and we can't wait for fans in the Quad Cities to enjoy more tastes that make up one of the most fantastic ballpark dining experiences in Minor League Baseball."

First-round voting in the contest will continue at www.milb.com/foodfight and on Twitter through Wednesday, May 29. The final round of voting will be Thursday, May 30 through Thursday, June 6. Fans who vote can also enter a sweepstakes in which the winner will travel to the ballpark of the winning concession item. Details are available at www.milb.com/foodfight.

Fans can vote online at www.milb.com/foodfight or on Twitter. To vote, fans can retweet the River Bandits' #foodfight tweets or send their own tweet with #foodfight and either @QCRiverBandits, Quad Cities, River Bandits or Ridiculously Oversized Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. Fans can vote as many times as they choose.

Fans in the Quad Cities can try the Ridiculously Oversized Pork Tenderloin Sandwich during the next River Bandits home stand starting with the 7 p.m. game Friday, May 17, at Modern Woodmen Park.

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