In his book, "Government Control of News: A Constitutional Challenge," former NBC-TV legal counsel Corydon B. Dunham chronicles the government's censorship of broadcast news. He warns of a pending proposal that could renew television and radio news censorship and increase official control of local news content.

A new Localism, Balance and Diversity Doctrine would authorize the FCC to revise local news to meet government administration views, Dunham says. Since the FCC is now transferring the broadcast spectrum to the internet, it could potentially control internet local news as well.

"Government Control," which includes pages of carefully cited references, began as a study at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian Institute. Dunham did extensive research of records and witnesses to document the effects of the Fairness Doctrineand other television news censorship.

"The government justified the doctrine as a way to investigate and ensure stations aired opposing viewpoints on issues," he says. "But if a complaint was made about a view that had been broadcast, the FCC could order that the view be changed or other views presented."

Failure to comply could result in no license renewal.

In 1987, the FCC revoked the doctrine after the agency and courts found that it deterred news coverage of important issues, imposed censorship, chilled speech and prevented criticism of the administration.

But in 2008, the FCC released a proposed Localism Doctrine to force local TV news to satisfy government's views on localism, balance and diversity. "It has many of the same characteristics of the old Fairness Doctrine," Dunham says.

The new rule would have three presidentially-appointed federal commissioners authorized to change news reports and impose penalties, and an official local board for each station that could override the news judgment of local journalists. These boards would recommend loss of broadcast license for violations.

A special 2011 FCC report concluded the new doctrine would violate the public interest, but it remains pending.

About Corydon B. Dunham

Corydon B. Dunham is a Harvard Law School graduate. His "Government Control of News" study was started at the Smithsonian Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and expanded and developed for the Corydon B. Dunham Fellowship for the First Amendment at Harvard Law School. As an NBC executive from 1965 to 1990, Dunham oversaw legal and government matters and Broadcast Standards. "Government Control of News: A Constitutional Challenge" is available on Amazon.com.

Davenport students take part in phone call with astronauts aboard the International Space Station

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after students from the Davenport School District participated in a telephone call with astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station.  The call was hosted at the Putnam Museum's National Geographic Giant Screen Theater in Davenport.  

 

"I am very proud that our students had such a fantastic opportunity to take what they have learned about in the classroom and interact with those who are experiencing it firsthand.  Iowa is home to some of the most dedicated and brightest students, and I'm grateful that NASA recognized this as well. The folks at the Putnam Museum again demonstrated why they are one of the leading museums for learning and opening our kids' eyes up to the opportunities ahead of them. The chance for our students to engage with NASA astronauts demonstrates the value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning and the opportunities we can embrace to create the jobs of the future right here in Iowa."

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IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - Acclaimed business leader Nina Vaca has been selected as the Keynote Speaker and Special Guest of the 2013 Annual Gala of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC). Vaca serves as Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle; Director at both Kohl's Corporation and Comerica, Inc.; Founding Member of the Startup America Partnership; and Chairman of the Board of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
"Nina Vaca serves as a shining example of how a talented, determined minority individual can play a vital role in the international business community," said Lee Vasquez, Executive Director of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "She is an inspiration to the Hispanic community, and to everyone who believes in the power of diversity. We are truly proud to have Nina as the keynote speaker at our Annual Gala."
The GQCHCC board of directors and staff invites the community to the 2013 Annual Gala, to be held 5:30 pm., Sat., January 26, 2013, at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center,Bettendorf, IA.
The evening is a celebration of the organization's accomplishments, members, and supporters, and will feature entertainment, dinner, an award presentation, a silent auction, and networking opportunities for attendees. Admittance for the event is $60 for non-members, $50 for members, and $35 for students.
An Illustrious Career
 
Nina Vaca founded Pinnacle in 1996 as an information technology services provider to the Fortune 500. Pinnacle provides IT-enabled solutions in the growing area of vendor management via IT Staff Augmentation Services, Professional Staffing and Payrolling services. Under her leadership, Pinnacle has become the fifth fastest growing firm in a $20 billion dollar industry.
In 2005, Nina was featured in Fast Company magazine as one of the Top 25 Women Business Builders in the country. In addition, she has been featured in many other high-profile publications, including Vanidades, Ali, Entrepreneur, Kiplinger, Forbes, Hispanic, KERA CEO Review, and Latino Leaders.
Nina is a recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for Technology and Communications for the Southwest Region. In 2010, she was named one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in America by Latino Leaders. As an international leader, Nina has represented America in numerous transatlantic leadership forums.

The Google "doodles" are the fun versions of the Google logo that you see on the Google homepage throughout the year in celebration of special events and people. Once a year, the company gives K-12 students across the U.S. the chance to display their own Google doodle on www.google.com through the Doodle 4 Google contest.

Google just announced the 2013 Doodle 4 Google contest, with the theme "My Best Day Ever..." This is a chance to give students a blank canvas to exercise their creative imagination and doodle about their best day ever -- be that in the past, present or future. Google is excited to see moments or thoughts that range from very small and personal to broad and far reaching -- maybe even out of this universe.

The stakes are high: in addition to seeing their doodle displayed on Google's homepage in May, the winner will also receive a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for their school. Last year, Google received a record 114,000 submissions.

Students can submit doodles until March 22, and Google will announce a winner from every single state on May 1. Last year's Iowa winner was Alexis Zaugg, from Southdale Elementary School in Cedar Falls, IA.

You can find the full blog post announcing the contest below. More information, including all contest rules, is available at google.com/doodle4google. Please also feel free to use the videos I've included to help your story come to life, and I'm happy to provide images of past years' winning doodles.

Please let me know if you have any questions. We're hoping to get the word out to students across Iowa, so we'd appreciate your help in communicating about the contest.

Davenport, IA, January 25, 2013 - The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS®) BackgroundScreening Credentialing Council (BSCC) announced today that Inquirehire has successfully proved compliance with theBackground Screening Agency Accreditation Program (BSAAP) and will now be formally recognized as BSCC Accredited.

Each year, U.S. employers, organizations and governmental agencies request millions of consumer reports to assistwith critical business decisions involving background screening. Background screening reports, which are categorizedas consumer reports are currently regulated at both the federal and state level. Since its inception, NAPBS has believedthat there is a strong need for a singular cohesive industry standard and therefore created the BSAAP. Governed by astrict professional standard composed of requirements and measurements, the BSAAP is positioned to become a widelyrecognized seal of approval that brings national recognition to background screening organizations (also referred to asConsumer Reporting Agencies). This recognition will stand as the industry "seal" representing a background screeningorganization's commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutionalimprovement.

The NAPBS Background Screening Credentialing Council (BSCC) oversees the application process and is the governingaccreditation body that will ensure the background screening organizations seeking accreditation meet or exceed ameasurable standard of competence. To become accredited, consumer reporting agencies must pass a rigorous onsiteaudit, conducted by an independent auditing firm, of its policies and procedures as they relate to six critical areas:consumer protection, legal compliance, client education, product standards, service standards, and general businesspractices.

Any U.S.-based employment screening organization is eligible to apply for accreditation. A copy of the standard, the policiesand procedures, and measurements is available at www.napbs.com.

About Inquirehire:  Inquirehire is a leading national provider of human resources solutions that include background screening, drug testing,assessment testing, and human resources management systems. Inquirehire solutions are fully integrated and web-basedto help employers manage risk more effectively while reducing cost, saving time, and improving quality throughout theirhiring and overall human resources operations. Inquirehire is a founding member of NAPBS® and Concerned CRAs. Formore information about Inquirehire, visit www.inquirehire.com.

About NAPBS®:  Founded in 2003 as a non-profit trade association, the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS)represents the interests of more than 700 member companies around the world that offer tenant, employment andbackground screening. NAPBS provides relevant programs and training aimed at empowering members to better serveclients and maintain standards of excellence in the background screening industry, and presents a unified voice in thedevelopment of national, state and local regulations. For more information, visit www.napbs.com.

Launches EITC.Illinois.Gov to Help More People Get More of Their Money Back Through Awareness and Preparation Assistance  

CHICAGO - January 25, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by numerous community organizations to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his successful push for major tax relief for working families across Illinois. Governor Quinn fought for and signed legislation in 2012 that doubles the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) over the next two years, which is expected to save working families an extra $105 million a year. The same legislation also benefits all taxpayers by improving the value of the personal exemption by indexing it to inflation. Today's event is part of the governor's effort to drive economic growth and support working families across Illinois.

"Last year I fought to double the tax relief available for working families in Illinois because it is the best way to fight poverty and grow our economy," Governor Quinn said. "But you cannot benefit from this tax relief unless you apply for it. Taxpayers who may be eligible should visit EITC.illinois.gov to learn more and take advantage of tax preparation assistance available."

The governor's efforts last year resulted in the biggest increase in the Illinois EITC since its inception in 2000. It boosted the state EITC from 5 percent of the federal EITC in 2011 to 7.5 percent in 2012. In 2013, it has risen to 10 percent of federal EITC. Almost 2.5 million Illinois residents benefited from the EITC in 2011.

Under the new law, a single mother with one child, earning minimum wage ($12,800 a year), will save $154 on her state income taxes for 2012 ($205 in 2013). A married couple with three children earning $30,000 a year will save $199 on their 2012 state income taxes ($265 in 2013). A married couple with three children and earning just over $50,000 could be eligible for up to $5,891 in state and federal tax relief. For more information about how much money taxpayers could save, visit EITC.Illinois.gov.

The EITC is uniquely pro-growth and pro-family. Available only to workers who are earning income, this tax credit provides incentive to work as well as much-needed tax relief to the lowest-income families. The EITC also generates local economic growth by increasing consumer spending. A 2006 Brookings Institution study found that every dollar a family saves through this tax credit translates into $1.58 of activity in local economies and can help businesses avoid layoffs, hire employees and pave the way for future growth.

How to Benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

To benefit from Illinois' EITC, also known as the Earned Income Credit (EIC), taxpayers must include it on their tax returns. The not-for-profit Center for Economic Progress (CEP) estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of eligible taxpayers did not file for EITC last year.

"At the CEP we're excited to serve thousands of Illinois families who will benefit from the expanded state EITC," said David Marzhal, president of the Center for Economic Progress. "Not only will most of our taxpayers get a bigger state refund, but they'll not pay one cent to get their taxes done by our certified and highly trained volunteers."

To help working families achieve the maximum savings on their taxes, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) partners with the Center for Economic Tax Counseling Project to provide free tax preparation assistance at tax assistance centers across the state. The services are provided free of charge to families making less than $50,000 annually and to individuals with yearly incomes under $25,000. More than 25,000 Illinois taxpayers filed returns through the program in the 2011 tax season, with more than $45 million in state and federal tax refunds returned to clients.

DHS also funds the Tax Assistance Program (TAP) which has nearly 20 locations in Chicago and the suburbs. TAP recruits tax professionals to volunteer to assist low-income families. DHS also works with its clients and those who found jobs and have left DHS programs to educate them about tax preparation programs and ways to ensure they receive the maximum refund on their tax returns.

A list of locations across the state that offer free tax assistance to eligible individuals is attached.

For more information on the Tax Counseling Project, contact the Center for Economic Progress in Chicago at 312-630-0273, or call the toll-free statewide number at888-827-8511. For information on the Tax Assistance Program call 312-409-1555 or 312-409-4318 (Spanish). Details are also available on the DHS website at www.dhs.state.il.usand the Department of Revenue website at www.revenue.state.il.us.

Information about filing federal taxes online can be found at www.irs.gov.

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I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you an exciting opportunity students in the Quad Cities will have this Friday, an opportunity that should make us proud as Iowans. On Friday at noon, students in the Quad Cities will have an opportunity to speak with NASA astronauts who are currently aboard the International Space Station. The event, taking place at Davenport's own Putnam Museum, allows students the chance to engage with two NASA astronauts about life, work, and research while orbiting Earth in the International Space Station. The event will be carried live on NASA TV and can be viewed by visiting http://www.nasa.gov/ntv. I encourage you to tune in and watch as our students make us proud. 

I can't tell you how pleased I am to learn that our students will have such an opportunity. I know Iowa is home to some of the most dedicated and brightest students, and I'm grateful that NASA recognized this as well. As our economy continues to recover, I believe that we must continue to invest in our children and ensure they have the tools to not only compete in our 21st Century global economy, but to lead it. While we must get our economy moving again, I believe we also must ensure we're able to keep it moving for generations to come. The chance for our students to engage with NASA astronauts demonstrates the value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning and the opportunities we can embrace to create the jobs of the future right here in Iowa. 

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

We have a show coming up to the Quad Cities on Feb. 9 at RIBCO.  

The Schwag is a tribute to THE GRATEFUL DEAD. This band was established in 1992 and has performed over 3000 shows in the last 20 years. The Schwag can play over 200 songs by The Grateful Dead and has never played the same show twice. The band features Jimmy Tebeau on bass guitar and vocals who is also a current touring member of THE JERRY GARCIA BAND from San Francisco : www.jgbband.com. More info on The Schwag can be found at : www.theschwag.com

schwag1.jpg
LeClaire is Among the Top 15 "America's Coolest Small Towns 2013"following the first round of voting last fall in the Budget Travel on-line contest, and we can be chosen as the COOLEST!!!!
To Vote Daily, go to: http://www.budgettravel.com/contest/americas-coolest-small-towns-2013,14/ or to the website for Budget Travel. LeClaire IS the Coolest, and We Can Win!! Tell everyone you know everywhere to vote for LeClaire!!!

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS!

Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc. - Dr. Lisa Arndt, 3359 Middle Road - Ste. 1, Bettendorf, IA 52722. www.arndtchiropractic.com Dr. Arndt is a National Board Certified Chiropractor and Registered Nurse, proud of providing "Gentle" chiropractic care for the QC community. Accepting new patients!563-332-2211 

Operation American Made - Darrin Lampman, CEO, PO Box 28, LeClaire, IA 52753. 563-729-1022www.operation-american-made.com Online auction of American made products, benefiting local vendors. 

Conceptual Designs - Michelle Blunk, Owner, 2117 State Street - Ste. 110, Bettendorf, IA 52722.  563-823-6123 www.conceptualdesignsinc.com Conceptual Designs is a full service design firm that specializes in commercial interior design and interior architecture, professionally licensed in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. We excel in providing unique design solutions for not only commercial interiors, but offices, retail spaces and healthcare facilities as well.

It is time again to join or to renew your membership with the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce! Please see the attached form to complete and return with your payment by January 31, 2013. Thank you for your current and past membership, and certainly let us know if you have any questions in regard to your membership or about the Chamber in general. Let's have a Great 2013!  After all - "It is all there....In LeClaire!"

CALENDAR

January 26th - Le Claire Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner -Steventon's -1399 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire.
Hope  you made your reservations!  See you there!

6:00-6:30 pm - Cocktails (Cash Bar)/Silent Auction

6:30 pm - Awards

7:00 pm - Dinner

8:00 pm - Live Auction

6:00-10:00 pm - Music by Keep Off the Grass

January 27th - Beer Tasting! The Faithful Pilot 3:00-5:00p.m. $15 per person. 15 hand crafted beer selections paired with chef's small bites. Book your glass now! 563.289.4156

 

January 28th - Economic Development Meeting (Rescheduled due to holiday January 21st) Great River Financial - 8:00 a.m.

Save the Date

February 1st - First Friday - Downtown LeClaire - 5-8 p.m. Food and Beverage Samples at Mississippi River Distilling Company  www.mrdistilling.com Wine samples at Wide River Winery Serving dips paired with our award winning locally made wines. Recipes available andFREE samples. www.wideriverwinery.com Many restaurants and several shops will be open late!

February 3rd - Family Yoga - Reusable Usables Family Yoga - 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5 per person or $15 for up to four people.  Taught by yoga Jennifer Vondracek, Executive Director of Yoga.  Family Yoga will be held once a month for families with children ages 2 & up.   No experience necessary!  For schedule  for Women's Full Moon Yoga Circle 2013, or with questions, please contact jenniferv@yogag.org or 563-289-3946Reservations are appreciated but not required, via facebook or email. Cost: $8 Donation.Class held at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center Studio 122, 328 N Cody/LeClaire, IA  52753   www.reusableusables.org

February 8th - Reusable Usables NEW Freezer Meal Workshop 6:30 PM.  Let's get together and make enough meals to fill our freezers!  Bring your bags filled with designated "protein" and other groceries. Go home with 10 meals, each feeding a family of 4-6, ready to freeze - just thaw, cook and enjoy!   $73 (includes all Wildtree products, recipes and shipping). Contact Kate Ramsdell ramsdellgirls@yahoo.comwww.mywildtree.com/katewildtree/ (This is an "Adults Only" event.)

 

February 9th - Trivia Night - LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Participants may bring beer, wine, snacks and soda. Water and snacks will also be for sale. Up to eight people per table. $10 per person with a $50 table minimum. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes.Contact Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703 for reservations or information. Don't have enough for a full table? Come anyway and we can put you on a table that needs people!

 

February 14th - Valentine's Day at Crane and Pelican - 3 Course Dinner - $45 per person ($90 per couple) Details and Menu atwww.craneandpelican.com

 

February 14th - Valentine's Day at The Faithful Pilot - 2 seatings - 5:30 and 8:00p.m. $75 per person, 5 courses. 563.289.4156www.faithfulpilot.com

 

February 24th - The Buffalo Bill Museum will Celebrate Buffalo Bill's Birthday! 12 noon to 4 p.m. (closing). Refreshments, free admission, and a "Buffalo Bill & Annie Oakley Look-Alike Contest" for children (Judging at 2pm). Hope to see everyone there! www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com

FYI

Please note - the Chamber has a new email address -leclairechamber@gmail.com

 

The LeClaire Information Center is seeking volunteers to serve as "Ambassadors" introducing visitors to the attractions, shops, neighborhoods, and business opportunities in LeClaire. Training is provided; schedules are flexible. If you want to share the excitement of LeClaire, please consider this opportunity to serve your community. Call 563-289-4242 (ext 1135) or email Cindy Bruhn, Tourism Manager, at Info@VisitLeClaire.com If you would like to share information about events, promotions, news, etc., with Tourism, please send an email to info@visitleclaire.com. Your information will be shared with Shopkeepers, the Chamber and the Tourism Board and will be promoted on Facebook and in monthly emails.

 

Billie Davids' Yellow House Studio is now in the upstairs at the Crane &Pelican! Stop by and meet the artist in person and see her amazing work, and buy a piece of art that will warm your heart & your home.

 

Reusable Usables Women's Full Moon Yoga Circle 2013 For schedule or with questions, please contact jenniferv@yogag.org or call 563-289-3946. Reservations are appreciated but not required via facebook or email. Cost: $8 Donation. Classes held at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center Studio 122, 328 N Cody/LeClaire, IA  52753  www.reusableusables.org

 

Reusable Usables Planet Green After School Classes Planet Green After School Program for ages 5-12. Learn creative and fun ways to respect our planet with hands on eco-friendly art and educational activities based on the Iowa DNR Planet Patrol Series. Thanks to grant funding from Iowa DNR. Ask about our sibling discounts. Pre-register in advance by calling 563-289-3936 or at www.reusableusables.org Planet Green class options and fees: Option #1: Class two times per week - TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $36 per student per month Option #2: Class one time per week - TUESDAYS OR THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $25 per student per month

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Meals for Seniors at the First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire 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.

 

Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center

2013 Trivia Nights:

February 9th - Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship

March 9th - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

April 6th - LeClaire Little League

May 4th - LeClaire Lions

June 8th - Buffalo Bill Museum

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

LeClaire Park Board Special Events Calendar

Spring 2013 - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt ( Hollyhock Park )

Spring 2013 - Cinco de Mayo

May 18, 2013 -French Market Days - Plant exchange, sale benefiting Parks Dept.

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

Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 9-11, 2013 - Tug Fest

October 13, 2013 - Apple Fest

 

 

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.
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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. 11-1262
STATE OF IOWA vs. KAREN SUE HUSTON
No. 11-1967
IN THE MATTER OF TRUST #T-1 OF MARY FAYE TRIMBLE, JUDITH R. CUNNINGHAM, Trustee

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