DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2012)(readMedia)-- Top dairies competed for honors in the Brown Swiss Dairy Cattle show judged Saturday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Kruses Swiss Farm of Earlville showed the Grand Champion Female. The Reserve Champion Female belonged to Onword Swiss of Oelwein. The dairy also earned second place in both the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor contests.

Lee-Anns Swiss of DeWitt collected top honors in the Premier Exhibitor and Premier Breeder contests.

The Premier Breeder Award is given to the competitor who earns the most points for animals bred and exhibited by the entrant or others during the day's show. The Premier Exhibitor Award is given to the exhibitor who accumulates the most points based upon the day's placings.

Complete results below (name, hometown and animal identification):

Junior Heifer Calf: March 1 to May 31, 2012

1) Schulte Bros, Watkins, Schulte Bros Big Faith-ET, 3/4/2012, Pending

2) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, Kb Tressel Tea Et, 3/20/2012, 68140071

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Apache Leigh, 3/6/2012, 68141698

4) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Galaxy Callaway, 3/1/2012, 68141690

5) Ficks Swiss, Boyden, Fick Lolly London, 3/26/2012, 68141288

6) Zachary Briggs, Albia, High Point P Clover, 3/7/2012, 68139996

Intermediate Heifer Calf: Dec. 1, 2011 to Feb. 29, 2012

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Joey Sugar, 12/20/2011, 68137482

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Cadillac Wishful, 1/2/2012, 68138359

3) Schulte Bros, Watkins, Schulte Bros Park Ranger-ET, 12/6/2011, Pending

4) Doug Fairbanks, Anamosa, Wapsi-Ana Total Topper, 12/2/2011, 68136701

5) Jo-lane Dairy, Monona, Jo-lane Wonderment Juju, 12/21/2011, 69812262

6) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Cadillac Graffiti, 1/4/2012, 68138360

7) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Dragon Razz, 12/10/2011, 68141917

8) Four-M Swiss, Crawfordsville, Four-M J-Joey, 1/6/2012, 68139691

9) Four-M Swiss, Crawfordsville, Four-M Mo-Jo Jitter, 12/14/2011, 68139690

10) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Dyn Bubbles, 12/11/2011, 68141904

11) Ficks Swiss, Boyden, Fick Cassidy Cindy, 12/21/2011, 6841286

12) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres SP Dollar-ET, 1/10/2012, 68139332

13) Shortys Swiss, Sibley, Shortys Cotton Candy B, 1/5/2012, Johann Pete Rose-ET

14) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt, Royal-Lind Rythm Mix Up, 12/1/2011, 68141747

15) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Dande Supreme Pearl, 1/21/2012, 68142219

16) Darryl Banowetz, Charlotte, Browns Guccis Gotcha, 12/4/2011, 68137799

17) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Wallst Rory, 12/1/2011, 68139759

18) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, Usa Galaxy Tinkerbell, 12/1/2011, 68139959

Senior Heifer Calf: Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2011

1) Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Dargon Villy, 10/22/2011, 68139175

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Cutting Edge Tot Apple-ET, 9/5/2011, 68137267

3) Doug Fairbanks, Anamosa, Wapsi-Ana Total Bam Bam, 9/19/2011, 68136697

4) Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Verdict Vela, 11/2/2011, 68139179

5) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres GX Tulip-ET, 9/7/2011, 68135210

6) Cedar Way Farm, Waverly, Cedar Way W Mint Mischief, 11/3/2011, 68138802

7) Natalie, Mitchell and Wesley Hanson, La Porte City, Viking Valley Alloy Misti, 9/2/2011, 68136338

8) Four-M Swiss, Crawfordsville, Four-M Wonderment Jacie-ET, 10/20/2011, 68136120

9) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Custard, 9/6/2011, 68141915

10) Ficks Swiss, Boyden, Fick Daytona Drama, 9/21/2011, 68136430

11) Jo-lane Dairy, Monona, Jo-lane Wonder Mayflower-ET, 9/30/2011, 69812240

12) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, Scenic Ridge Zeus Maylynn, 9/19/2011, 68139960

12) Darryl Banowetz, Charlotte, Wapsi-Ana Total Fallon, 12/30/2011, 68136695

14) Natalie, Mitchell and Wesley Hanson, La Porte City, Amber Rae Poseidons Sally, 9/25/2011, 68134448

15) Dandee Swiss, Dewitt, Dandee Agenda Flicka, 9/1/2011, 68137578

16) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Blend Tanniversary, 9/1/2011, 68139758

17) Shortys Swiss, Sibley, Shorts Drivers Lana, 10/12/2011, 68138865

Summer Yearling Heifer: June 1 to Aug. 31, 2011

1) Twin-Elms-Vu, Readlyn, Siegerts Stanford Breena, 6/23/2011, 68133262

2) Cedar Way Farm, Waverly, Cedar Way Austin Marvel, 8/3/2011, 68138803

3) Overmann Farm, Earlville, Overmann Victor G Claire, 9/26/2011, 68135006

4) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Pit-Crew Wonder Penelope-ET, 6/2/2011, 68135749

5) Schulte Bros, Watkins, Schulte Bros Park Avenue, 7/5/2011, 68140826

6) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt, Kruses LJ Four M Sandra, 6/4/2011, 68133122

7) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Sun-Made HP Enver Pippa-ET, 6/1/2011, 68132693

8) Canoe Ridge Dairy, Decorah, Hilltop Acres Col Katrina, 6/15/2011, 68135599

9) Ficks Swiss, Boyden, FickCuddles Comfy, 7/5/2011, 68136425

10) Shortys Swiss, Sibley, Shortys Candance Candid, 6/4/2011, 68138424

11) Shortys Swiss, Sibley, Shortys Zeus Paula, 7/18/2011, 68138816

12) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Bestman Richetta, 7/10/2011, 68139760

Junior Yearling Heifer: March 1 to May 31, 2011

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Cutting Edge PS Faith-ET, 3/3/2011, 68152606

2) Arthurcreek Holsteins, Sumner, Arthur Creek Wonder Nelly, 5/15/2011, 68140064

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Wonder Mint Vivid-ET, 3/10/2011, 68131301

4) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Victor Cathy-ET, 4/8/2011, 68131148

5) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres Corina-ET, 3/5/2011, 68130361

6) Blue Skies Swiss and Holsteins, Hillsboro, Four-M James Jewell, 4/20/2011, 68131129

7) Four-M Swiss, Crawfordsville, Four-M Solution Jenna-ET, 3/1/2011, 68129788

8) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt, Cutting Edge T Fancy-ET, 4/28/2011, 68137264

9) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, Top Acres M W Sunny, 3/2/2011, 68130958

10) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Conquest Nanana, 3/11/2011, 68132594

Winter Yearling Heifer: Dec.1, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2011

1) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres Butterscotch, 1/27/2011, 68130357

2) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt, Bck Zip Cara -ET, 12/16/2010, 68139545

3) Ashley Baumler, Fort Atkinson, Onword Austin Vintage, 12/1/2010, 68129181

4) Shortys Swiss, Sibley, Shortys Power Jem, 2/15/2011, 68137571

5) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, Usa Jetway Silverbells, 12/12/2010, 68126592

6) Shortys Swiss, Sibley, Shortys Zeus Roxan, 2/14/2011, 68137572

7) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Dean Grinch, 12/20/2010, 68132596

8) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores P Rose Reath, 12/22/2010, 68132595

Senior Yearling Heifer (Not in Milk): Sept.1 to Nov. 30, 2010

1) James Roth, Milford, Neb., Uhing Vigor Deka, 10/9/2010, 68127513 Tat#699

2) Edgebrook Jerseys, Montour, Edgebrook Zues Ivory, 9/12/2010, 681132419

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, CIE Lee-Anns Total Treat, 10/10/2010, 68127750

4) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres W Gaiety, 9/1/2010, 68125206

5) Ally Bierschenk, Van Horne, Biercrest Wonder Britanny, 9/5/2010

6) Four-M Swiss, Crawfordsville, Four-M Mandel Juice-ET, 10/2/2010, 68128823

7) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, Wapsi-ana Total Future, 9/14/2010, 68126446

8) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, Spring Acres Welcome Price, 9/26/2010, 68126911

9) Natalie, Mitchell and Wesley Hanson, La Porte City, Dandee Agenda Tipsy, 9/5/2010, 68124544

Junior Best Three Females

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt

2) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar

3) Schulte Bros, Watkins

4) Four-M Swiss, Crawfordsville

5) Onword Swiss, Oelwein

6) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth

7) Ficks Swiss, Boyden

8) Shortys Swiss, Sibley

9) DeVore Dairy, Wilton

Junior 2-Year-Old Cow: March 1-Aug. 31, 2010

1) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres Gln Dignity -ET, 5/19/2010, 68125189

2) Ficks Swiss, Boyden, Fick Paris Perfume, 3/9/2010, 68120229

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Tucker Mason, 6/29/2010, 68121724

4) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt, Daveco Premium Solo-ET, 4/30/2010, 68128246

5) Ryan Bousquet, South Sioux City, Neb., Telleen Charles Cecilia, 3/16/2010, 68124557

6) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores P Rose Natasha, 3/15/2010, 68122066

Senior 2-Year-Old Cow: Sept. 1, 2009 to Feb. 28, 2010

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Four-M Firefly, 12/21/2009, 68117645

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Quicksilver Wonder Bently-ET, 12/12/2009, 68118996

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Legacy Callie-ET, 9/19/2009, 68117513

4) Jo-lane Dairy, Monona, Olsons Maghams Vigor Maybe-ET, 9/4/2009, 68114049

5) Ryan Bousquet, South Sioux City, Neb., Lee-Anns Parker Crystal, 12/1/2009, 68117511

6) Jo-lane Dairy, Monona, Long Acres Victor Bliss, 10/15/2009, 68133442

7) Canoe Ridge Dairy, Decorah, Hilltop Acres Danielle, 9/5/2009, 68117196

8) Ficks Swiss, Boyden, Fick Carmel Clover, 2/21/2010, 68120226

Junior 3-Year-Old Cow: March 1 to Aug. 31, 2009

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Victor Kiss-ET, 4/20/2009, 68111769

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Fjel-Mar Legacy Foxxy-ET, 3/1/2009, 68113239

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Griffin Talent, 6/1/2009, 68117497

4) Goodman Dairy Farm, Rose Hill, Oak Forest Mint Jan, 6/3/2009, 68113310

5) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres Jeepers-ET, 3/14/2009, 68112896

Senior 3-Year-Old Cow: Sept. 1, 2008 to Feb. 28, 2009

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Braiden Glitter, 12/3/2008, 68108056

2) Breezy Ridge Dairy, Epworth, Breezy Ridge Vic Candycane-ET, 12/15/2008, 68112614

Cow 4 Years Old: Sept. 1, 2007 to Aug. 31, 2008

1) Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Queen Elizabeth-ET, 2/20/2008, 68102921

2) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Madison Victory, 9/15/2007, 961233

3) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Snow Valley Vigor Priceless, 9/2/2007, 68130539

4) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses River Jamaica-ET, 1/10/2008, 961097

5) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Victor Rena, 7/18/2008, 68111510

6) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, Hilltop Acres Noodle, 10/28/2007, 958960

Cow 5 Years Old: Sept. 1, 2006 to Aug. 31, 2007

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns BellStar Licorice, 6/2/2007, 961237

2) Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Fastrack VI- ET, 10/17/2006, 954971

3) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar, Hilltop Acres EN Della- ET, 6/15/2007, 960659

4) Jo-lane Dairy, Monona, Onword Seattle Visual, 5/21/2007, 954981

5) Uluru Swiss Acres, Clermont, Scenic Ridge Agenda Mayme, 7/12/2007, 960034

Aged Cow: Before Sept. 1, 2006

1) Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Diablo Adeline, 1/4/2006, 948551

2) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, R Kruses Vision Jackie-ET, 3/17/2006, 948865

3) Ficks Swiss, Boyden, Fick Lilly Lizzie, 2/4/2006, 946556

4) Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Victory Volley, 4/28/2006, 948883

5) Jo-lane Dairy, Monona, Onword Denver Vinegarette, 5/21/2005, 939656

6) Ficks Swiss, Boyden, Telleen Keg Jane, 7/27/2006, 952367

7) DeVore Dairy, Wilton, DeVores Hollywd Miliza, 9/30/2003, 931093

Best Three Head

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville

2) Onword Swiss, Oelwein

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt

4) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar

5) Ficks Swiss, Boyden

6) DeVore Dairy, Wilton

Best Four Head

1) Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville

2) Onword Swiss, Oelwein

3) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt

4) Hilltop Acres Farm, Calmar

5) Ficks Swiss, Boyden

6) Jo-lane Dairy, Monona

7) DeVore Dairy, Wilton

8) Dandee Swiss, DeWitt

Junior Champion Female: Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Joey Sugar, 12/21/2011, 6841286

Reserve Junior Champion Female: Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Cutting Edge PS Faith-ET, 3/5/2011, 68130361

Intermediate Champion Female: Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Four-M Firefly, 12/21/2009, 68117645

Reserve Intermediate Champion Female: Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt, Lee-Anns Braiden Glitter, 12/3/2008, 6810856

Senior Champion Female: Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Diablo Adeline, 1/4/2006, 948551

Reserve Senior Champion Female: Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Queen Elizabeth, 2/20/2008, 68102921

Grand Champion Female: Kruses Swiss Farm, Earlville, Kruses Four-M Firefly, 12/21/2009, 68117645

Reserve Grand Champion Female: Onword Swiss, Oelwein, Onword Diablo Adeline, 1/4/2006, 948551

Premier Exhibitor

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt

2) Onword Swiss, Oelwein

Premier Breeder

1) Lee-Anns Swiss, DeWitt

2) Onword Swiss, Oelwein

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

(Des Moines, IA) - A new company was registered in the state of Iowa this past spring: Modern American Cinema, LLC. Iowa film maker, Kristian Day, opened up his own film distribution company in Des Moines after building a network of movie theaters from the successful theatrical release of his documentary Capone's Whiskey: The Story of Templeton Rye.

Iowa film maker, Kristian Day, self released his documentary film Capone's Whiskey: The Story of Templeton Rye to over forty theaters in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The majority of these theaters were independently or community owned businesses. Audiences flooded in into the single screen theaters in towns such as Vinton, Marshalltown, and Denison. Highlighted screenings included sold out shows in Marshalltown, Iowa City, and an oversold show in Vinton at the Palace Theater. The movie even outsold the major studio film, Battleship, on a weekend run at the Starlight Cinema in Independence, Iowa. To help build more interest to a potential audience, Day travelled to several towns across the state of Iowa to meet the theater owners and their local audience.

"There was a lot of financial and time investment made," Day says, "but it was worth it to figure out who your audience really is, major studios don't do that."

The company has recently acquired the North American distribution rights of two films, one from Iowa film maker Joe Clarke called Kung Fu Graffiti, a kid's action/comedy movie inspired by the 1960's Bruce Lee films. The other from Los Angeles film maker Shane Ryan entitled My Name is A (by anonymous), a midnight movie for the art house scene. All films will be released theatrically on the new Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences approved digital format. After a film's initial theatrical run, which lasts from six months to a year, it will be released via Video On Demand (Netflix, HuluPlus, Amazon Video On Demand). A DVD release will be considered based on the film's overall performance in the previous formats. Day is currently in production of his newest documentary, Is This Heaven?, the story of an ex-skinhead turned civil rights activist who is on spiritual journey through Iowa to find his faith. The film features Frank Meeink, author of the book Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead.

"Its a fresh start and an opportunity to release independent films to a larger audience," adds Day, "the price major studios are asking for from theaters is getting very high which leaves the small town theaters in a tough position."

The theater market for Modern American Cinema is very large. The company wants to work with not only independent movie houses, but also college/student run theaters, minicines, museums, and other public spaces to show films. Film makers are also welcome to submit their features, shorts, and documentaries for distribution.

Day, 26, a native of Rock Island, Ill., went to high school in Cedar Rapids and attended the University of Colorado at Denver in the Music Industry Studies program. In 2008, Day began directing and producing his own movies. His short films have played all over the world including Austria, Greece, Cuba and Italy. His films have also been screened at various festivals in cities across the United States including Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

For more information visit:  www.modernamericancinema.com

 

Freedom Salute Planned Aug. 18 for Specialized Group Who Helped Improve Afghan Farming

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/15/2012)(readMedia)-- Approximately 60 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers will be recognized Aug. 18 by the National Guard Bureau Freedom Salute Campaign for their sacrifice and service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony for 1st Team of the 14th Agribusiness Development Team (1-14th ADT) will be at 2 p.m.at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 South Sixth Street in Springfield.

"With Illinois producing more than $9 billion in agricultural commodities each year, there are no people in the world that know the business of agricultural like our Illinois farmers," said Gov. Pat Quinn. "I'm proud that this group of Illinois farmers donned their military uniforms and put their civilian skills to use in our nation's defense. The knowledge they passed on to Afghans will help a fledgling democracy secure a viable and peaceful future for its citizens and will help cap the discord that leads to disillusionment and terrorism."

Mobilized in April 2011, the ADT deployed for one year to conduct agricultural support operations in Afghanistan that revitalized and established a strong, growing and sustainable agricultural industry. The team provided basic agricultural needs and services working alongside the Afghan government agriculture agencies. They also taught and trained Afghan Extension Agents and farmers.

"When the Illinois National Guard sends men and women to war, we are sending the most motivated and the best trained and best equipped troops in the world," said Maj. Gen. Dennis L. Celletti, the Acting Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "This was certainly true of the 1-14th Agribusiness Development Team, where both their military and civilian skills were put to the test."

The team improved irrigation to more than 4,100 hectares of farmland. They also developed a functional Agricultural Extension Agent Program and hosted 34 training events. The ADT modernized Afghan farming techniques.

The ADT conducted 240 convoys, facilitated 5,145 farmer training days, trained 2,960 famers through Agriculture Extension Agents and assisted with forestry projects resulting in more than 60,000 seedlings being planted.

The ADT received the Meritorious Unit Citation and Valorous Unit citation. Thirteen Soldiers received a Bronze Star Medal, one Soldier received a Purple Heart Medal, 45 Soldiers were recognized with Army Commendation Medals and 58 Soldiers qualified for the Combat Action Badge.

The Soldiers are from all parts of Illinois. Many of them were specifically chosen for the mission based on their education and civilian background in agriculture.

Agriculture in Afghanistan accounts for 31 percent of the Afghan Gross Domestic Product and employs 78 percent of the over 30 million people in the country. National Guard ADTs work to improve the function of Afghan governmental agencies that are needed to sustain a viable agriculture sector and to educate and train Afghan farmers in modern agricultural methods and techniques. The changes will improve the quality of life and provide economic stability in the region.

The Freedom Salute Campaign program is a small way to show these patriotic citizen-Soldiers, their families and employers how much their sacrifice is appreciated. On behalf of the National Guard Bureau, the Illinois Army National Guard will present each eligible Soldier with an encased American flag, as well as a sequentially-numbered commemorative coin, certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Families will also receive items recognizing their support and sacrifice. The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge Army National Guard Soldiers and those who supported them while deployed.

News media attending the ceremony should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. Media attending the event are asked to contact the Public Affairs office at 217-761-3569 by 3 p.m. on Aug. 15. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569.

DAVENPORT, IA - On August 15, 2012, Bernard Anderson, Sr., age 47, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, having previously pleaded guilty to all counts of a four-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute crack, distribution of crack, and possession with intent to distribute crack, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Senior United States District Judge Robert W. Pratt also sentenced Anderson to 5 years supervised release following imprisonment and ordered him to pay $400 to the Crime Victims Fund.

On October 24, 2011, when Anderson pleaded guilty, he admitted that he had conspired with other persons to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine. He further admitted that he distributed crack in Davenport on April 23 and again on April 24, 2011. On April 24, 2011, members of the Davenport, Iowa Vice and Narcotics Unit executed a search at a residence used by Anderson and recovered 25 packages of crack ready for distribution.

The case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, and it was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

# # #
DAVENPORT, IA - On August 15, 2012, Amanda Diener, age 37, of Bettendorf, Iowa, was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment, having previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit a child, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Senior United States District Judge Robert W. Pratt also sentenced Diener to 15 years supervised release following imprisonment and ordered her to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Fund.

On October 24, 2011, when she entered a plea of guilty, Diener admitted that she met a man on-line who identified himself as Gary King from Massachusetts. After conversing for months, King, who was later identified as Hobart Yates, asked to chat with a minor female to whom Diener had access. During on-line chats, Yates asked Diener to have the minor female perform sexual acts with her, photograph them, and send the images to him. Deiner complied and produced images of child pornography and sent them to Yates. Diener and Yates admitted that Deiner had performed sex acts on a live webcam in Bettendorf, Iowa, that were seen by Yates in Massachusetts.

The case was investigated by the Bettendorf, Iowa, Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and it was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

# # #

SPRINGFIELD - August 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 4022

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Includes Class II rail carriers in the requirement that a counseling or trauma program be filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and be updated every three years.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5212

An Act Concerning: Wages

Requires public bodies or other entities to Illinois Department of Labor revises the prevailing hourly wage rate applicable to the contract.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3279

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Adds additional protections for consumers and licensed roofing contractors by making changes to the roofing licensing and permitting process.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3792

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Extends the timeframe for obtaining a mechanics lien under the Mechanics Lien Act in connection with any type of property other than residential property.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

###
Offers Tips for Raising Kids to Succeed

Welfare may seem like a charitable measure for struggling families. But it's a self-perpetuating trap when it becomes the only way of life parents know how to teach their children, who then know nothing else to teach their own children, says Virgil Brannon, founder of the non-profit I Am Vision Inc.

"Living on entitlements becomes a way of life for recipients when it's handed down from one generation to the next because the family loses any tools it might have once had to forge a life based on self-discipline, achievement and challenging," says Brannon, author of Democratic Coma (www.DemocraticComa.com).

"It's no different from the child who grow up being given material thing he wants, along with excessive praise that's not deserved. One child may be from a poor family and the other from an affluent family, but both are at risk for growing up without the skills necessary for success."

Brannon's non-profit organization mentors disadvantaged children, helping them develop the values, understanding and knowledge they need to be motivated and equipped to succeed. He has found that coaching children to manage their lives as they would a business helps them not only develop good habits and skills, it also teaches them some essential business lessons:

•  Your life is your business: Our business is how we act, speak, the way we dress, how we treat ourselves and how we treat others. Like any other business, it is expected to grow and prosper and to do that, we must invest in it. Part of that is feeding the mind with the information needed to make good choices.

•  The people you meet and the friends you make are your clientele: Treat all people with the respect you would any customer or potential customer. Our relationships can elevate us if people feel their treated fairly, honestly and with respect.

•  The more you provide or produce, the more you advance: Business involves providing a service or product. Business people do not care about excuses; they care about what you have to offer them. It doesn't matter where you come from or what color you are, if you have something they need - and a reputation for integrity -- they will come to you for it.

• Your appearance means everything: You must look the part to get the part. The secret is to look as though you already have it to obtain what you want.

Parents should teach their children to be business-like and to think like a professional, Brannon says.

"That includes giving them the best education possible, including learning at home about history, civic duty and different cultures," Brannon says. "In business, people are expected to display good manners and to communicate with others, from a firm handshake to looking others in the eye and speaking clearly and correctly.

"That is the most important investment we can make."

About Virgil Brannon

Virgil Brannon is a private investigator and the founder of I Am Vision Inc., a non-profit program that embraces and empowers youth with academic and leadership challenges. His goal is to promote the personal growth of socio-economically disadvantaged youth and their families by encouraging their dreams and providing members with a roadmap for success. Brannon attended Shepherd's Care Bible College and received his master's and doctoral degrees in ministry religious counseling.



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Attacks by radical Islamist Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters yesterday are a stark reminder that our troops are fighting terrorists who are truly deranged and care nothing for the lives of innocents.

In the deadliest day of attacks this year, insurgents and terrorists killed at least 38 innocent people and injured over 100 others civilians.

Our troops are fighting an enemy who will stop at nothing to accomplish their goals, spread their radical view of Islam around the world and destroy our country and our way of life that they despise so much.

But our troops are standing in their way! Send a care package of support to our brave troops serving overseas and help put a stop to the terrorists and their plots to kill Americans and our allies.

Islamist suicide bombers targeted markets crowded with Ramadan shoppers and a major provincial hospital in Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing at least 38 people and wounding close to 100.

The bloodshed underscored a surge in fighting ahead of a withdrawal by most Western combat troops and handover to Afghan forces winding up in 2014. NATO-led forces have been struggling to eliminate Taliban insurgent bastions, especially in the east.

Suicide bombings in markets in the southwest province of Nimroz killed at least 28 people - 18 of them civilians and three policemen - and wounded over 70, police said, in the deadliest day of violence in the normally peaceful region since 2001.

Women and children and at least three members of the Afghan security forces were among the dead in Zaranj, the capital of the largely rural province, which lies on Afghanistan's western border with Iran.


Another bomber blew himself up in front of Zaranj hospital, while two others detonated explosive vests in other areas of the city, killing mostly civilians, President Hamid Karzai's office said in a statement.

The toll in Zaranj was expected to rise, provincial governor Abdul Karim Barahawi said. "The attackers blew themselves up in crowded markets to target civilians. There was no government installation nearby," Barahawi said.

Another 10 civilians were killed and 28 injured when a bomb went off in a bazaar in Dashte Archi district in the northern province of Kunduz, district Governor Sheikh Sadruddin said.

- Reuters
08/14/2012

CHICAGO -SAM I Am Films, producers of "Scrooge & Marley," a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens' classic holiday story, "A Christmas Carol," has announced that acclaimed Tony Award-winning actress Judith Light will be the film's narrator.

The film's Indiegogo campaign ends Aug. 15. The trailer is posted here: http://igg.me/p/124360?a=396864 .

"We are delighted to have Judith Light as our narrator," said Richard Knight, Jr., co-director and co-writer of the film. "She is both a wonderful actress with an instantly recognizable voice as well as a longtime advocate for gay rights and a big supporter of human rights for all. We could not be more thrilled that she is joining our Scrooge & Marley family."

Light was awarded the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for Other Desert Cities. She also won a Drama Desk Award for "Best Featured Actress" for the same play. She is well known for her role as Angela Bower on the hit comedy series Who's the Boss? Up until 2010, she was seen on the Emmy Award-winning ABC-TV series Ugly Betty, for which she received an Emmy nomination playing the character of Claire Meade. Simultaneously, she co-starred on NBC's long-running drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the recurring role of Supreme Court Judge Elizabeth Donnelly.

Scrooge & Marley will be released in December. Acclaimed out actor David Pevsner portrays Ben Scrooge while former SNL star Tim Kazurinsky appears as the Ghost of Jacob Marley. The film also stars Rusty Schwimmer, Bruce Vilanch, Megan Cavanagh, Ronnie Kroell, David Moretti, Richard Ganoung, and performance artist JoJo Baby.

"Scrooge & Marley" was shot in Chicago in May and also highlights a host of recognized theatrical actors who round out the cast: Drew Anderson, Christopher Allen, Nicholas Bailey, Allison Torem, Fawzia Mirza, Peter Mohawk, Scott Duff, PJ Powers, Amy Matheny and many more.

ABOUT JUDITH LIGHT

In June of 2012, Judith Light was awarded the prestigious Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for Other Desert Cities. She also won a Drama Desk Award for "Best Featured Actress" for the same play. Produced by Jon Robin Baitz, Other Desert Cities is centered on a daughter played by Rachel Griffiths who presents her family with a memoir she is about to publish. Judith played the role of Silda Grauman, the alcoholic aunt who is known to make snide remarks.

Judith was nominated for a Tony Award for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play" in 2011, for her performance in "Lombardi", the American play by Academy Award winner Eric Simpson. Directed by Tony nominee Thomas Kail, the play was based on the best-selling biography When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer-winning author David Maraniss. Judith stared in the play as Marie Lombardi alongside Dan Lauria who played sports icon Vince Lombardi.

Judith's television career began with her two-time Best Actress Emmy award-winning turn as Karen Wolek on "One Life to Live". She then went on to play Angela Bower on the hit comedy series "Who's the Boss?" Up until 2010, she was seen on the Emmy Award-winning ABC-TV series "Ugly Betty", for which she received an Emmy nomination playing the character of Claire Meade. Simultaneously, she co-starred on NBC's long-running drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in the recurring role of Supreme Court Judge Elizabeth Donnelly. Judith has also starred in "Phenom" (created by James Brooks), "The Simple Life", created by long-time manager/producer Herb Hamsher, "The Stones" (created by Max Mutchnick, David Kohan and Jenji Kohan) and in over 15 television movies, including her role as Ryan's mother, Jeanne, in "The Ryan White Story".

Judith has starred in three independent films, "The Shoemaker" with Danny Aiello, "Ira & Abby" by Jennifer Westfeldt, with Robert Klein, Fred Willard, and Frances Conroy - which was voted Best Comedy at the 2007 HBO comedy festival; and "Save Me" with Chad Allen and Robert Gant, a film which she also produced with Herb Hamsher through their production company, Tetrahedron Productions, in conjunction with GKE and Mythgarden Productions. "Save Me" had its US premiere at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, followed by screenings at both NYC's NewFest and LA's Outfest, as well as a screening and panel discussion aboard RSVP vacations Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing. "Save Me" was released theatrically nationwide in the summer of 2008 by First Run Features.

In 2005, Judith returned to her performing roots in theater, opening at The MCC Theatre in New York in the production of Laura Wade's "Colder Than Here". Judith showcased her musical abilities in 2004 in the role of Joanne in Steven Sondheim's "Company" at the Freud Theatre in LA as part of Reprise! Judith also appeared in Athol Fugard's "Sorrows and Rejoicings" in 2002 at the Second Stage Theatre in New York and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

In 2001, Judith opened in Washington, DC at The Shakespeare Theater portraying the title character in the Henrik Ibsen classic "Hedda Gabler". In 1999 she also took to the stage at the Union Square Theater, starring as the brilliant and uncompromising "Dr. Vivian Bearing" in the critically acclaimed and Pulitzer Prize winning Off-Broadway play "WIT". Originally directed by Derek Anson Jones, "WIT" is a heartbreaking and at times very funny play about how 'Dr. Bearing' copes with ovarian cancer, and how it transforms her and her views of life. A university professor who has always treasured her independence and lack of personal connections, 'Dr. Bearing' is forced to change her stance when she undergoes radical chemotherapy. Judith performed in New York until January 2000 and then toured with WIT nationwide, in such cities as Boston, Washington (at the Kennedy Center), and San Francisco. For her outstanding performance, Judith received the Helen Hayes Award in Washington, DC, as well as the Elliot Norton Award in Boston.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a BFA, Judith has worked in repertory theaters throughout the United States and Canada as well as a USO Tour of "Guys and Dolls" with William Atherton and Paula Wagner throughout Europe. Judith's Broadway debut was in "A Doll's House" with Liv Ullmann and was followed by a season at the Eugene O'Neil Playwright's conference.

Judith is a Board Member and advocate for many organizations and charities representing AIDS-related and Human Rights issues including: Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS, The Names Project/The AIDS Memorial Quilt, The AIDS Memorial Grove, CDC's Business Responds to AIDS/Labor Responds to AIDS, Hollywood Health and Society, Faith in America,  Project Angel Food, The Matthew Shepard Foundation, The National Aids Memorial Grove, The Point Foundation, The Rome Chamber Music Festival, and The Trevor Project.

Judith lives in New York and Los Angeles and is married to writer/actor, Robert Desiderio.

 

 

About SCROOGE & MARLEY

 

"Scrooge & Marley" is a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Recounted from a gay sensibility, with heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens' timeless tale of a man's redemption at the holidays-thanks to the help of three ghostly spirits-comes alive from a fresh perspective that will appeal to audiences of every persuasion. The film is based on an original script by Ellen Stoneking, Knight and the late Timothy Imse. It was directed by Knight and Peter Neville. Executive producers of the film are Tracy Baim ("Hannah Free") and David Strzepek ("Foodgasm"), joined by several co-producers (Knight, Neville, Stoneking, Kroell, and Moretti) and noteworthy crew.

 

Full cast and production team bios at http://www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com .

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