20 Aug 2012

Burn ban lifted for Scott County

By Ross Bergen
To Whom It May Concern:  Pursuant to Chapter 100.40, State Code of Iowa, and at the request of ROSS BERGEN, representing each fire department having all or part of their fire districts within SCOTT COUNTY, the open burning ban for SCOTT COUNTY will be lifted effective August 20, 2012 AT 3:00 P.M.
20 Aug 2012

NELSON CHIROPRACTIC SUPPORTS CHRISTIAN CARE SHELTER: Waiving First Day Fees

By Rebecca Wheeler
During the month of August, Nelson Chiropractic, is offering their First Day Services for the donation of a back pack or $20 to the Christian Care Rescue Mission and Domestic Shelter. Complimentary first day services include a health history and consultation, orthopedic and neurological exam, initial x-rays (if needed), and reports of the findings with one of the doctors.

Christian Care is a nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Dr. Traci Nelson Hassel of Nelson Chiropractic states, "This is such a great opportunity to give to a wonderful cause and make a difference. We are excited to support Christian Care and help introduce people to chiropractic care at the same time."

For more information about Nelson Chiropractic and their First Day Services visit www.nelsonchiropractic.com or call 563-359-9541. Due to legal restrictions, this offer is not available to patients with state or federally funded healthcare plans, such as Medicaid and Medicare.

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20 Aug 2012

Employee of 34 years receives national award

By Julie Coppock
August 20, 2012 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa -

Joan Sammons, 80, from Cedar Rapids was awarded the Spotlight Award from the American Association of Community Theatres.  She was presented with this award by Rod McCullough, past president of the AACT at the Theatre Cedar Rapids Ovations Ceremony, an annual event to recognize TCR volunteers.    "Joan represents the highest level of commitment to the theatre she has served and, thus, the community she lives in.  AACT is pleased to be able to recognize Joan and Theatre Cedar Rapids," commented McCullough in his remarks to the 250 person audience.

Sammons recently retired from Theatre Cedar Rapids after working over 33 years in various positions throughout the organization.  At the event, Sammons was also named a Fed Hedges Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.  This TCR award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a life-long commitment and passion for theatre and the performing arts. "For years Joan was the theatre's administrative staff in its entirety - accountant, receptionist, box office manager. Though she professes to not be a "theatre person," she was, in truth, more of a community theatre person than most of us.  She was the community theatre's essence.... always so incredibly warm , welcoming and committed to volunteers and patrons alike, that I always felt she embodied what this community theatre is all about," said J David Carey, TCR Finance Director and longtime friend of Sammons.  "Her day to day presence will be missed but her positive influence on this organization and the thousands of people she inspired serves as her legacy."

The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) is the national voice of community theatre. As part of that responsibility, AACT seeks out and recognizes the efforts of the most important aspect of community theatre:  the people who come together to make it happen. AACT evaluates award nominations from the communities that support over 5,000 theatres in the U.S.

For more information, contact:

Theatre Cedar Rapids
Julie Coppock
20 Aug 2012

TLP Presents An Evening of Art & Music

By Melissa Parsons
Mount Carroll, IL--Although the mainstage season for Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) is coming to a close, the theatre is pleased to announce an upcoming off-season event, An Evening of Art & Music.

An Evening of Art Music.jpg

An Evening of Art & Music will take place at Brick Street Coffee, downtown Mount Carroll, in conjuction with Brick Street Days on Saturday, September 1st from 3pm to 8pm.  The evening will include local TLP performers from 3pm-6pm featuring:

2:30pm: Joe Morrow, Mount Carroll, will be kicking off the event outside of the coffee shop on his acoustic guitar. Joe was a participant in the TLP Arts & Music Festival last season. He has performed locally in several events.

3pm: Susie Rogers, Mount Carroll, played Ren's mom in Footloose this season at Timber Lake Playhouse. She appeared onstage at TLP in West Side Story starring Sandra Santiago in 1980. She is a member of the New Spirit Band and owner of Red Rudy Inn in Mount Carroll.  Juliene McCormick will be accompanying by piano, Bill Foley on guitar and Ron Deyo on harmonica for An Evening of Art & Music.

3:30pm: Levi Skoog, Chadwick, has appeared in TLP productions of Footloose, Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz, All Shook Up and many others, including a featured role in Children of Eden in 2011. He is a freshman at Milledgeville High School and performs at the Woodland Arts Academy. He is a member of the Triple Threat Team at WAA and was selected to perform at the Waterfront Stage in Downtown Disney, Orlando, FL. He will be performing with Natailie Old who teaches dance at WAA and was Elle Woods in Legally Blonde this summer at Centennial Auditorium Summer theater Academy.

4:00pm: Carissa Heath, Mount Carroll, is a concession stand worker and usher at TLP. She played Maria in the Sound of Music at WCHS in the spring. She will be attending Knox College in the fall, majoring in psychology and minoring in art. Carissa went to IMEA her Junior year for choir.

4:15pm: Liesl Meador, Mount Carroll,  One of the ensemble of Footloose, Played Elsa in the Sound of Music at WCHS in the spring. She plays the clarinet in band and was named the Most Outstanding choir member as a Freshman. Liesl won the 1st timer in a Play award in 2011.

4:30pm: Ben Rogers, Savanna, was in the ensemble in Footloose at TLP this past summer. He played Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music at West Carroll High School last spring. He plays at least 15 different musical instruments and was a National Anthem Finalist for the IMEA Honors Choir. He sang the National Anthem at a semi-finals softball game in June.

4:45pm: Katie Woods, Savanna, was in the ensemble of Footloose this season at TLP. She played Luisa in the Sound of Music at WCHS this past spring. She plays the clarinet in band and was named the Best Concert Choir Student of the Year her Sophomore year. Katie made it to Junior IMEA once and Upstate Illini Festival twice.

5:00pm: Brad Field, Mount Carroll, appeared in Guys and Dolls and Footloose this season at TLP. He performs with Northwest Illinois Theatre Coalition and last appeared as in the Mike Craver musical, Oklahoma Hale and Damnation. Brad is Technical Director of the West Carroll School District.

5:30pm: John Chase, Mount Morris, appeared in TLP productions of Oklahoma!, Sunset Boulevard and Working. This Spring, John returned from a short tour to California and Wisconsin with his wife, Beth, performing their 2-person version of The Cotton Patch Gospel that will be sampled at An Evening of Art & Music. Upcoming dates for their 2013 Spring Tour are at www.chaseact.com. John premiers a new musical in October, One More For the Road- A Johnny Mercer Tribute. His other local theatre credits include Performing Arts Guild of  Mt. Morris,  Byron Theatre, Pecatonica Playhouse, and Rockford's Starlight Theatre and Artist Ensemble.

The evening will end with an open mic from 6pm-7:30pm with a guest appearance from TLP's Magic Owl to close out the event. TLP Board member Andy Shaw will be emceeing the event. Admittance is free and donations for the 2013 season will be accepted.
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20 Aug 2012

Electronic Demanufacturing Facility first public agency in world to be R2 certified

By Erin Vorac

WASTE COMMISSION'S ELECTRONIC DEMANUFACTURING FACILITY FIRST PUBLIC ENTITY IN THE WORLD TO BE RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING (R2) CERTIFIED

DAVENPORT, Iowa–Waste Commission of Scott County's Electronic Demanufacturing Facility has achieved Responsible Recycling (R2) certification. It is the first public agency in the world and the only agency in the state of Iowa to achieve this certification. There are approximately 239 facilities globally that hold R2 certification.

The R2 Standard sets forth requirements relating to environmental, health, safety, and security aspects of electronics recycling. R2 also requires recyclers to assure that more toxic material streams are managed safely and responsibly by downstream vendors-all the way to final disposition. It sets requirements for recyclers and their downstream vendors regarding the safe export of toxic materials to certain countries. All of these practices are verified by an independent auditor.

"We are proud to be the first R2-certified facility in the state of Iowa," said Keith Krambeck, special waste manager for Waste Commission of Scott County (Commission). "Becoming R2-certified was one of the goals of the Commission's Environmental, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. While we already had an EHSMS in place, the R2 Standard was much more rigorous and our staff worked extremely hard to meet those requirements. Because of this, we feel we have an outstanding EHSMS that will better protect our employees and better serve the needs of our customers," he said.

The Electronic Demanufacturing Facility provides residents and businesses throughout Iowa and western Illinois an environmentally sound and economically feasible disposal option for electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste is defined as anything with a circuit board and or cathode ray tube (CRT) and includes items such as computer monitors, CPUs, TVs, printers, scanners, radios and VCRs.

The facility is located at 1048 East 59th Street in Davenport and is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no disposal charge for residents of Scott County, Iowa and Rock Island County, Illinois. For businesses and residents outside those counties, the cost for disposal is 20 cents per pound for TVs, monitors and laptops. Console and projection televisions are a flat fee of $15. All other electronic waste is accepted at no charge. Large or unusual items are assessed on a per item basis. Bettendorf and Davenport residents that receive curbside collection can set e-waste out as bulky waste on their recycling day; no call-ins or appointments are required.

For more information about the Electronic Demanufacturing Facility call (563) 823-0119 or visit www.wastecom.com. For more information about R2 certification, visit www.r2solutions.org.

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency established in 1972 to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management services for Scott County. It operates the Scott Area Landfill, Scott Area Recycling Center, Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, two Household Hazardous Material Facilities, a public education program and a Keep America Beautiful affiliate called iLivehere Quad Cities.

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20 Aug 2012

Obama for America Announces Iowa Catholics for Obama Co-Chairs

By Obama for America

DES MOINES - Obama for America today announced the campaign's new Iowa Catholics for Obama Co-Chairs, supporters who recognize the President's record of leading with values and fighting for so many of the priorities and policies that Catholics hold dear.  This group is made up of Catholic leaders and grassroots supporters from Iowa who are committed to helping our country continue to move in the right direction.

Since day one, President Obama has advanced policies and programs that help American families, working in partnership with faith-based and community organizations.   From fighting for health insurance reform so no family will have to worry about how to make ends meet in the face of illness or disease, to supporting tax reform in which everyone pays their fair share, to ensuring every child has access to a good education, President Obama believes that we are our brother and sister's keeper.  The President strongly believes that we have a responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves because helping hardworking Americans succeed is part of what defines us as a nation. The Obama Administration has consistently partnered with Catholic non-profits like Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services to serve those in need?financial partnerships totaling over $1.5 billion over the past two years to aid these organizations in their important work.

"President Obama believes that we are in this together and that we are greater together than we are on our own.  Catholics are supporting President Obama because he understands the importance of an active faith in pursuit of the common good - something he has lived his life by and that has served him over the course of his career in public service.  The President's record, character and values make the choice in this election incredibly stark and clear," said Broderick Johnson, who leads the campaign's outreach efforts with Catholics.

For more information, please visit http://www.barackobama.com/catholics where you will find a letter from the Catholics for Obama National Co-Chairs highlighting the President's commitment to moving our country forward.

Iowa Catholics for Obama Co-Chairs:

Former First Lady of Iowa Mari Culver, Des Moines

State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, Waukee

State Representative Pat Murphy, Dubuque

Ken Kraus, Dubuque

Jennifer Herrington, Clarinda

 

 

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20 Aug 2012

Cook-Off Champion Crowned in Farm Bureau Contest at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell
DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Daryl Witt of Warren County was crowned Cookout Champion in the 49th annual Farm Bureau Cookout Contest judged Tuesday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Beef

1) William Hoffman, Jr., Tama County

2) Bruce Campbell, Hardin County

Pork

1) Daryl Witt, Warren County

2) Andy Wilson, Lee County

Poultry

1) Tracy Christensen, Audubon County

2) Jason Cronk, Tama County

Combo/Specialty

1) Nate Miller, Scott County

2) Mike Vroom, Marion County

Youth

1) Lance Henrichs, Clarke County

2) Amber Westemeier, Linn County

Team Award

1) Alvin Westmeier and Jason Kula, Linn County

Showmanship

1) Phil Cummings, Benton County

"Nothing Compares" Iowa State Fair. The 2012 Fair ended August 19. The 2013 Iowa State Fair is set August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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20 Aug 2012

Obama for America Releases New Television Ad: "The Same"

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES - Obama for America is releasing a new television ad that highlights President Obama's commitment to issues important to women and their families.  The new ad - "The Same" - draws the stark contrast between President Obama and the Romney-Ryan ticket's record on women's health. 

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have taken extreme positions on issues that matter to women and their families. From promising to "get rid of" Planned Parenthood to backing proposals that would take away a woman's right to choose, women recognize they cannot trust the Romney-Ryan ticket to stand up for them.


President Obama is committed to protecting women's health because he knows that women are capable of making their own choices when it comes to their health care. The President has repeatedly fought back against Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, and believes that women - not politicians or the government - should be in control of their own health decisions.  President Obama knows that access to quality, affordable health care means a stronger American middle class.

"The Same" will air in Colorado, Nevada, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Iowa.


Please click HERE to watch the ad and HERE to learn more about President Obama's record on issues important to women and their families.
20 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Attends Muslim Eid

By Leslie Wertheimer

Governor Renounces Attacks on Houses of Worship, Signs New Law to Foster Religious Tolerance

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - Governor Pat Quinn today joined the Muslim community to observe the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer service in Bridgeview. During the occasion, the governor renounced recent incidences of violence against Muslim places of worship and signed a new law to foster religious tolerance.

"To the more than 400,000 Muslims across our state, 'Eid Mubarak!'" Governor Quinn said. "Ramadan is a time of fasting, sacrifice and self-reflection. We honor your commitment to your faith and will vigorously protect your right to practice it without fear of intimidation."

Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month of the year in the Islamic faith. During Ramadan, Muslims fast each day from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan ends with a three-day festival known as "Eid", which means "the feast of the breaking/to break the fast".

Following the recent massacre at the Sikh temple near Milwaukee, gunfire at a Morton Grove mosque, a bomb thrown at a Lombard Islamic school and the desecration of a Muslim gravesite at Evergreen Cemetery, Governor Quinn issued a call for respect, tolerance and harmony. In addition, he signed Senate Bill 2949, to protect college students who miss a class or exam due to their observance of a religious holiday.

"No student should be disciplined, penalized or fined for observing a sacred day," Governor Quinn said. "This new law celebrates our nation's basic principle of 'freedom of religion, as well as the notion that diversity makes us stronger."

The new law, sponsored by Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Arlington Heights), passed both chambers unanimously with the support of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities (FIICU). The law is effective Jan 1, 2013.

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20 Aug 2012

Youth Livestock Enthusiasts Awarded in 4-H, FFA Dairy Cattle Shows

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Young competitors from across Iowa earned breed championships in the Youth Dairy Cattle Show judged Thursday, August 9, at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Exhibitors were also judged on their showmanship skills. The Showmanship award is given for the exhibitors' ability to present their livestock in the show ring and answer any questions the judge may ask about their animal.

Breed division winners in the Youth Dairy Cattle Show included:

AYRSHIRE

Junior Champion: Logan Worden, Oelwin

Junior Reserve Champion: Brad Arthur, Maynard

Senior Champion: Kaleb Kruse, Dyersville

Senior Reserve Champion: Sammie Rathjen, Walcott

Grand Champion: Kaleb Kruse, Dyersville

Reserve Grand Champion: Sammie Rathjen, Walcott

GUERNSEY

Junior Champion: Lars Sivesind, Waukon

Junior Reserve Champion: Landon Sivesind, Waukon

Senior Champion: Carley Kammerude, Dubuque

Senior Reserve Champion: Austin Knapp, Epworth

Grand Champion: Carley Kammerude, Dubuque

Reserve Grand Champion: Austin Knapp, Epworth

HOLSTEIN

Junior Champion: Scott Stempfle, Maynard

Junior Reserve Champion: Isaac Lyons, West Union

Senior Champion: Riley Demmer, Peosta

Senior Reserve Champion: Ashley Bushman, Calmar

Grand Champion: Riley Demmer, Peosta

Reserve Grand Champion: Ashley Bushman, Calmar

JERSEY

Junior Champion: Brian Arthur, Maynard

Junior Reserve Champion: Cole Kruse, Dyersville

Senior Champion: Ross Wedewer, Epworth

Senior Reserve Champion: Eric Metzger, Lester

Grand Champion: Ross Wedewer, Epworth

Reserve Grand Champion: Eric Metzger, Lester

MILKING SHORTHORN

Junior Champion: Ashley Bushman, Calmar

Junior Reserve Champion: Megan Bushman, Calmar

Senior Champion: Halie Gruenwald, Lost Nation

Senior Reserve Champion: Bradley Byers, Milo

Senior Grand Champion: Halie Gruenwald, Lost Nation

Reserve Grand Champion: Bradley Byers, Milo

SHOWMANSHIP

Junior Champion: Regan Demmer, Peosta

Intermediate Champion: Jessica Stempfle, Maynard

Intermediate Reserve Champion: Mitchell Hanson, La Porte City

Senior Champion: Austin Knapp, Epworth

Senior Reserve Champion: Michael Lyons, Castalia

"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.

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