07 May 2013

USDA Funds Major Research Initiatives to Study the Affects of Weather and Climatic Variability on Beef and Dairy Cattle

By USDA Office of Communications

MADISON, WI - May 7, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today awarded $19.5 million to support research, education and Extension activities associated with climate solutions in agriculture aimed at the impacts of climate variability and change on dairy and beef cattle. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

"We have seen the impact that variable climate patterns have had on production agriculture for the past several years. These projects will deliver the best tools available to accurately measure and respond to the effects of climate on beef and dairy production," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Farmers and ranchers need sound, science-based information and solutions to help them make management decisions that will sustain their productivity and keep their operations economically viable."

The University of Wisconsin (UW) in Madison, Wisconsin, received $9.9 million over five years to study the environmental impact of various dairy production systems and develop best management practices for producers to implement at the farm level. The project's ultimate goal is to increase the resiliency of dairy production systems while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The team will also develop an agricultural education curriculum with an urban foods focus at Vincent High School in Milwaukee in an effort to educate future leaders and consumers about the contributions of the dairy industry to economic and environmental sustainability. Curricula at the high school and college levels will be developed related to mitigation and adaptation to climate change and agricultural sustainability.

The University of Wisconsin is partnering in the project with the University of Arkansas, Cornell University, the University of Michigan, North Carolina A&T University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Washington, along with four USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) laboratories, the U.S. Department of Energy and the industry-sponsored Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater, Oklahoma, received $9.6 million over five years to better understand vulnerability and resilience of Southern Great Plains beef in an environment of increased climate variability, dynamic land-use and fluctuating markets. The team's goal is to safeguard regional beef production while mitigating the environmental footprint of agriculture. The project also includes education and Extension components to train the next generation of producers and researchers in addressing the impact of climate on beef cattle. Using a community- and citizen-science approach, the project will train young students and citizens to use GPS-enabled digital cameras and smartphones and web data portals to participate in field data collection. The geospatial data will be integrated into a portal for community-based analysis and inventory and used to educate the general public on climate change related to range-based beef production.

The team is comprised of 32 scientists from OSU, Kansas State University, University of Oklahoma, Tarleton State University, the Samuel R. Noble Foundation, and two ARS laboratories.

These Coordinated Agricultural Projects (CAP) bring together teams of researchers that represent various geographic areas to support discovery, applications and promote communication leading to innovative, science-based solutions to critical and emerging national priorities and needs. This year's awards broaden NIFA's CAP climate change portfolio, which includes three projects awarded in 2010 focusing on loblolly pine in the South, corn production in the Midwest and wheat crops in the Northwest.

NIFA made the awards through its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) funding opportunity. AFRI's Climate Variability and Change challenge area is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration in agricultural and forest production systems and preparing the nation's agriculture and forests to adapt to changing climates.

AFRI is NIFA's flagship competitive grant program and was established under the 2008 Farm Bill. AFRI supports work in six priority areas: 1) plant health and production and plant products; 2) animal health and production and animal products; 3) food safety, nutrition and health; 4) renewable energy, natural resources and environment; 5) agriculture systems and technology; and 6) agriculture economics and rural communities.

USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration - the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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07 May 2013

Students perform in "The Pirates of Penzance" at Augustana

By Keri Rursch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/07/2013)(readMedia)-- Opera @ Augustana will present Gilbert and Sullivan's

Performing in this show include :

Rowan Crow, a first year from Coal Valley, Ill., majoring in history education. Crow will play the role of Maiden.

Ely Powers, a sophomore from Silvis, Ill., majoring in psychology. Powers will play the role of Pirate.

The daring, yet tenderhearted Pirates of Penzance are sure to take you on a hilarious adventure where you will encounter an unconventional major general, his doe-eyed daughters and a group of blundering policemen. As the pirates attempt to retain Frederic, their formerly apprenticed pirate, this cackle of sidesplitting characters battle the principles of honor and duty.

Brian Jozwiak, a sophomore music education major from Vernon Hills, Ill., who plays the Pirate King, is looking forward to sharing Gilbert and Sullivan's unique British humor with the audience. "The rehearsal process for this production has been extremely rewarding. Each of the cast members brings a unique perspective and together, we know how to have a really good time. We have worked hard for the past two months and are looking forward to finally presenting our finished product!"

Tickets for The Pirates of Penzance can be purchased through the Augustana Ticket Office at (309) 794-7306 or by visiting www.augustana.edu/tickets. For more information, contact Sam Schlouch, manager of arts events and communication, at (309) 794-7833 or samschlouch@augustana.edu.

07 May 2013

708th Medical Company Returns from Sinai Deployment

By Illinois National Guard PAO

NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL (05/07/2013)(readMedia)-- Approximately 20 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers who served in Sinai, Egypt as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) will return home this week. The 708th Medical Company based in North Riverside will have their homecoming ceremony at 1 p.m. May 8. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the North Riverside National Guard Armory, 8660 W. Cermak Road.

This is the second half of a 45-man team that mobilized in July 2012 and deployed to Sinai, Egypt after training for a brief time at Camp Atterbury, Ind. The rest of the unit returned home April 29.

The 708th was split into two teams, running operations out of two separate camps approximately 250 miles apart on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt and surrounding areas in Egypt and Israel. The unit provided a full-range of medical, dental, physical therapy and preventative medicine services to more than 2,500 personnel from 14 countries who are part of the MFO. Within the medical clinics, 708th Soldiers worked with providers from the United States, Fiji, Columbia, Uruguay, Hungary and Italy.

708th personnel responded to four mass casualty incidents in a three-month period where they were required to provide expedient, quality care to the patients brought in for treatment. Overall, 40 patients were treated during those four incidents.

The unit also assisted in ensuring food-borne illnesses and the spread of diseases did not affect personnel in the area after a water shortage in October. When water returned to the region, water in the new wells was sampled to ensure the water was safe for consumption.

Because of their outstanding support, the 708th personnel and their medical clinics were nominated for the Army Superior Unit Award. Soldiers in the unit also received awards and coins from several general officers including Gen. Raymond Odierno, Chief of Staff for the Army.

The MFO is an international peacekeeping force that oversees the terms of the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. For three decades the MFO has carried out its mission and has proven successful. The desire of peace on the part of both Israel and Egypt, combined with the effectiveness of the MFO, has resulted in a durable and lasting state of peace between the two nations.

Twelve nations (Australia, Canada, Colombia, the Czech Republic, the Republic of the Fiji Islands, France, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, the United States and Uruguay) contribute contingents to make up the MFO's force.

07 May 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Adds More Names to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (05/07/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald's Great Iowa Treasure Hunt spring publication is scheduled to be released soon. The upcoming list is the latest names of unclaimed property owners with undiscovered treasures. This is part of Fitzgerald's continuous promotion of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt.

"In upcoming weeks, we will be publishing names of people who have had funds turned over to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt," stated Fitzgerald. "You don't have to wait for the publication, go to greatiowatreasurehunt.com and search the entire list anytime. I encourage everyone to search for their name; a lot of individuals will be pleasantly surprised."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $160 million in unclaimed property to more than 394,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the state treasurer's office, where it is held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits, safe deposit box contents and many other types of property.

Check the unclaimed property database to see if the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has property belonging to you. Simply visit greatiowatreasurehunt.com to begin your search.

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07 May 2013

2013 WQPT WRITERS CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT received more than 400 stories from students in kindergarten through third grade for the annual PBS Kids Go Writers Contest. Sixteen winners (four from each grade) were selected by educators and contest sponsors. The winners and their families will be honored and awarded prizes at Deere-Wiman House at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19.

"We received a record number of stories this year. We are thrilled that so many teachers and parents encouraged their young authors and illustrators to participate," said Ana Kehoe, WQPT's educational outreach director.

Kindergarten

First Place: Rylan Edwards, Ekstrand Elementary, DeWitt, IA

Second Place: Ellie Curnyn, Jane Addams Elementary, Moline, IL

Third Place: Sophia Foad, Cody Elementary School, LeClaire, IA

Honorable Mention: Oliver Borders, Longfellow Liberal Arts, Rock Island, IL

 

First grade

First Place: Georgia Brunkan, Ed White Elementary, Eldridge, IA

Second Place: Xion Owens-Holst, McKinley Elementary, Davenport, IA

Third Place: Gianna Schwartz, Paul Norton School, Bettendorf, IA

Honorable Mention: Nate Stanger, Garfield School, Davenport, IA

 

Second grade

First Place: Paul Schwartz, Paul Norton School, Bettendorf, IA

Second Place: Isabella Jones, Rivermont Collegiate, Bettendorf, IA

Third Place: Nikhil Ramaraju, Riverdale Heights Elementary, Bettendorf, IA

Honorable Mention: Jena Edwards, Ekstrand Elementary, DeWitt, IA

 

Third grade

First Place: Dalton Morrow, Harrison Elementary, Davenport, IA

Second Place: Alana Kruse, Morning Star Academy, Bettendorf, IA

Third Place: Eden Swails, Riverdale Elementary, Port Byron, IL

Honorable Mention: Calla Brunkan, Ed White Elementary, Eldridge, IA

 

All the entries will be returned, along with a certificate from PBS. Stories will be displayed at the Butterworth Center from May 19-30; the Family Museum from June 3-16; and Figge Art Museum from June 18-30.

The contest is supported by WQPT-Quad Cities PBS, the Butterworth Center, Deere-Wiman House, Family Museum in Bettendorf, Figge Art Museum and the Midwest Writing Center.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University - Quad Cities located in Moline, Illinois.

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07 May 2013

Gov. Branstad orders flags at half-staff Friday in observance of Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony

By Office of the Governor of Iowa
(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad has ordered all flags on the Capitol Complex be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013, in observance of the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony which is to be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013, at the Oran State Office Building of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

The governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays on the capitol Complex. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

The following memorial ceremony is open to the public and all are invited to attend the 30-minute ceremony to pay their respects to Iowa police officers killed in the line of duty:

Friday, May 10, 2013

10 a.m.         Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony

Iowa Peace Officer Memorial

Oran State Office Building, Iowa Department of Public Safety

Des Moines, IA

Please note the new location this year.

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07 May 2013

Quad Cities Prayer Center Spring 2013 Fund Raiser

By New Anthem

Here's YOUR chance to help the Prayer Center & enjoy a great comedy show!

We need people to fill a row of chairs for the...

Quad Cities Prayer CenterSpring 2013 Fund Raiser

Dessert and Coffee Bar FEATURING ComedySportz!

WHEN: Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

WHERE: QCPC at NorthPark Mall 320 W. Kimberly in Davenport

Chair Host Responsibilities --Invite - Invite - Invite (This is a FUNDRAISER, so please make that clear to those whom you invite).

For more information or to become a CHAIR HOST, contact Traci by e-mail or call 563.323.3090.

This event will help continue fulfilling the vision of the QCPC.

(Due to limited seating, please RSVP by clicking HERE for your free ticket.)

This is an adults only event.

Click HERE for an invitation you can print out and share!

07 May 2013

Governor Quinn Announces Fiscal Year 2013 Tax Revenue to Exceed Forecast by $1.3 Billion

By Ryan C. Woods

Additional Funding to Help Pay Down Backlog of Old Bills

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that fiscal year 2013 income tax revenues will exceed the Illinois Department of Revenue's forecast by approximately $1.3 billion. This is a one-time revenue stream, generated from businesses and individuals selling assets or receiving early dividends, bonuses or other income in anticipation of higher federal tax rates for tax year 2013. The additional revenue will be used to pay down the state's backlog of bills, a result of decades of financial mismanagement.

"While these additional dollars are good news and will aid in reducing some of what is owed, relying on a one-time fix will not help us in the long-run," Governor Quinn said. "This revenue will be used to help knock down our backlog of bills, but we must continue to focus on pension reform and restoring Illinois to full fiscal stability."

Prior to the January 2013 increase in federal tax rates, a number of businesses and individuals strategically shifted the timing of certain forms of income in order to take advantage of tax year 2012's lower federal tax rates. Some businesses paid bonuses and dividends scheduled for tax year 2013 in 2012 instead. Similarly, some businesses and individuals accelerated the sale of investments so that the resulting income would be taxed at 2012's lower rates.

The combined response created a surge in the tax payments received by the state in April, which is when payments for tax year 2012 were due. This surge in payments is a one-time event because it was in response to a federal policy change that will not occur next year.

Because this is a one-time event, fiscal year 2014 revenue forecasts will not be restated.

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07 May 2013

May Marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

By Staff Sgt. Jaime Witt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/07/2013)(readMedia)-- As summer approaches and temperatures rise, more than 350,000 registered motorcycles in Illinois will emerge from their garages. The Office of Safety and Occupational Health would like to remind the motorcyclists of the Illinois Army National Guard of safety expectations and requirements.

Maj. Jayson Coble of Springfield, Ill., the safety and occupational health manager for the Illinois Army National Guard, said motorcycle safety is important because motorcycling is inherently more dangerous. According to the Division of Traffic Safety, there were 145 motorcyclist fatalities in 2011, an increase from the previous year.

"You're riding on two wheels instead of four," said Coble. "An experienced rider once told me that when you're on a motorcycle you've always got to watch out for everyone else around you, because they're not watching out for you."

Soldiers are reminded there are specific requirements for riding a motorcycle when on duty, which includes travel to and from training, as well as riding on any military installation. In order to ride, Soldiers must have the "M" designator on their Illinois driver's license and must have completed the Basic Rider Course within the last three years. Coble said the 15-hour course is offered free of cost at many sites throughout the state from February through October every year. A refundable $20 deposit is required to hold a seat, and the course provides a helmet and motorcycle for student use.

"The course teaches a person who has never ridden a motorcycle before, by the end of the weekend, to ride by themselves confidently," Coble said.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Ladd of Seymour, Ill., a driving instructor with the 129th Regimental Training Institute out of Springfield, Ill., has been an avid rider since graduating high school and said the Basic Rider Course is essential.

"I am a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-trained rider from the beginning," Ladd said. "I asked my father to teach me how to ride his bike. He told me when I turned 18, I could take a class from the state. I enrolled in the class after graduation and have been riding ever since."

Coble stated even experienced riders benefit from taking the basic rider course.

"The course teaches you things you may not have thought of before," Coble said. "Instructors talk about bad habits people get into after they've ridden for a while, and things certainly change over the course of time. After you've been riding for a long time, you can become complacent and complacency kills."

In addition to the course and licensure requirement, Soldiers must wear a helmet, eye protection, full-length pants, jacket, gloves and reflective gear. Coble said appropriate personal protective equipment is not only required, but will help save you in the case of an accident.

"I think the most important thing is a helmet," Coble said. "You have only one head, and that's probably the most vulnerable part of your body to injury and head injuries are the hardest to recover from if you survive."

Ladd echoed this sentiment.

"Buy a helmet that you'll wear," Ladd said. "It is the most important thing I've picked up as I became a more seasoned rider. I wouldn't wear a helmet if it was uncomfortable."

Ladd also said proper maintenance is another important part of safety, as well as riding alert.

"If there is any one thing to point out, don't ride when you're impaired," Ladd said. "If you make a mistake, there is no forgiveness."

More information can be found at http://safety.army.mil and http://www.msf-usa.org.

07 May 2013

Tickets now on sale for TCR's "Our Town"

By Theatre Cedar Rapids
Described by Edward Albee as "...the greatest American play ever written," the story follows the small town of Grover's Corners through three acts: Daily Life, Love and Marriage, and Death and Eternity. Tickets for this special production are now available.

This unique production will be a "staged reading" with script in hand while narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets. Audiences will follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually-in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre-die. Our Town won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1938.

A limited-run engagement at Theatre Cedar Rapids opening on June 6, 2013, and running in TCR's Grandon Studio through June 16, 2013. Tickets are $15-$12.50 for adults, $10 for students, and may be purchased online at www.theatrecr.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001ic458bJ9jaipeeitRb9TowE9ETzzTjkJIyHNtiKt0gKzu_2sT9pzRHsWt-ZPpdY5vFwN0UTc7sNYUp6utqyv-VXqjQBqrBxldIDWWIi7QHn24b7KCLrB6Q==] or via the TCR Box Office in person or (319) 366-8591 Monday-Friday 11am-5pm.

Our Town is part of TCR's Grandon Series, and is Directed by TCR Artistic Director, Leslie Charipar.  Cast includes local performers both returning and new to Theatre Cedar Rapids: Katie Andreasen, Mary Crandall, Lyle Fisher, Seth Friedman, Alisa Gerhold, Duane Larson, Basilio Light, Mary Locher, Max Locher, Marnie Marshall, Ben Schmidt, Philip Schramp, Brian Smith, Susan Streit, Rick Titus, Mike Wilhelm and Bonnie Williams.

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