Legislation is essential for economic development and job creation

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the House passed a bipartisan Transportation Authorization Bill.  The current short-term extension was set to expire over the weekend.  The bill passed by a vote of 373-52 and is now headed to the President, which he is expected to sign.

"I am pleased a transportation bill has finally been passed.  While it should have been done before today and cover a longer period of time, this bill will help create much needed jobs in Iowa and give communities the certainty needed to invest in necessary infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives.

"It is clear to any Iowan who drives a car or truck, rides the rails or flies in an airplane that a long-term highway plan is needed.  A modern, safe and efficient transportation authorization will not only create jobs now for the construction industry - facing a 13.3 percent unemployment rate - but it will also set the table for long-term job creation and economic growth. Even with passage of this bill today, I am going to be pushing for work to start as soon as possible on a longer-term bill that provides greater investment in our infrastructure so our businesses and farmers can compete effectively in the 21st Century global economy."

Loebsack has been urging passage of a long-term transportation bill for a number of years and has brought important Iowa projects to the attention of the President, the Speaker of the House, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Loebsack has worked to highlight important projects to Eastern and Southern Iowa that are in need of adequate funding to move forward.  They include :

  • Highway 100 completion and connection to Interstate 380 in Cedar Rapids
  • Interstate 74 bridge replacement and improvement in the Quad Cities
  • Interstate 80 & 380 ramp and road/lane improvements in and around Coralville and Iowa City north to Cedar Rapids
  • U.S. Highway 30 four-lane paving from Clinton to Cedar Rapids
  • U.S. Highway 34 improvements from Burlington into Illinois
  • U.S. Highway 61 Business improvements in Muscatine
  • U.S. Highway 61 four-lane paving from Muscatine County to Burlington
  • U.S. Highway 63 four-lane paving from Missouri State Line to Ottumwa
  • U.S. Highway 63 four-lane paving from Oskaloosa to Interstate 80 and improved access to U.S. 63 for Pella
###

ST. LOUIS -- June 29, 2012 -- It's straight A's for St. Louis. The readers of AAA Midwest Traveler have named St. Louis the "Best Large City for a Weekend Getaway" in the magazine's Best of the Midwest poll. St. Louis topped second place Chicago and third runner up Kansas City in the annual opinion report.

"We are very proud that Midwest Traveler's readers have once again demonstrated their appreciation of all that St. Louis has to offer its visitors," says Brian Hall, chief marketing officer of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. "Midwesterners have amazing options when it comes to drivable weekend getaway destinations. Being named the best by those who are frequent travelers in our region makes it even more special."

St. Louis' vibrant music scene, exceptional dining and the variety of festivals and attractions were cited by AAA readers as reasons that St. Louis topped their weekend getaway chart. The results of the entire poll appear in the July/August issue of the publication which is available online at www.AAA.com/Traveler.

This is the third consecutive year that the Gateway City was selected best in the "large city for a weekend getaway" category. Votes were submitted by the well-traveled Automobile Club of America's members from Missouri, eastern Kansas, southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana.  AAA Midwest Traveler has a circulation of more than 550,000.

Other St. Louis hospitality industry businesses were recognized as "Best of the Midwest" in their categories: the Gateway Arch, best attraction; Tony's, best fine dining and the Moonrise Hotel, best small hotel.

For more information about St. Louis' attractions, special events and hospitality offerings, visit the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission web site at www.explorestlouis.com.

###

NOTRE DAME, IN (06/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Katherine Nelson has graduated from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN. Katherine, daughter of Mary and William Nelson of Rock Island, IL, received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Student-Designed Major.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women's institution offering five bachelor's degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary's College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 "Best National Liberal Arts Colleges" in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary's is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

PLATTEVILLE, WI (06/29/2012)(readMedia)-- University of Wisconsin-Platteville announced its 2012 spring semester Dean's List. Students receive this academic honor in the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Education must achieve a 3.75 grade point average and students in the College of Engineering, Math and Science must earn a 3.5 grade point average.

Among those who made the Dean's List were,

Christina Butler from Cordova, IL

Mary DePauw from Port Byron, IL

Joseph Fisher from Port Byron, IL

Kaela Hoggard from Taylor Ridge, IL

Jennifer Lincoln from Illinois City, IL

Kelsey Rumler from Sherrard, IL

Andrew Wright from Hampton, IL

UW-Platteville, founded in 1846, is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, near the Iowa and Illinois borders. The University, the fastest-growing four-year school in the 13-college University of Wisconsin System, enrolls approximately 7,500 undergraduate students.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today named Steven K. Ferguson the new executive director of the Iowa Agricultural Development Authority. Ferguson begins his new position on Monday, July 9.

Ferguson most recently served as the director of international programs at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. He has also worked at Bankers Trust in Des Moines, F&M Bank in Newton, the American Soybean Association, USDA Rural Development and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

"Steven will be a tremendous executive director, and brings with him significant skills gained in a variety of different financial and agricultural positions," said Branstad.

The Iowa Agricultural Development Authority was created by the Iowa General Assembly in 1980 to provide financial assistance to Iowa's grain and livestock producers.

# # #

DAVENPORT, IA - On June 29, 2012, Joseph Andrew Richter, age 36, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced to 100 months of imprisonment for one count of receiving and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. United States Chief District Judge James E. Gritzner also ordered Richter to serve a term of supervised release of 5 years following his incarceration and pay an assessment of $100 to Crime Victims Fund.

The case began during an online undercover peer-to-peer investigation. Law enforcement identified an internet protocol (IP) address associated with the file-sharing of child pornography. Subsequent investigation showed that this IP address came back to Richter's residence. A search warrant located Richter's laptop and other media, which were found to contain child pornography.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Iowa.

####
DAVENPORT, IA - On June 29, 2012, Travis John Claude, age 23, of DeWitt, Iowa, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment for one count of receiving and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. United States Chief District Judge James E. Gritzner also ordered Claude to serve a term of supervised release of 10 years following his incarceration and pay an assessment of $100 to Crime Victims Fund.

The case began during an online undercover peer-to-peer investigation. Law enforcement identified an internet protocol (IP) address associated with the file-sharing of child pornography.

Subsequent investigation showed that this IP address came back to the residence of Claude's parents, where he also resided. A search warrant located Claude's computer, which was found to contain child pornography. During an interview Claude admitted downloading child pornography via the GigaTribe file-sharing network.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the DeWitt, Iowa, Police Department, and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Iowa.

####

Recent Amendments and New Rules

The following documents are amendments to the Iowa Court Rules or new court rules recently approved by the Iowa Supreme Court.


In the Matter of Chapter 13 of the Iowa Court Rules (June 29, 2012)

Order, Chapter 13 and Forms (1418 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Rules of Appellate Procedure (May 21, 2012)

6.1005 Regarding Frivolous Appeals and Withdrawal of Counsel (Including Related Changes to Other Rules)
Effective immediately

Order (147 kb)


Rule 6.1005 (194 kb)



In the Matter of Standard Forms of Pleadings for Small Claims Actions (May 7, 2012)

Chapter 3 of the Iowa Court Rules is rescinded effective July 1, 2012, and revised Chapter 3 is adopted. Until July 1, 2012, parties may use either the current pleadings forms or the new pleadings forms.

Order (129 kb)


Chapter 3 -- Small Claims forms (711 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Regulating the Practice of Law (May 2, 2012)

Amendments concerning the attorney disciplinary process, client trust account reconciliation and record retention procedures, continuing legal education, and the bar exam.
Amended effective immediately

Nunc Pro Tunc (59 kb)


OPR Rules Revisions (Strikethrough version) (4618 kb)


OPR Rules Revisions (Final version) (396 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rule 32:7.4 (March 12, 2012)

The Court adds Veterans Law to the list of fields of practice and specialization.

Order (80 kb)



Iowa Courts Rules

The Chief Justice has signed a supplemental order specifying the effective date of the amendment to Rule 41.3(2)

Supplemental Order (35 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (February 20, 2012)

Amendments concerning the attorney disciplinary process, client trust account reconciliation and record retention procedures, continuing legal education, and the bar exam.
Amended effective immediately

Order (183 kb)


Amendments (10043 kb)


Summary of Amendments (87 kb)



In the Matter of Amendment to Chapter 11 (December 30, 2011)

New Standards of Conduct for Mediators is based on the 2005 Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators. Prior to publication of the new standards, the Iowa Code Editor's office has revised the numbering format of the new standards. In addition, the court has made punctuation and grammatical changes to the new standards.

Nunc Pro Tunc (361 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Chapter 46.13(4) (December 12, 2011)

Causes for disciplinary action.

Order and Amendment (338 kb)



In the Matter of Amendments to Iowa Court Rules Chapter 12 (November 14, 2011)

Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved statutory changes that prohibit the possession, receipt, and shipment of firearms and ammunition by a person found by a court to be mentally ill. To comply with this legislation, the court amended two forms used for civil commitments pursuant to Chapter 229 of the Iowa Code.

Order (1202 kb)


Forms - Rule 12.36 - Form 3 and Form 13 (762 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (November 10, 2011)

Amendment to chapter 11 of the Iowa Court Rules? Adoption of Standards of Conduct for Mediators Summary?At the recommendation of the Iowa State Bar Association, the American Academy of Alternate Dispute Resolution Attorneys, and others, the court replaces chapter 11 of the Iowa Court Rules, "Rules Governing Standards of Practice for Lawyer Mediators in Family Disputes," with new standards of conduct for mediators. The current standards have changed little since their adoption in 1987. The new standards mirror the 2005 Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators with one exception. The court added a provision concerning the scope of the rules. This provision provides that the "standards apply to mediators who are lawyers licensed to practice law in Iowa, mediators who participate in any mediation program approved by a court of this state, and mediators in any matter required to be mediated by an Iowa court order or rule." The standards for mediators in the prior version of chapter 11 applied to lawyer mediators in family disputes only. The new standards take effect January 1, 2012.

Order and Amended Rule (352 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (November 30, 2010)

Amendment to Rules of Civil Procedure 1.909 -- The supreme court amends Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.909, setting the fee for late settlement of jury trials, to include a party's waiver of jury trial within the rule's time frame.
Temporarily amended, effective immediately
Permanently effective January 28, 2011

Order and amended rule (479 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (November 24, 2010)

Amendment to Rule 41.12 requires all lawyers newly admitted by examination to complete a basic skills course on Iowa law within one year after admission to the Iowa bar. The supreme court amends the rule to permit new lawyers to take the basic skills course during the time between completion of the bar examination and admission to practice.
Effective immediately

Order and amended rule (565 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (August 3, 2010)

Amendments to Rules of Civil Procedure 1.1007 and 1.1008--Time to file certain post-ruling motions
These amendments increase the amount of time that a party has to file certain post-ruling motions. The court increased the time to file such motions from ten days after the filing of a verdict to fifteen days after the filing of a verdict. This additional time is intended to address case processing delays that cut into the time parties have to file such motions. These delays are the on-going consequence of the severe cuts in the judicial branch budget over the past decade.
Efffective August 9, 2010

Amendment (483 kb)


Supervisory Order (638 kb)



Amendment to Code of Judicial Conduct (June 23, 2010)

Amendment to Application Section
Summary ? This amendment is a technical correction.
Effective immediately

Amendment (342 kb)



Amendment to Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.19(4) (June 17, 2010)

Amendment to Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.19(4) Reporting Opening Statements and Closing Arguments?This amendment requires the reporting of opening statements and final arguments in a criminal trial. The former version of the rule required reporting of these remarks only upon request of a party. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that a complete record of all aspects of a trial exists to enable a complete review of a case on appeal. Under the former rule, the absence of a record of opening statements and closing arguments frequently hampered appellate review, particularly with regard to questions of error preservation and prejudice.
Effective August 16, 2010

Order and Rule (239 kb)



Rule 22.28 Report Form (May 27, 2010)

Amended form for filing transcript income and expense reports.

Supervisory Order (589 kb)



Amendment to Rule of Judicial Administration (May 27, 2010)

Amendments to Rule 22.28(7) ?Court Reporter Transcript Income and Expense Reports
Summary?In response to feedback from court reporters regarding the work involved in producing these reports and confusion about certain reporting requirements, the court amended the rule to require only one report a year (May 1) rather than two reports a year.
Effective immediately

Order and rule (271 kb)



Rules for Expanded Media Coverage (May 27, 2010)

Amendment to Rule 25.3?Witness Objection to Request for Media Coverage
Summary?At the request of the Clerks' Manual Committee, the court amended this rule to provide that a witness is entitled to assistance from the clerk of court in providing copies of the witness's objection to EMC coverage to attorneys, parties, the presiding judge, the district court administrator, and the media coordinator.
Effective immediately

Order and rule (394 kb)



Rule of Appellate Procedure (May 27, 2010)

Procedure 6.1401 Form 5?TPR and CINA Expedited Appeal
Summary?The Iowa Court of Appeals recommended these changes to the CINA/TPR petition form for the purpose of obtaining more direction and information from an appellant regarding the issues being raised on appeal.
Effective immediately

Order and form (1457 kb)



Rules of Civil Procedure (May 26, 2010)

Amendment to Rule of Civil Procedure 1.1013(1) ?Fee for Petition to Vacate or Modify a Judgment
Summary?Earlier this year, the court amended this rule to require the payment of a filing fee when filing a motion or petition for vacating or modifying a judgment. Later, the court was informed of confusion among clerks of court and attorneys about the application of this rule, particularly with respect to small claims cases. Clerks of court asked for guidance. To clarify the rule, the court adopted this amendment. The amendment clarifies that a petition of this nature when filed in small claims shall require payment of the fee for filing a small claims case set forth in section 631.6(1)(a). Currently, the filing fee for small claims cases is $85.

Effective July 24, 2010

Order and rule (641 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 30, 2010)

Adopted effective May 3, 2010

Order (17337 kb)


Chapter 51, Code of Judicial Conduct (16861 kb)


22.12 Senior Judges (767 kb)


22.22 Gifts (661 kb)


32:1.12 Professional Conduct (237 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (March 9, 2010)

1.431 Motion practice
1.1013 Procedure for vacating or modifying judgment
Adopted, effective May 10, 2010

Amendments (650 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (March 9, 2010)

Rule 22.30 -- Use of signature facsimile
Amended, effective immediately

Order and amended rule (568 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (January 19, 2010)

Chapter 31--Admission to the Bar
Chapter 39--Client Security Commission
Chapter 41--Continuing Legal Education
Amended, effective immediately

Order and amended rules (1599 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (January 7, 2010)

1.431 Motion practice
1.909 Fee for late settlement of jury trial
Adopted, effective March 8, 2010

Amended rules (445 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (January 6, 2010)

Court Records
Chapter 20
Adopted, effective immediately

Order and new rules (382 kb)



Iowa Rule of Appellate Procedure (December 18, 2009)

Rule 6.702 Filing fees and copies
Effective immediately

Order and rule (435 kb)



Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure (November 12, 2009)

1.442(5) Filing of pleadings or papers with the court

Supervisory Order and amended rule (468 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (November 12, 2009)

Rule 22.39 Staffing offices of clerks of court
Rule 22.40 Public business hours of offices of clerks of court

Order and Rules (365 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (November 9, 2009)

Rule 22.28 Transcripts - transcript fee and expense report
Amended, effective immediately

Order and Amended Rules 22.28 (657 kb)


Supervisory Order and Rule 22, 28 Report (578 kb)


Staff Summary (768 kb)



Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (October 28, 2009)

State's duty to disclose witnesses
Amended, effective immediately

Rule 2.11(12) (2045 kb)


Staff Explanation (211 kb)


Nunc Pro Tunc (1670 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (October 12, 2009)

Basic skills course requirement
Effective immediately

Rule 41.12 (new) (483 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure (August 10, 2009)

Deposition subpoena 1.715
Court reporter memorandum 1.903(3)
Judgment on the pleadings 1.954
Subpoena 1.1701
Forms 12,13, 14 and 15, 1.1901
Effective October 9, 2009

New Rules and forms (4849 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (August 10, 2009)

Oral Argument, Rule 21.24
Effective immediately

Amended rule (273 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (August 10, 2009)

Admission to the Bar
Rules 31.12, 35.1, 39.14, 42.7, 47.3, and 47.5
Amended, effective immediately

Rule 47.6 adopted
Old Rules 47.6-47.12 renumbered
Effective immediately

Order and amendments (1847 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (July 27, 2009)

Rules 35.19, 35.20, 35.21
Filing Certificates of Noncompliance
Effective immediately

Amended Rules (1831 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (June 29, 2009)

Service by e-mail
Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.453
Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.34
Temporarily amended, effective immediately
Permanently effective August 28, 2009

Emancipation of minors
Rules of Juvenile Procedure 8.35
Temporarily adopted, effective immediately
Permanently effective August 28, 2009


Supervisory Order and amendments (768 kb)



Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure 6.701(7) (June 29, 2009)

Service by e-mail
Rule 6.701(7)
Effective immediately

Order and rule (201 kb)



Iowa Court Rules ( June 3, 2009)

Organization of Appellate Courts; Judicial Administration
Rules 21.24(3) and 22.30 are amended
Effective immediately

Amended rules (586 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (June 3, 2009)

Admission to the Bar
Rule 31.18 adopted
Rules 31.14 and 31.25 forms 1 and 2 are amended
Effective immediately

Chapter 31 (4765 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 9, 2009)

31.2 Admission to the Bar
Effective immediately

Amended Rule (336 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 9, 2009)

25.5 Expanded Media Coverage
Effective immediately

Amended Rule (318 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 9, 2009)

9.8(2) Child Support Guidelines
Correction to guidelines that take effect on July 1

Amended Rule (251 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (April 3, 2009)

Iowa Rules of Evidence
5.502 Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product
5.615 Exclusion of witnesses
5.803 Hearsay exceptions
5.804 Hearsay exceptions
5.807 Residual Exception
Effective June 1, 2009

new Rules of Evidence (1527 kb)



Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure (April 3, 2009)

Rule 2.4(6), 2.5(3) and 2.11(11)
Temporarily amended, effective immediately
Permanently effective June 1, 2009

Supervisory Order and amendments (2049 kb)



Iowa Court Rules (March 25, 2009)

Amendments to Rules of Evidence 5.803, 5.902, and 5.1101
Effective May 25, 2009

Amendments to Chapter 5 (940 kb)



Iowa Court Rule 12.36 (March 9, 2009)

Forms 32 and 33
Effective May 11, 2009

Forms (663 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapter 9 (March 9, 2009)

Child Support Guidelines
Effective July 1, 2009

Chapter 9, Guidelines and Worksheet (2441 kb)



Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure 2.4(6) and 2.5(3) (December 23, 2008)

Minutes of evidence--witness information
Temporarily amended, effective immediately
Effective February 23, 2009

Chapters 2.4(6) and 2.5(3) (619 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapter 6-Appellate Rules (October 31, 2008)
Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure 1.1010 and 1.1401 - 1.1412
Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.73
Iowa Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.21

Effective January 1, 2009

Chapter 6 and Amended Rules (30755 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapters 22 and 51 (October 31, 2008)

Senior judge program
Effective January 1, 2009

Chapters 22 and 51 (1610 kb)



Iowa Court Rules 31.12 and 31.13 (October 16, 2008)

Admission on motion
Effective immediately

Rules 31.12 and 31.13 (1183 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapters 12 and 13 (October 1, 2008)

Involuntary commitment proceedings
Effective December 15, 2008

Chapters 12 and 13 (1081 kb)



Iowa Court Rules 31.3, 31.4 and 31.5 (September 17, 2008)

Iowa Bar Examination
Effective immediately

Admission to the Bar, Chapter 31 (1228 kb)



Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.422 (July 31, 2008)

Protected information
Effective October 1, 2008 Delayed until further order

Rule 1.422 (141 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedures 1.903 and Rule 1.1901 Form 12 (July 31, 2008)

Trial of issues
Court Reporter memorandum
Effective October 1, 2008

Rule 1.1901 and Rule 1.1901 Form 12 (143 kb)



Iowa Court Rules Chapter 23 (June 27, 2008)

Time Standards for case processing, notice of civil trial-setting conference and trial scheduling order
Effective September 1, 2008

Chapter 23 (1836 kb)



Iowa Rules of Civil Procedures 1.906 (June 27, 2008)

Civil trial-setting conference
Effective September 1, 2008

Rule 1.906 (452 kb)



Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.1901 and Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.32 (June 26, 2008)

Rule of Civil Procedure 1.901 forms 8 and 9
Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.32 forms 1 and 2
Temporary adoption of amendments by supervisory order
Permanent effective date September 1, 2008

Rules 1.1901 and 2.32 (1350 kb)


Supervisory Order (198 kb)



Approved Iowa court forms for child support modification (June 16, 2008)

Order (128 kb)


Court Forms

DICKINSON, ND (06/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Ivy Pokorny of Davenport IA was among the 115 students recently named to the Dickinson State University Spring 2012 President's List.

In order to be selected to the President's List, a student must have a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.9 (on a 4.0 scale) and have completed at least 12 credits during the semester.

Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, N.D., with a population of over 18,000. Dickinson State University offers approximately 60 programs to a diverse student body.

Welcome to Historic Jefferson City-

You're Invited to Feel the History

and Join in the Fun

 

 

For Immediate Release:

June 29, 2012

 

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. - Day or night, the family fun spotlight shines brightly on Jefferson City. Missouri's capital city lures visitors year-round with history, attractions, shopping, dining, lodging and fun events. Its streets reflect a unique character and small-city charm that presents a pleasant surprise from sunrise to sunrise.

 

Jefferson City is Missouri's "life of the party," with a limitless love of music and excitement. The capital city celebrates this love in style by blocking off downtown streets and turning up the music for outdoor block parties such as its Thursday Night Live series and the Capital Jazzfest and Street Fair.

Madison's Patio

But Jefferson City isn't just alive during its block parties; it's buzzing every day of the week. In the downtown area, a visitor can have a meal or a beverage under the shade of a colorful umbrella, while in the fresh air, at one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes. Downtown visitors also can stroll to retail shops, an art gallery, museums and a beautiful flower garden, all within mere minutes of each other.

 

Elsewhere around Jefferson City, golfers can tee off at one of five area golf courses. Cyclists, hikers or joggers can hit the Katy Trail State Park for some recreation in the great outdoors. Families and nature lovers can explore over 3,000 square feet of Missouri wildlife exhibits - including a 3,580-gallon fish aquarium - at the Missouri Department of Conservation's Runge Nature Center. Outdoor movies, classical theater, the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary and the picturesque Missouri State Capitol offer even more places to explore.

 

STREET FAIRS

Jefferson City shuts the streets down for two epic downtown block parties and it's all during the same week in September:

  • On Sept. 6, Thursday Night Live features live music, outdoor bars and specials from downtown restaurants, stores and nightspots. Bring your lawn chairs to the corner of Madison and High Streets and enjoy this rockin' block party from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Capital JazzfestThe 21st Capital Jazzfest and Street Fair kicks off a day of fun, food, art and jazz Sept. 8 from noon to 9 p.m. at the corner of Madison and High Streets. The event features five jazz acts performing on stage, including the University of Missouri Concert Jazz Band at 2 p.m.; Tom Andes Trio with Margaret Bianchetta at 3:25 p.m.; the St. Louis-based Michael Terry Group at 4:50 p.m.; Kansas City jazz group Sons of Brasil at 6:15 p.m.; and singer Erin Bode, who has been featured on TV's Fox News This Morning and The CBS Morning Show, at 7:35 p.m. The event also includes street artists chalking concrete canvases, "Kids' Art" activities, food and drink vendors, and much more. For more information about the Capital Jazzfest and Street Fair, call Jessica Dulle at 573-635-8355 or Jeff Bassinson at 573-635-6866. You also can visit the Jazzfest and Street Fair on the web at  www.capjazz.org or visit  www.capitalarts.org.

 

FAMILY FUN

Searching for some free fun for the whole family? Jefferson City has a couple of upcoming events that break out some fun without breaking a family's bank account:

  • The Capital Arts Center at 1203 Missouri Blvd. will have a Family Fun Day on July 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will be invited to explore the gallery, view the exhibits and create chalk art masterpieces. Kids and adults also can visit the Imagination Station designated for children and parents to create art together. The Imagination Station is equipped with recycled materials (plastic containers, paper towel tubes, egg cartons, etc.) as well as scissors, glue sticks, crayons, markers and paints for putting together the perfect hand-made masterpiece. To find out more about this Family Fun Day or for more about the Capital Arts Center, call 573-635-8355, email artsadmin@capitalarts.org or visit CapitalArts.org.
  • movie at the capitolFamilies can enjoy a free movie, drive-in style, in the open air on the Missouri State Capitol's South Lawn. Jefferson City's outdoor movie series, "Stars Under the Stars," allows spectators to bring all the candy, popcorn and drinks (no alcoholic beverages) they can haul. Just bring a lawn chair or lay out a blanket and delight in movies on the large, inflatable screen. The fantasy action movie Jumanji plays on July 13 and the musical Meet Me In St. Louis shows on Aug. 3. Show activities start at 7:30 p.m. and the movies begin at dusk. For more information about these family nights, call 573-634-6482.

For more information about other fun family activities and events in and around Jefferson City, contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-769-4183 or go to the CVB's website at VisitJeffersonCity.com.

 

 

SPEND THE NIGHT IN JAIL

Ghost Tours at MSPIf you've always imagined yourself as somewhat of an amateur ghostbuster, then the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) Ghost Hunts are right down your dark paranormal alley. On these evening MSP Ghost Hunts, tour guides provide tour-goers with a history lesson about the 176-year-old decommissioned prison as well as the strange unexplained occurrences that have happened behind the walls. Participants on the three-hour tour will be given "paranormal activity" devices, as well as flashlights, and the group will creep around the various "hot spots" in the prison, including the infamous MSP Gas Chamber where 40 inmates were executed. These Hunts are $35 per person and due to the spooky nature of the tours, no one under 14 is admitted. There are also specialized Ghost Hunt Classes that allow potential Ghost Hunters to learn from genuine paranormal experts about using equipment, how to take great ghost photographs and how to recognize paranormal activity. Regular two-hour Ghost Tours also are available as well as a variety of other regular historical tours in both the daytime and at twilight. To find out more about the MSP or to book a tour, call 866-998-6998 or visit MissouriPenTours.com.

 

 

Coming Up ...

 

The 62nd Annual Jefferson City Jaycees Fair

Dates: July 30 - August 4

Time: 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. (Every Day)

Location: Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds, 1445 Fairgrounds Road

Admission Cost: Monday, July 30: $5. Tuesday, July 31-Saturday, August 4: $10.

Description: Expect carnival rides and games, 4H and FFA events and beauty pageants throughout the fair. Other activities are scheduled as follows: tractor pulls (July 30-31), an Outlaw Nationals Monster Truck Show featuring the world-famous Bigfoot (Aug. 1-2), wild Figure 8 racing (Aug. 3), the Mid-Missouri Off-Roaders Mud Run (Aug. 4) and much more. This year's featured concerts are: Brooke Burrows (July 30), Ira Dean (July 30), Kip Moore (July 31), Keith Anderson (Aug. 1), Chris Cagle (Aug. 2), Fuel (Aug. 3) and Mark Chesnutt (Aug. 4). A complete schedule of events and concerts are available at the Fair's Facebook page at Facebook.com/pages/Jefferson-City-Jaycees-Fair/324339202294. You also can email jayceesfair@embarqmail.com for more information.

 

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For more information about these and other attractions in and around Jefferson City, please contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-769-4183, at

VisitJeffersonCity.com or at the city's Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest pages.

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