20 Aug 2012

Moore Claims Grand Champion Banner in State Fair's 4-H Market Beef Show

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- The crossbred steer shown by Trevor Moore of Lisbon captured the highly coveted Grand Champion banner in the 4-H Market Beef Show Wednesday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Moore's steer was named Division 2 Champion Crossbred Market Steer in the drive to the Grand Championship.

James Gradert of Sibley showed the Champion Charolais Steer. His steer was also named the Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer.

The Champion Market Heifer was shown by Macey Goretska of Corydon. Elizabeth Jones of Williamsburg exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Heifer. The Third Place Overall Market Heifer was shown by Kade Killmer of Perry.

Dustin Lund of Corning exhibited a Champion Chianina Steer which won the Third Place Overall banner. Fourth Place Overall went to the Reserve Champion Division 2 Crossbred steer of Danielle DeLange of Albia, while Fifth Place Overall was earned by the Champion Maine-Anjou Steer shown by Morgan McDermott of Atlantic.

Additional results below:

Market Steers:

Angus Champion - Taylor Duckett, New Liberty

Angus Reserve Champion - Olivia Johnson, Prole

Any Other Breed Champion - Ashley Iehl, Central City

Any Other Breed Reserve Champion - Jenel Wenndt, Lowden

Charolais Champion - James Gradert, Sibley

Charolais Reserve Champion - Jordan Reed, Lenox

Chianina Champion - Dustin Lund, Corning

Chianina Reserve Champion - Gracie Russell, Prescott

Hereford Champion - Tyler Krebs, Okoboji

Hereford Reserve Champion - Austin Deppe, Maquoketa

Limousin Champion - Mara Anderson, Garner

Limousin Reserve Champion - Bailey Walrod, Moorland

Maine-Anjou Champion - Morgan McDermott, Atlantic

Maine-Anjou Reserve Champion - Abby Staudt, Rockford

Shorthorn Champion - Jessica Kramer, Farmersburg

Shorthorn Reserve Champion - Jenna Rohret, Solon

Shorthorn Plus Champion - Alex Alliger, Gowrie

Shorthorn Plus Reserve Champion - Madison Snyder, Bloomfield

Simmental Champion - Sophie Hansen, Adel

Simmental Reserve Champion - Cale Smith, Indianola

Crossbred Division 1 Champion - Evan Friesth, Adel

Crossbred Division 1 Reserve Champion - Trace Ticknor, Bridgewater

Crossbred Division 2 Champion - Trevor Moore, Lisbon

Crossbred Division 2 Reserve Champion - Danielle DeLange, Albia

Crossbred Division 3 Champion - Jordyn Burco, Independence

Crossbred Division 3 Reserve Champion - Seth Plendl, Kingsley

The Grand and Reserve Champion Market Steers, as well as the Champion and Reserve Champion Market Heifers and 10 other livestock champions, will be auctioned in the prestigious Sale of Champions on Saturday, August 18, at 2 p.m. in the Penningroth Media Center of the Cattle Barn. The event is sponsored by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, a non-profit organization established to encourage the pursuit of agriculture-related careers by Iowa's youth.

"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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20 Aug 2012

Ribbons Awarded in Iowa State Fair Sheep Shearing Competition

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Contestants battled for top honors in the Iowa State Fair Sheep Shearing contest judged Saturday, August 11, at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Each contestant sheared four sheep in the preliminary round and an additional four in the finals.

Complete results follow:

AMATEUR

Shearing

1) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

2) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

3) Raelan Schweinefus, Mitchellville

4) Ben Daniels, Eldora

Best Pen

1) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

2) Raelan Schweinefus, Mitchellville

3) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

Fastest Time

1) Ben Daniels, Eldora

2) Nayeri Club Lambs, Bondurant

3) Emily Chamelin, Westminster, Md.

JUNIOR

Shearing

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

Best Pen

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

Fastest Time

1) Weston Hyllested, Circle Pine, Minn.

2) Quentin Ackerman, Sac City

3) Eli Joslyn, Muscatine

SENIOR

Shearing

1) Kevin Hickman, Larchwood

2) Bruce Sellers, Chariton

3) Alex Moser, Larchwood

4) Dan Ackerman, Sac City

5) Nolan Abel, Royal

6) Mike Hagens, Mandan, N.D.

7) Rocky Anderson, Griswold

8) Mark Hoogendoorn, Rock Rapids

9) Mike Holdeman, Reasnor

10) Brandon Buelt, Elk Horn

11) Dave Tometich, Muscatine

12) Lee Buelt, Exira

13) Justin Schau, Donnellson

Best Pen

1) Bruce Sellers, Chariton

2) Alex Moser, Larchwood

3) Nolan Abel, Royal

Fastest Time

1) Mike Holdeman, Reasnor

2) Mark Hoogendoorn, Rock Rapids

3) Alex Moser, Larchwood

* * *

20 Aug 2012

Dunlap Exhibitor Wins 4-H Breeding Beef Show at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Luke Elder of Dunlap exhibited a Chianina Heifer to capture the Supreme Breeding Heifer in the 4-H Breeding Beef Show Tuesday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Elder's Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer earned the Fourth Place Overall banner.

Madison Udell of Sioux City won the Reserve Supreme Breeding Heifer banner with her Champion Commercial Heifer. Udell's Champion Simmental Foundation Heifer earned Fifth Place Overall. Third Place Overall went to Jordan Crall of Albia and his Champion Mainetainer Heifer.

Additional results below:

Angus Champion - Riley Sieren, Washington

Angus Reserve Champion - Drew Norris, Corydon

All Other Breeds Champion - Mara Anderson, Garner

All Other Breeds Reserve Champion - Madi Nothwher, Clarinda

Charolais Champion - Olivia Lapke, Logan

Charolais Reserve Champion - Mallory Bakley, Osceola

Charolais Cross Champion - Kiley Elder, Pella

Charolais Cross Reserve Champion - James Gradert, Sibley

Chianina Champion - Luke Elder, Dunlap

Chianina Reserve Champion - Kaitlin Ihns, Wilton

Hereford Champion - Kennedy Core, Pleasantville

Hereford Reserve Champion - Payton Vogel, Hartley

Limousin Champion - Hallie Linhart, Weldon

Limousin Reserve Champion - Derek Anderson, Garner

Maine-Anjou Champion - Kailey Eskildsen, Northwood

Maine-Anjou Reserve Champion - Kori McLaughlin, Mediapolis

Mainetainer Champion - Jordan Crall, Albia

Mainetainer Reserve Champion - Kenton Lain, Corydon

Red Angus Champion - Addy Van Vliet, Pella

Red Angus Reserve Champion - Camiel Blomme, Brooklyn

Shorthorn Champion - Jacob Darbyshire, Morning Sun

Shorthorn Reserve Champion - Payton Vogel, Hartley

Shorthorn Plus Champion - Ben Weis, McIntire

Shorthorn Plus Reserve Champion - Morgan Muller, Whittemore

Simmental Champion - Kiersten Jass, Garner

Simmental Reserve Champion - Tyler Espenscheid, Monroe

Simmental Foundation Champion - Madison Udell, Sioux City

Simmental Foundation Reserve Champion - Kiley Elder, Pella

Commercial Heifer Champion - Madison Udell, Sioux City

Commercial Heifer Reserve Champion - Luke Elder, Dunlap

* * *

20 Aug 2012

Sumner Farm Wins Champion Ewe at Iowa State Fair Shropshire Show

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Madison Kirchmann of Sumner showed the Champion Ewe in the Shropshire Sheep show judged Thursday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Chris Whittaker of Laura, Ill., exhibited the Champion Ram.

Dalton Hicks of Stillwater, Okla., showed both the Reserve Champion Ewe and the Reserve Champion Ram. Hicks also placed third in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

WEG Shropshires and I-80 Flocks of Geneva, Neb., placed first in the Premier Exhibitor contest, and SS Shrops of Davenport took second.

The Premier Exhibitor award is given to the exhibitor who scores the most points based upon class placings during the breed's show.

Additional results below (names, hometowns and animal identification):

Yearling Ram

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/5/2011, 443288

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 3/3/2011

Shorn Yearling Ram

1) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/16/2010

2) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 196, 2/1/2011, 444272

Fall Ram Lamb

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 9/21/2011, 445704

January Ram Lamb

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, RueberShrops1206 NNRR, 1/17/2012, M445997

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 1/27/2012

3) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/1/2012, 445705

February Ram Lamb

1) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1209, 2/1/2012, M445667

2) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445712

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., E Anderson 3, 2/13/2012, Pending

4) Jackson Musselman, Mabel, Minn., Sugar Ridge Cee Lo Rr Nn, 2/11/2012, M445899ram

5) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 209, 2/21/2012, Pending

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/1/2010

7) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/2/2012, 445710

March and After Ram Lamb

1) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Channel Cat Rrnn, 3/30/2012, M445902

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 3/1/2012

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., E Anderson 4, 3/13/2012, Pending

4) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, RueberShrops, 3/3/2012, pending

5) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 215, 3/7/2012, Pending

6) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/3/2012, 445713

Shorn Ram Lamb - All Ages

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 12-04, 3/25/2012, M 446454

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/17/2012

3) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

4) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445711

Pair of Ram Lambs

1) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

2) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

3) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

5) SS Shrops, Davenport

6) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Yearling Ewe

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1101 NNRR, 1/2/2011, M445990

2) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Rife 11-058, 1/11/2011, M443430

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/15/2010

4) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Avery's 11-29 Bell, 1/26/2011, M443948

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/13/2010

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Avery's 11-42 Alma, 3/1/2011, M443955

7) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1101, 1/2/2011, M443389

8) SS Shrops, Davenport, CLSF, 2/20/2011, 443527

Shorn Yearling Ewe

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1112 NNRR, 2/21/2011, M 445989

2) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1107, 3/2/2011, M443394

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/16/2011

4) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

5) SS Shrops, Davenport, Rolling Hills, 2/10/2011, 445474

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/16/2011

Pair of Yearling Ewes

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

4) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) SS Shrops, Davenport

Fall Ewe Lamb

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 11-10, 10/14/2011, M446448

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 10/25/2011

January Ewe Lamb

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Mrozinski 12-07, 1/22/2012, M446057

2) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/19/2012, 445687

3) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Susan Rrnn, 1/11/2012, M445897

4) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1201 NNRR, 1/5/2012, M445987

5) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Rife 12-030, 1/3/2012, M445740

6) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1201, 1/3/2012, M445662

7) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 1/1/2012, 445687

8) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 1/26/2012

February Ewe Lamb

1) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1210, 2/1/2012, M445664

2) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., D. Hicks 12-01, 2/23/2012, M446449

3) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 210, 2/21/2012, Pending

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo., Af 202, 2/14/2012, Pending

5) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1204 NNRR, 2/12/2012, M445988

6) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., Avery's 12-53 Bellflower, 2/13/2012, M446093

7) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Brie Rrnn, 2/17/2012, M445896

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 203, 2/8/2012, Pending

9) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/2/2012, 445690

10) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/17/2012

11) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/3/2012, 445695

March and After Ewe Lamb

1) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner, Rueber Shrops 1205, 3/10/2012

2) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis., Sugar Ridge Gabrielle Rrnn, 3/30/2012, M445898

3) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/5/2012, 445699

4) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 3/3/2012, 445698

5) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill., Whittaker 1212, 3/7/2012, M446275

6) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla., 3/7/2012, 446089

7) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo., Af 214, 3/2/2012, Pending

Shorn Ewe Lamb - All Ages

1) SS Shrops, Davenport, SS Shrops, 2/12/2012, 445697

2) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb., 2/18/2012

Pair of Ewe Lambs

1) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Pair of Lambs

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

5) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

6) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Young Flock

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Emily Anderson, Macon, Mo.

3) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

4) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

7) SS Shrops, Davenport

8) Anderson Farms, Macon, Mo.

Flock

1) Dalton Hicks, Stillwater, Okla.

2) Madison Kirchmann, Sumner

3) Chris Whittaker, Laura, Ill.

4) WEG Shropshires and 1-80 Flocks, Geneva, Neb.

5) Sugar Ridge Ranch, Viroqua, Wis.

6) SS Shrops, Davenport

* * *

20 Aug 2012

Three Additional Sprouts Acts to Perform in State Fair Talent Search Finals

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Three talented Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) have been selected to perform in the Championship round in Bill Riley's 53rd annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform in exhibition on Sunday, August 19, but will no longer be competing.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the acts are:

Emma Destigter, 9, Moville, and Taylor Knaack, 10, Correctionville, Tap Dance

Ada Lund, 4, Corning, Dance

Alissa Marie Girsch, 12, Davenport, Vocal Solo

Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the competition. Two Sprout acts will be crowned champions every day of the semi-finals. The six winning acts will perform in the talent-packed championship set for Sunday, August 19, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.

Each of the six Sprout Champions will receive a prize of $250 after the Championship Show. More than $15,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined.

* * *

20 Aug 2012

Lt. Governor Simon statement on strip club legislation

By Kara Beach

CHICAGO - August 18, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement regarding Governor Pat Quinn's signing of House Bill 1645, which will help fund rape crisis centers through fees based on strip club profits or admissions.

Simon said: "I thank Governor Quinn for standing up for rape victims and crisis centers across the state. This new revenue stream will help offset cuts that threatened critical services. When a sexual assault victim goes to a police station or a survivor calls a hotline, we need trained staff ready to respond. This bill helps to keep lights on and doors open, jobs filled and responders trained."

Under the law, strip club owners can choose to pay the state on an annual basis a $3 per patron fee or opt to pay a flat fee based on the taxable receipts they report to the Illinois Department of Revenue each year. Clubs that report taxable receipts of $2 million or more would pay $25,000 a year; clubs that report taxable receipts of $500,000 to $2 million would pay $15,000; and clubs that report taxable receipts of less than $500,000 would pay $5,000, according to the new law.

The law goes into effect January 2013 and applies only to strip clubs that serve or permit alcohol consumption. It is projected to raise up to $1 million per year, or roughly one-sixth of what the state spends on sexual assault prevention and response annually. In fiscal year 2011, rape crisis centers in Illinois served more than 18,000 clients and reached nearly 475,000 people with prevention education.

The $3 per patron surcharge and fee structure was a compromise reached by rape crisis advocates, club owners and sponsors Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). The bill originally called for a $5 per patron entry fee.

"I would like to thank the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault as well as Lt. Governor Sheila Simon for their constant and unwavering support for this new law," Hutchinson said. "Victims of sexual assault must be able to access emergency services to fully recover from their traumatic experiences. I am hopeful the extra funding for sexual assault centers across Illinois will ensure no victim is turned away for care when they need it the most."

The new revenue will go into the new Sexual Assault Services and Prevention Fund and be distributed by the Department of Human Services for community-based assistance to victims of sexual assault and sexual assault prevention. There are at least 32 rape crisis centers serving Illinois residents - 10 in the Chicago-metro region and 22 in the non-metro area. State funding for the centers has decreased about 28 percent in the past five years, forcing many centers to cut counselors and/or create waiting lists for counseling services while demand for services increased. One center closed its doors.

Last year, the Texas Supreme Court upheld legislation that funded crisis centers through a $5 entrance fee at strip clubs that permit alcohol based on the correlation among alcohol, live nude dancing and negative secondary effects, such as sexual assault. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge of that decision, effectively opening the door for other cities and states to pursue similar measures.

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20 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Boost Protections to Women

By Leslie Wertheimer

Takes aim at sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence

CHICAGO - August 18, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed three new laws designed to provide greater protections to Illinois women from sexual assault and domestic violence. Earlier this week, the governor signed a new law to protect women from stalking. Today's action is the latest by Governor Quinn to support crime victims and boost protections of women.

"Violence against women has occurred in small towns, urban neighborhoods and college campuses," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws will help us hold the predators accountable as well as prevent behavior which can lead to sexual assaults."

Governor Quinn signed House Bill 1645, sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), to create the Sexual Assault Services and Prevention Fund. An initiative of Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), the law is designed to support sexual assault prevention efforts and aid the recovery of victims. According to Illinois State Police Uniform Crime Reports, about 15 rapes occur each day but experts agree that only one-third of all rapes are reported. In 2010, 18,349 survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse were served by the hotlines of ICASA.

Under the new law, grants would be made to provide community-based assistance to victims of sexual assault and for activities to prevent sexual assault from happening. Administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services, the fund will be supported through the new Live Adult Entertainment Facility Surcharge. Club operators will be required to pay a flat surcharge on their gross receipts or impose a $3 surcharge on each patron upon admission. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.

"I thank Governor Quinn for standing up for rape victims and crisis centers across the state," Lt. Governor Simon said. "This new revenue stream will help offset cuts that threatened critical services. When a sexual assault victim goes to a police station or a survivor calls a hotline, we need trained staff ready to respond. This bill helps to keep lights on and doors open, jobs filled and responders trained."

"This law is a victory for rape victims and the dedicated rape crisis centers who work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in communities across the state to provide services to survivors of sexual assault." said Polly Poskin, ICASA Executive Director. "They will benefit from this innovative and important funding stream. We applaud Governor Quinn for signing this groundbreaking bill." Poskin noted that Chicago will be hosting the National Sexual Assault Conference from August 22-24.

"Gas taxes go for road-building; gambling fees fund addiction services. This is based on the same principle," said Sen. Hutchinson. "Let's work towards a society that understands that violence against women is totally unacceptable. Finding a way to fund these services is critical."

Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 5689 to create the Eradicate Domestic Violence Task Force, sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). An initiative of Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown, the law paves the way for development of a statewide voluntary prevention course for high school students based on the Step Back program.

Step Back was developed by Sarah's Inn, a not-for-profit that set up a pilot program at Oak Park and River Forest High School. It consists of a daily, 9 week, 45 minute session course designed to increase awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault, date rape, bullying and suicide.

Under the new law, the Task Force will be comprised of 27 experts and advocates who will and report to the General Assembly by April 1, 2013. The law is effective immediately.

"I am thrilled the governor signed this bill," Clerk Brown said. "Eradicating domestic violence is dear to my heart: I was a victim of domestic violence as a teen. If we can show our youth alternatives to violence and teach them self-esteem, we can help them understand that no one should be a victim." The statewide program will be administered and staffed by Clerk of the Court employees.

"The innovative Step Back initiative is already changing behavior - one student at a time - at my alma mater, Oak Park and River Forest High School," Rep. Lilly said. "These teens are getting lessons to last a lifetime."

"We applaud these actions to make violence prevention a priority," said Regina Botterill, Executive Director of Sarah's Inn, a 30-year old agency that helps battered women in Chicago's Austin neighborhood and 22 suburban towns. "Sarah's Inn and all involved with the Step Back program at Oak Park and River Forest High School are honored to be part of the process."

In addition, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 5264 to allow prosecutors to use prior domestic violence offenses as evidence in first- and second-degree murder cases involving domestic violence. Sponsored by Rep. Art Turner (D-Chicago) and Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), the bill passed unanimously in both chambers and was supported by Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez. It is effective immediately.

Earlier this week, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 5922, sponsored by Rep William Cunningham (D-Chicago) and Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), to expedite the process of serving "no-contact" notices to stalkers. Law enforcement authorities and process servers will now be able to use a shorter form to stop stalkers in their tracks. It also allows law enforcement officials to detain a respondent for a reasonable time to prepare and serve a short form "no-contact" order. Proposed by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, the bill - which passed unanimously in both chambers - amends the Illinois Stalking No Contact Order Act and Civil No Contact Order Act.

HB 5922 takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.

20 Aug 2012

Iowa State University awards 831 graduates

By Jackie King

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University awarded 831 students degrees at the end of the summer term. The university awarded 519 undergraduate degrees, 195 master's degrees, and 117 doctor of philosophy degrees.

Of the students receiving bachelor's degrees, 50 graduated "With Distinction" (cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude) and 5 students graduated "With Distinction" and as members of the Honors Program.

Those graduates from our area include :

from Bettendorf:

Emily Kristine Bisbee, BS, Kinesiology and Health
Brett Thomas Bueker, BS, Kinesiology and Health;
Drew Allen Iannone, BS, Biology
Abigail Marie Kline, BS, Child, Adult, and Family Services
Andrew Kyle Marsh, BS, Management
Justin William Rice, PHD, Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology (LAS)
Carleigh Ann Rose, BS, Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production
Joseph Anthony Tisinger, BS, Accounting
Joseph Anthony Tisinger, BS, Finance
Sarah Brianne Tisinger, BS, Journalism and Mass Communication

from Davenport, IA:

Jennifer R. Curta Leptien, PHD, Human Development and Family Studies
Matthew Jeffrey Schlue, BS, Management Information Systems
Aaron James Sedam, BS, Finance

and from Moline, IL:

Courtney Elizabeth Carson, BS, Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production
Mark Andrew Krismanits, Finance
Mark Andrew Krismanits, BS, Management;

20 Aug 2012

Free Chick-fil-A Gift Card

By A. J. Spiker

Greetings Fellow Republicans,

Earlier this month people across the country, including thousands upon thousands in Iowa, came out in support of Chick-fil-A restaurant. Together they gave Chick-fil-A it's largest day of business ever in a show of support for the free speech rights of it's CEO Dan Cathy.

The Republican Party of Iowa strongly values freedom of speech and the ability for everyone, regardless of political or religious belief to express themselves. Today I am proud to unveil our newest program, an initiative appropropriately deemed, "The Patriot Club"

Join the Patriot Club with a $10 monthly donation and you'll automatically receive a $10 gift card to Chick-fil-A as a special gift from the Republican Party of Iowa! We'll even mail the gift card right to your home.

We believe Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy has the right to express his political beliefs, even if they are not seen as politically correct by liberals. If you agree, then please join the Patriot Club today and help us defend this important personal liberty. This new program will allow us to focus even more time, energy and resources on getting Republicans elected statewide. It will also allow the party to save money, better plan for the future and put additional resources into our solid candidates throughout Iowa.

Click here to learn more about the Patriot Club and get your $10 Chick-fil-A gift card!

I am also very excited to announce the Republican Party of Iowa has a brand new website! My staff and I have been working very hard to redesign our website and ensure Republican voters, activists and candidates have the tools they need to be successful. Over time this new website will grow and have even more tremendous features. The address is the same as before: www.IowaGOP.org but you will find it has been given a complete makeover.

On the new website you will find upcoming events in your area, information about Republican candidates running for office at the federal, state and local level, as well as the latest news and press releases from the Party. You will be able to sign up to volunteer and get updates on events in your area. Visit our new website by clicking here.

Everyone here at the Republican Party of Iowa is thrilled to roll out the new website. We believe it will give us a competitive advantage this election cycle and we hope you like it as much as we do!

To Victory,

A.J. Spiker
Chairman, Republican Party of Iowa

P.S. I am tremendously excited to unveil both our brand new website and our "Patriot Club" program. Help us defend freedom of speech and support Republican candidates this November and receive your $10 Chick-fil-A gift card as a special thank you from the Republican Party of Iowa. Click here to join the Patriot Club with an initial $10 donation.

20 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Friday, August 17, 2012

By William Palmisano

SPRINGFIELD - August 17, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 587

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Provides that a park district may increase the property tax levy, but does not allow park districts to increase taxes.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3806

An Act Concerning: Minors

Changes the definition of "chronic truant" in the Juvenile Court Act to mirror the definition in the School Code.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 3859

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Requires counties and municipalities that agree to share or rebate a retailers' occupation tax to file reports with Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), and requires IDOR to post these reports on its website.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4078

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows the Illinois Toll Highway Authority to construct railroad tracks along the tollway system after receiving the governor's written approval.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4190

An Act Concerning: State Government

Amends the Illinois False Claims Act to provide that, unless opposed by the state, the court should dismiss false claim actions if the allegations or transaction were publicly disclosed and specified conditions are met.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4479

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Recognizing new, nationally-recognized certification language regarding pre-engineered installers to the Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Regulation Act of 2011, and increases licensing fees; allows Office of the State Fire Marshall to impose fines for violations of the act; extends the repeal of the act to Jan. 1, 2023; and eliminates the Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Advisory Board.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4563

An Act Concerning: State Government

Permits facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) to reduce the number of beds without approval of the Health Facilities and Services Review Board.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4606

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Requires daycare facilities to test for radon.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 4673

An Act Concerning: Firearms

Allows a local law enforcement officer to retain his/her FOID card, if he/she has been a patient in a mental health institution within the past five years, provided the officer has not been involuntarily admitted or an inpatient for longer than 30 days.

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed

Bill No.: HB 4749

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Allows courts to appoint special prosecutors from the Office of the Attorney General, the States' Attorney Appellate Defender or other local states' attorney's offices before appointing a private attorney to act as a special prosecutor in the case of the state's attorney's absence.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 4862

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Clarifies that only low speed vehicles manufactured after Jan. 1, 2010 are required to obtain title certificates.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 4863

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Subjects a vehicle to seizure and forfeiture if the offender's license was revoked following certain violations of a local ordinance, the Criminal Code, or laws of another state.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 4937

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

States that a local, municipal or county law enforcement agency entitled to receive a portion of forfeiture proceeds may share proceeds through an intergovernmental agreement with a municipality that has a population in excess of 20,000 if specified conditions are met.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 4962

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Requires that if a county board opts to have their members elected by districts, then each district must be substantially equal in population. The law also makes a technical change regarding fees.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5050

An Act Concerning: Public Health

Allows post-surgical recovery care centers to discharge patients less than 24 hours after treatment, if appropriate, and permits blood products to be administered in such centers.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5062

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Eliminates requirement that minors who are under the age of 14 and who are or will be represented by a guardian ad litem be personally served with process in adoption cases.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5109

An Act Concerning: Insurance

Changes the makeup of a board of trustees for a dental service plan corporation.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5121

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Prohibits inmates of the Department of Corrections who are serving time for attempting to commit terrorism from receiving more than 4.5 days of good conduct credit for each month of his or her sentence.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5145

An Act Concerning: State Government

Permits up to 2 percent of the Abandoned Mined Lands funding to be spent on non-coal reclamation projects and deletes times limits on the obligation of such expenditures.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5180

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to develop a policy to inform the public of construction projects that result in lane reductions or street closures for a period longer than five consecutive business days.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5189

An Act Concerning: State Government

Allows the state comptroller to disburse employee payroll payments or expense reimbursements to a secure check account.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: 30 days after becoming law

Bill No.: HB 5207

An Act Concerning: Elections

Removes reference to constitutional amendments in a section regarding petitions being

added to election ballots if 95 percent of the signatures have been found valid.

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed

Bill No.: HB 5221

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Strengthens compliance requirements for employers pertaining to income withholding orders for child support payments.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5235

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Amends the current child pornography statute to add violations and respective penalties.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5236

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Reduces the size of the Jackson-Union Counties Regional Port District Board from 23 members to seven, and eliminates all members currently appointed by local mayors.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5250

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Restructures penalties for the manufacturing, delivery of, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, any substance containing hydrocodone, dihydrocodeinone, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, or any of the salts, isomers and salts of isomers, or analog of those substances.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5265

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Revises child abduction statute to add as a violation luring or attempting to lure a child under the age of seventeen while the child is traveling to or from a primary or secondary school.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5314

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Allows a lessor to use electronic mail to notify a lessee of damage to property before withholding any part of the security deposit.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5319

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Allows sanitary districts to sell or distribute treated wastewater to any public or private entity.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5353

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Extends the rabbit hunting season by one month.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5359

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Makes several technical changes to the Real Estate License Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5441

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Amends the powers and duties of the State Appellate Defender.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5478

An Act Concerning: Insurance

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to add records exempted under Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act to the list of records that the Department of Insurance is not required to disclose for public inspection.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5480

An Act Concerning: Government

Allows organizations desiring to be designated as a qualified organization for the purposes of receiving voluntary payroll deductions to submit electronic designations on forms approved by the State Comptroller; lowers the number of employees that must submit designations.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5548

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act to enable a staff member to retain a personal attorney in the event that the hospital renders an adverse decision regarding the staff member's employment status or clinical privileges.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5586

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Entitles a resident of a mental health facility operated via a contract with the Department of Human Services (DHS), who has been transferred to another facility due to closures, to the same rights provided to residents of a DHS-operated mental health facility.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5606

An Act Concerning: Corrections

Makes it illegal to possess any product containing a methamphetamine precursor without a prescription if the individual has been convicted of a crime under the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5635

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Includes coroners in the training provided by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB), and makes coroners eligible to receive waivers from the training requirements.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5682

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Requires professionals who carry weapons to have proper safety training and provides exemptions if professionals have certain levels of training.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5685

An Act Concerning: State Government

Allows the Department of Natural Resources to remove from and deny further entry to any nature preserve any person or persons engaging in illegal or disorderly conduct, and imposes fees for reinstatement of suspended licenses.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5749

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Allows the Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor to assist State's Attorneys in post-conviction proceedings; allows the director of the Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor to contract out for investigators.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5752

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Makes technical changes to the Illinois Dental Practice Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5880

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Makes several changes to the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act, which will benefit Illinois' rural communities.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5893

An Act Concerning: State Government

Enables the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to encourage convention centers to provide free space to farmers' markets in the event of bad weather.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: HB 5899

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Allows counties to enter into intergovernmental agreements with forest preserve districts within the county that would exempt the forest preserve district from county zoning ordinances.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: HB 5922

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Provides that a law enforcement official may serve a respondent with a short form notification of a civil no contact order or a stalking no contact order, and makes changes to the process for serving no contact orders.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 555

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to allow Emergency Telephone Systems Boards to utilize computer-aided dispatch and hosted supplemental 9-1-1 technologies.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 1351

An Act Concerning: State Government

Updates the Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2559

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Creates a pilot study to determine the effect of amending the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 on forensic bed capacity at state-operated mental health centers.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 2945

An Act Concerning: Health

Allows employers of for-profit, cancer-based medical or hospital treatment centers to not hire, or to discharge, discipline and alter the pay, benefits and working conditions of any employee who uses tobacco products.

Action: Vetoed

Bill No.: SB 3202

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Amends provisions regarding regulation of community association managers and caps the amount of fees that can be charged. Provides that all information collected by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with respect to community association managers is confidential.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3252

An Act Concerning: Education

Clarifies the maximum tax rates when creating unit districts under the School Code.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 3336

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows in-line skaters to skate on roadways and bike lanes.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 3337

An Act Concerning: Children

Removes obsolete statutory language regarding a series of status reports that were successfully issued to the General Assembly in 1994, 1995 and 1996 by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3367

An Act Concerning: Education

Requires the State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Secretary of State to adopt course content standards for driver's education in district-run courses and commercial driving schools; makes changes to the school waiver requirements for public hearings, and makes more stringent vehicle inspection requirements.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 3433

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Provides that sealed criminal records may be disseminated by the Illinois State Police only to arresting authorities, State's Attorneys and courts, and only in the case of a later arrest for the same or similar offense, or for sentencing for any subsequent felony.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 3533

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Broadens the definition of a gun case in the Wildlife Code to include any case, firearm carrying box, shipping box or other specified container.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3538

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Allows optometrists to keep records at an off-site storage facility; allows the state to take non-disciplinary action for violations; and provides that fines are to be deposited into the Optometric Licensing and Disciplinary Board Fund.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 3549

An Act Concerning: Child Support

Permits the court to require a person who is self-employed and is found guilty of failure to comply with a child support order to provide the court with monthly financial statements, to seek employment and to periodically advise the court of those efforts, or to report to the Department of Employment Security for job search services.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 3552

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Includes payments to trusts to the list of debtor's property exempt from judgment, attachment or distress for rent.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3635

An Act Concerning: Education

Allows a community college to accept a gift or grant that requires the use of a particular contractor if specified conditions are met.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3677

An Act Concerning: Human Rights

Establishes procedures relating to a petition for enforcement, or a petition to modify or set aside a subpoena issued by the Attorney General, and establishes the circuit courts' jurisdiction over these petitions.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 3724

An Act Concerning: State Government

Provides Capital Development Board (CDB) with additional time to review and adopt the latest edition of the International Energy Conservation Code.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

Bill No.: SB 3764

An Act Concerning: Business

Amends Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: July 1

###

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Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Friday, August 17, 2012

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