CHICK BEER: NOT YOUR BOYFRIEND'S BEER

Chick Beer, a new beer created by a woman, exclusively for women, is now available in Iowa stores and restaurants, and bars. The superior light lager with a big beer taste weighs in at only 97 calories and 3.5 carbs. And make no mistake about it - this isn't your boyfriend's (or any man's) beer. Chick Beer was created for fun-loving, smart, independent women who embrace life with a passion.

Chick Beer is no gimmick. Brewed in Wisconsin, Chick Beer is actually crafted for the feminine palate. Its flavor emphasizes soft malt over bitter hops. Many women prefer a less bitter flavor. In fact, some scientists claim that women are genetically predisposed to avoid bitter flavors, a vestige from the time when women were "gatherers." Bitter flavors warned of potential poisons, so women quickly learned to avoid them. Additionally, Chick Beer is lightly carbonated, a feature that women also embrace.

Iowa joins a select number of states in the country where Chick Beer is available. It debuted in Maryland (home of its founder) in August 2011, and has since taken off like a rocket. One liquor store manager in Indiana recently said, "Women love this beer! They buy their first six-pack because it's different and fun, but they come back to buy a case because they are, frankly, really surprised at how good it tastes. Chick Beer is going to be hot!"

Shazz Lewis, founder of Chick Beer, tells how the idea was, well, hatched. "For many years, my husband owned a wine and spirits store in Maryland. One day, I was looking at the beer cooler, which had more than 400 different beers in it, and I had an 'aha' moment: Why wasn't there a beer that shouted out to me? I'm a woman who enjoys drinking beer. I'm a wife, daughter, sister and mother of five daughters. Why wasn't there a beer that celebrates, or even acknowledges my, well, 'chickness'?"

I couldn't let go of that idea, and so began doing some research. I found that women consume 25 percent of all the beer in the United States - that's 700 million cases a year - but no one has ever addressed this segment of the market. Until now."

Although the name of the beer came to Lewis in a dream, in retrospect its moniker is obvious. "For years," Lewis chuckles, "men have dismissed lighter beers as chick beers that are so not what 'real men' drink. But since when is chick a bad thing? I decided to turn the pejorative 'chick' upside down and use the word as a celebration of the strength and power of women. I also decided that Chick Beer packaging would be anything but subtle. There's no mistaking the bright pink logo against the silhouette of a little black dress and an over-the-top feminine font. No one will mistake Chick Beer for a dude's beer."

Chick Beer is being distributed in Iowa by Johnson Brothers, who sold out of their initial shipment within days of receiving it. The distributor is reloading and working hard to get Chick Beer to all the Iowans who are asking for it. If you don't see Chick Beer on your stores' shelves or at your favorite watering holes, get uppity! Tell the proprietor you want Chick Beer now. Retailers can call Johnson Brothers at 515.262.1199.

Consumers looking for places that are selling Chick Beer can visit www.chickbeer.com and click on the Chick Finder map. Chicks are hatching in Iowa at a fast and furious pace. The map is regularly updated, so please keep checking back.

Chick Beer is more than just another beer on the shelf. Lewis has pledged to donate 5 percent of its net profits to charities that empower women, primarily in the communities where the beer is sold. "I don't believe that there is another beer company in the U.S. that has made this kind of commitment to women," she says.

"I've been fortunate all my life in that I've had a loving, supportive family, educational opportunities, and jobs that have been professionally and personally rewarding. I'm now at a time in my life when I can fulfill a long-held dream of mine - to give back some of my good fortune to other women who haven't been as lucky."

The Chick Cares initiative, which contributes both to national charities that empower women and to local organizations in the states where Chick Beer is sold, has recently announced its charitable giving plans for 2012. Details are available at www.chickbeer.com

If you want to be among the first in the country to taste Chick Beer, you'd better hurry. Its Facebook page has nearly 6,000 "likes" from all over the globe. Women are asking for it in all fifty states, and around the world.

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With signature, JOBS Act and STOCK Act become law

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after both the JOBS Act and the STOCK Act were signed into law by President Obama.

 

"I am pleased the President signed both of these important pieces of legislation into law.  The American people have been demanding Congress work together to grow the economy.  They also want a government that will work for them, not make a profit off the information they get as part of their work.  The JOBS Act and STOCK Act are a step in the right direction on each front.

 

"These bills are both good examples of what can be achieved when both sides of the aisle stop playing games and work together to find bipartisan solutions.  I was pleased to work with my colleagues on both pieces of legislation and am hopeful they will begin to restore Americans' trust in Congress."

 

The JOBS Act, HR 3606, will help small businesses in communities access capital more easily in order to expand and support job creation and use capital more effectively in order to support growth.  An amendment introduced by Loebsack, which passed with unanimous support, will help women, veteran, and minority- owned businesses take advantage of the benefits and opportunities provided by this legislation.

 

The Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act will prevent Congressional insider trading.  In May 2011, Loebsack was the first person from Iowa and the fourth in the House of Representatives to cosponsor this important legislation.

 

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DES MOINES, Iowa - A Davenport woman won a top prize of $10,000 playing the lottery's "PAC-MAN™" instant-scratch game.

Rosemary Ocar claimed her prize Friday at the Iowa Lottery's regional office in Cedar Rapids. She purchased her winning ticket at Big 10 Mart, 2480 E. 53rd Ave. in Bettendorf.

PAC-MAN™ is a $2 scratch game. Players scratch each play. If "PAC-MAN™" goes from start to finish without meeting a "ghost," players win the prize shown. If they find a "cherry" symbol, they win $10 instantly. If they find the "strawberry" symbol, they win $50 instantly. The overall odds for winning a prize in the game are 1 in 3.94.

Six top prizes of $10,000 are still up for grabs in PAC-MAN™, as well as 545 prizes of $100.

Players can enter eligible nonwinning scratch tickets online to earn "Points For Prizes™" points. The point value will be revealed to the player on the website upon successful submission of each eligible valid ticket. There is a limit of 30 ticket entries per day. To participate in Points For Prizes™, a player must register for a free account at ialottery.com. Registration is a one-time process. Merchandise that can be ordered by using points will be listed on the website in the Points For Prizes™ online store. Players can choose from items in categories such as apparel, automotive, jewelry, sporting, tools and more.

Since the lottery's start in 1985, its players have won more than $2.8 billion in prizes while the lottery has raised more than $1.3 billion for the state programs that benefit all Iowans.

Today, lottery proceeds in Iowa have three main purposes: They provide support for veterans, help for a variety of significant projects through the state General Fund, and backing for the Vision Iowa program, which was implemented to create tourism destinations and community attractions in the state and build and repair schools.

 

 

PAC-MAN™ & ©NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. 

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/05/2012)(readMedia)-- For only the third time since 2010 the country officially recognizes the contributions, dedication and sacrifices of military widows with "Gold Star Wives Day" April 5.

Passed in December 2010, a Senate resolution designated Dec. 18, 2010 as a day to honor and recognize the contributions of the members of the Gold Star Wives of America, an organization of widows and widowers whose spouses died while on active duty or as the result of military service. The day has been honored April 5 in both 2011 and 2012.

"It's nice to be recognized and remembered in that way, but I don't want to be put on a pedestal. Living in the small community I'm from, it's not just one day," said Larissa Melton of Germantown, and widow of Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton. "They know who I am and what he did. That's all I ask is for people to remember the sacrifice he made. It means a lot to me that people still remember his name."

Larissa said she felt it was important to give their daughter, Aubrey, who was 8 months old when Melton died, strong memories of him before his death.

"Every night after Joshua left for Afghanistan, I would show her a picture of the three of us and point to her dad. She would look at the picture and say 'good night daddy, I love you,'" Larissa said. "I would point out things to her like his favorite color, and still today she will see something and say 'that's what daddy likes'. She still remembers."

Melton, 26 and assigned to Illinois Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry based in Marion, was killed in action June 19, 2009 in Afghanistan.

Rasa Stream of Mattoon, widow of Sgt. Scott Stream, has found being a Gold Star Wife challenging.

"My life changed completely. I moved here from Europe to be with Scott, and then he got deployed and was killed. I came here with a husband and then I was all by myself," Rasa said. "With Scott's family in Kentucky, me living in Illinois, and my family still in Europe, it's difficult for me because I don't want to be a burden on them - I know it's hard for everyone."

Their daughter Laura, who was 6 at the time of Scott's death, struggles even three years later.

"Laura is 9 years old now, but the more she grows, the more I think she suffers from the loss of her father. There is an empty place where her daddy used to be," said Rasa. "We have a house full of pictures, and we talk about him a lot. But she sometime will say to me 'please tell me more about daddy, I feel like I'm forgetting.'"

Rasa, too, feels the importance of honoring Gold Star Wives.

"It is important to have this day. As time goes by, I think regular people forget about us and our struggle," she said.

Stream, 39 and assigned to Illinois Army National Guard's Company B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry based in Effingham, was killed in action Feb. 24, 2009 in Afghanistan.

For Kim Smith of East Peoria, widow of Sgt. Paul Smith, the hardest part of being a Gold Star Wife is moving on with life.

"I have felt a lot of heartache going through the transition. It's an everyday struggle. Life continues, and there is some happiness, but it's just not the same," she said. "I was an older wife when I lost my husband of over 20 years. If I'm struggling how are the younger wives handling it?"

Kim also thinks honoring Gold Star Wives is important, but wishes more emphasis is given to the day in the future.

"It's a great honor, but I think the Gold Star Moms get more recognition, more so than the wives. I know the moms have lost a son, but we lost our husbands. I don't think there is as much attention given to the Gold Star Wives," she said.

Smith, 43 and assigned to Troop C, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry based in Aurora, was killed in action June 19, 2009 in Afghanistan.

Maj. Gen. William Enyart of Belleville, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard shared his admiration of the Gold Star Wives.

"While these brave Soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our great nation, it is the wives they left behind who have endured the tragedy of losing a loved one to war," he said. "The Illinois Gold Star Wives hold a special place in my heart and will always be part of our military family."

Formed during World War II, the Gold Star Wives of America is a congressionally chartered, non-profit veteran's service organization that provides support for the spouses and children of those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. Eleanor Roosevelt was a member and one of the original 15 signers when the organization was incorporated in New York in 1945.

For more information on the Gold Star Wives of America visit http://www.goldstarwives.org/.

For more information, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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River Bandits Busy GameThe champs are back!  The Quad Cities River Bandits return to
action tonight against the Kane County Cougars for Opening Day!

A championship pennant will be given away to the first 1,111 fans through the gates, and $1.11 berm seating will be available, too.  Can't make the Thursday game?  Visit the park Friday or Saturday!


Fans of Little Feat and The Grateful Dead will love the Tracing Footsteps event tonight at River Music Experience featuring Bill Payne and special guest Dennis McNally!  The event will include a live performance, photography, and tales from their time on the road you won't hear anywhere else.    Splitlip

RME will also host performances this week by Split Lip Rayfield, Papdosio, Euforquestra, Campfire Jams with Bobby Burns of Primer 55 & Soulfly, and Sara Radle.  Additional programs include Acoustic Music Club, Guitar Circle, Open Mic Night, and more.
BrunchStill searching for a great place to enjoy an Easter brunch? The Figge Art Museum Brunch, Hotel Blackhawk Brunch, and Radisson Brunch all sound good to us!  Check out Bunny Palooza at the Freight House Farmers Market too for an egg hunt, crafting, and more!

Thursdays at the Figge begins tonight at 5 p.m. and the highly entertaining Wine & Art event kicks off at 6 p.m.   If you're looking for something different to spice up your night, attend the Figge's Japanese Flower Arranging Class.  If you're hunting for a family-friendly event on Easter Sunday, look no further than an informal guided museum tour.
Rhythm City Casino will be hosting an Easter Brunch too, capping off a weekend featuring free performances by the Dani Lynn Howe Band on Friday and Saturday night.  The Green Machine Giveaway begins this Saturday and will run every Saturday through the end of April, too.  BSP Open Jam
Brady Street Pub is now hosting an Open Jam every other Tuesday!  The Harris Collection kick off the new event this week, and area musicians are welcome to join and play in this full band setup.   Kevin Presley of Painkiller Hotel will be playing live at Kilkenny's Pub on Friday and Saturday, as well.
Great River Brewery LogoCellar Series: Firkin Friday kicks off this week at Great River Brewery, which means you can expect the tapping of a new brew on Friday afternoon.  The event begins at 3 p.m., and craft beer fans should plan to enjoy a new cask-conditioned brew every Friday in the Brewer's Lounge in April.

The 2012 Annual ISPA State 8 & 9-Ball Championships will be hosted by the RiverCenter beginning on Wednesday.  Stay tuned for more details next week on this annual event that always draws thousands of visitors to downtown Davenport from around the state.
See you downtown!

 

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This Week's Events: April 5 - April 11


Thursday, April 5

$2,800 Bank It Blackjack Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Registration 5 p.m. Tournament 6 p.m.

Price: $20 entry fee

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Brady Street Pub Lunch Specials & Happy Hour

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: Lunch specials every weekday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Time: Happy Hour specials every weekday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Time: Sunday, drink specials all day

Prices: See website

Website

 

Class: Japanese Flower Arranging

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Price: $55/members; $65/non-members

Website

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with LoJo Russo

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Million Points Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10:00 a.m., Noon, and 2:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

River Bandits v. Kane County Cougars - Opening Day!

Where: Modern Woodmen Park

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $1.11 and up

Website

 

River's Edge Monthly Turf & Ice Schedule

Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!  Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf schedule for the month.

Ice Schedule

Turf Schedule

Website

 

Thursdays at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Tracing Footsteps: A Journal of Music, Photography, and Tales of the Road Featuring Bill Payne of Little Feat & Special Guest Dennis McNally

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: $22/members; $25/Public

Website

 

Trivia Challenge - Win Gift Certificates!

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Wine & Art!

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $15/Student

Website

 

Friday, April 6

Beginning Spanish

Where: Scott Community College - Urban Campus (306 W. River Drive)

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $75 (plus text)

Website

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m, and 8:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Cellarman's Series: Firkin Friday!

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Dani Lynn Howe Band

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Kilkenny's Live Music - Kevin Presbrey of Painkiller Hotel

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Marc and Brandi Janssen

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Red Eye Breakfast

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Price: $4.99

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Redeemed Voices

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

River Bandits v. Kane County Cougars - Free Refrigerator Giveaway, Magnet Schedule Giveaway, and Fireworks!

Where: Modern Woodmen Park

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Split Lip Rayfield

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Price: $12 advance; $15 day of show

Website

 

Wine Down Friday's

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Price: $4 Glasses of Wine

Website

 

Saturday, April 7

 

Brewery Tours
Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

Dani Lynn Howe Band

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Exhibit: Beetle to Benz
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: All Day
Price: Museum Admission ($5), or FREE with membership

Exhibition: Fins and Feathers

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Locating Place: Perceptions of Space in 20th Century Photography

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: War and Remembrance

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Young Artists at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market - Bunny Day for Kids Featuring Eggs, Hats, and Baby Animals!

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Green Machine Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Kilkenny's Live Music - Kevin Presbrey of Painkiller Hotel

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Keith Soko

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

PAPADOSIO

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: 10:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Red Eye Breakfast

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Price: $4.99

Website

Follow on  Facebook and  Twitter

 

River Bandits v. Kane County Cougars - Nintendo Wii-ster Egg Hunt, Magnet Schedule Giveaway, Thirst-Day

Where: Modern Woodmen Park

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

River Prairie Minstrels
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Website

 

RME Guitar Circle

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Rugby Game

Where: Centennial Park

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Spring Egg Hunt

Where: Centennial Park

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.

Price: $3 pre-registration; $5 day of registration

Website

 

Zither Ensemble

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission, or FREE with membership

Website

 

Sunday, April 8
$3,000 Sunday Shake Up Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Campfire Jams with Bobby Burns of Primer 55 & Soulfly

Where: River Music Experience, Performance Hall

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Price: $8 advance; $10 day of show

Website

 

Easter Brunch

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Price: $22.99/non-members; $19.99/members

Website

 

Easter Brunch

Where: Hotel Blackhawk, Gold Room

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Price: $30/person; $10.95 for children 8-14; Children 7 & under are FREE

Website

 

Easter Jazz Brunch Buffet

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Price: $16.99 - Buy One and Get One FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

EUFORQUESTRA - Live Album Release Tour

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: $8

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Tour: Museum Tour

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Price: FREE to Figge Members

Website

 

Monday, April 9

2 Times Points Plus

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 4:00 p.m. - Midnight

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and

Bettendorf, IA -- Officials with Hy-Vee and Honor Flight of the Quad Cities will hold a news conference Monday to discuss details of the upcoming Hy-Vee Honor Flight.

Hy-Vee is providing financial support for the first Korean War Era Veterans Honor Flight, which is scheduled to take off May 22nd from Quad City International Airport in Moline with approximately 162 Korean veterans and their guardians on board. These veterans will be traveling to Washington, DC to view our nation's monuments honoring their sacrifice and service to their country.

Please join us this Monday for an update on the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities program and be the first to hear about some of the exciting events planned in conjunction with the Hy-Vee Honor Flight.

WHAT:  Honor Flight news conference

WHEN:  Monday, April 9, 2012, 11:00am

WHERE:  Bettendorf Hy-Vee, 2900 Devils Glen Road

WHO:  Representatives from Hy-Vee, Inc., Representatives from Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, and Korean War Veterans









Columbus, Wisconsin, April 5, 2012?Three dozen or so ice cream flavors simply aren't enough for Sassy Cow Creamery. And while the folks at Sassy Cow Creamery always enjoy coming up with new seasonal flavors for their premium ice cream, this time the farmstead creamery is offering its ice-cream-loving fans a chance to get in on the tasty fun, too. That's why the award-winning Sassy Cow Creamery is sponsoring a contest for a new farmstead-fresh ice cream flavor.

Consumers are invited to create their own ice cream flavors for the contest. The winning flavor will be announced and served on August 25, 2012, at the Sassy Cow Creamery's on-farm Ice Cream Social. The winner will be honored at the unraveling of this new flavor tasting event, and will receive a one-year supply of Sassy Cow Creamery Premium Farmstead Ice Cream.

The winning ice cream flavor will have to live up to the creamery's high standards. Sassy Cow Creamery farmstead ice cream is freshly made using milk produced by cows on the Baerwolf family dairy farms and other high-quality ingredients. The creamery earned first place honors for its Dark Cherry Chocolate Premium Ice Cream at the 2011 World Dairy Expo Dairy Product Contest, and continues to develop one-of-a-kind flavors. The current fresh farmstead ice cream flavors?more than 36 of them?feature seasonal specialties such as summery Raspberry Lemonade, as well as dozens of creative varieties like Purple Cow (black raspberry with chocolate chips), Chocolate Almond Toffee, Maple Walnut and Salted Caramel.

Sassy Cow Creamery is owned and operated by third-generation dairy producers?brothers James and Robert Baerwolf and their families. Visitors at the farmstead facility can follow the milk from cow to creamery as they watch traditional and organic milk bottling and premium ice cream making through a viewing window.

For information about the Sassy Cow Creamery contest and the Ice Cream Social on August 25, visit the website at www.sassycowcreamery.com, contact Kara Kasten at 608.445.2010, or e-mail kara@sassycowcreamery.com. Friend us on Facebook to get Sassy Cow Creamery news, recipe ideas and information about happenings on the farm.

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Sassy Cow Creamery, a state-of-the-art farmstead creamery, was started in 2008 by its owners/operators, brothers James and Robert Baerwolf and their families?the third generation to farm the land since 1946. In addition to premium ice cream, the creamery produces organic and traditional bottled milk, heavy cream, half-and-half, milkshakes and ice cream cakes made from farm-fresh milk produced by the family's two dairy herds. Sassy Cow Creamery offers consumers local choices, including whole milk, 2 percent milk, fat-free traditional milk and organic milk. Visit the Sassy Cow Creamery on-farm retail store at W4192 Bristol Road in Columbus, WI, just fifteen minutes north of Madison. The first Friday of each month, tours are offered so that dairy-lovers can see how milk is produced by the cows and then bottled or made into award-winning premium ice cream.

The legislation to ban traffic cameras passed the House after lengthy debate. The vote, a 58-42 spilt, bans all traffic cameras and requires cities to remove them by July 1st. Of course, it remains to be seen if the Senate will take this bill up and if it will survive their vote.

One of the reasons the debate was so lengthy is that it was delayed by more than three hours after a letter containing a mysterious white powder was opened on the House Floor. Rep. Abdul-Samad's clerk opened the letter around 3:30pm and sent the Iowa Capitol into a lockdown. Preliminary testing noted the substance was not toxic and upon further testing the Capitol gave an "all clear" at around 7:50pm but debate had already resumed in the House Chamber.

HF 2229 is legislation that allows a veteran to request that their driver's license or non-operator's identification card be marked with the word "VETERAN" to indicate veteran status and it just passed the House. If you are an honorably discharged veteran you can take advantage of this upon renewal of your driver's license by presenting your honorable discharge papers.

Both chambers approved a bill that would give developers incentives worth up to $16.5 million to build the Dyersville Sports Complex at the site of the "Field of Dreams" movie. This package is much like incentives given the Iowa Speedway in Newton several years ago.

As this column is written on Wednesday debate is scheduled to take place late this afternoon on the Mental Health Reform Program. While it is my own opinion, it appears session could be wrapping up in the next couple of weeks. This would be a refreshing change from last year.

If you have concerns or questions I can be reached at the Capitol by emailing
steven.olson@legis.state.ia.us.

DES MOINES, IA (04/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Warmer weather is here and, with Memorial Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a worry-free weekend in the great outdoors. The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds has plenty of space available beginning April 14 through mid-July with country comforts alongside big city style and excitement.

The Campgrounds houses more than 1800 sites fully equipped with water and electrical hookups, 600 sites with sewers, and three large bathhouses outfitted with clean showers, toilets and sinks. In addition to the excellent facilities, the Campgrounds offer affordable rates: $25 per night for sites equipped with water, electricity and sewer; $23 per night for sites equipped with water and electricity; and $20 per night for sites without utilities.

Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds office at 515/262-3111 x284. Campers without reservations are welcome as well. Enter through one of the Fairgrounds' main entrances off East University Avenue or East 30th Street and follow the signs into the Campgrounds.

Ranked among the most beautiful in the Midwest, the 160-acre Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are home to century-old trees, woodland flora and small wildlife. The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are easy to find and conveniently located just off Interstates 80 and 35. Just minutes from Des Moines-area attractions like Adventureland Park, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, and the East Village's dining and shopping options, the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are the perfect place to enjoy the comforts of home and the excitement of the city at a manageable cost.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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