14 Aug 2012

Ribbons Awarded for Farm Crops at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Farm crops took to the judging table in the John Deere Agriculture Building sponsored by Alliant Energy on Thursday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

FIELD CORN

Single Ear

1) Red Corn Farm, Melvin

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

3) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

4) David Klindt, Bettendorf

5) James Klindt, Bettendorf

6) Kevin Glanz, Manchester

 

Longest Ear

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Sterling Weeda, Holstein

3) Dillon Weeda, Holstein

4) Julie Weeda, Holstein

5) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

6) Paul White, Ames

 

Ten Ears, Yellow Corn

1) James Klindt, Bettendorf

2) Kevin Glanz, Manchester

3) Becky Poduska, Chelsea

4) Lynne Pfantz, State Center

5) David Klindt, Bettendorf

6) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

 

Ten Ears, White Corn

1) David Klindt, Bettendorf

2) James Klindt, Bettendorf

3) Lynne Pfantz, State Center

4) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

5) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

6) Red Corn Farm, Melvin

 

Ten Ears, Open-Pollinated Corn

1) Red Corn Farm, Melvin

2) James Klindt, Bettendorf

3) David Klindt, Bettendorf

4) Mary Zelle, Waverly

5) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Thirty Ears

1) James Klindt, Bettendorf

2) David Klindt, Bettendorf

3) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

4) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

5) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

6) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

 

Full Gallon Shelled Corn

1) David Klindt, Bettendorf

2) James Klindt, Bettendorf

3) Red Corn Farm, Melvin

4) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

5) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

6) Kevin Glanz, Manchester

 

Standard Bushel Basket Ear Field Corn

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) James Klindt, Bettendorf

3) David Klindt, Bettendorf

4) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

5) Lynne Pfantz, State Center

6) Oxford Farms, Cambridge

 

First Time Exhibitors, Yellow Corn

1) Steve Murty, Gladbrook

2) Kevin Glanz, Manchester

3) Thomas Huck, Waverly

 

New Crop, Yellow Corn

1) James Klindt, Bettendorf

2) Lynne Pfantz, State Center

3) David Klindt, Bettendorf

4) Dean Stormer, Bridgewater

5) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

 

New Crop, White Corn

1) James Klindt, Bettendorf

2) David Klindt, Bettendorf

 

Ornamental Corn

1) Red Corn Farm, Melvin

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Dwight Sanders, Vinton

4) David Klindt, Bettendorf

 

Sweepstakes: James Klindt, Bettendorf

 

First Place Overall: James Klindt, Bettendorf

 

FORAGES, GRASSES AND LEGUMES

Alfalfa

1) David Klindt, Bettendorf

2) James Klindt, Bettendorf

3) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

4) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Alsike Clover

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Birdsfoot Trefoil

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

4) Mary Zelle, Waverly

 

Smooth Bromegrass

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Medium Red Clover

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

3) David Klindt, Bettendorf

4) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Millet

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Orchard Grass

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

4) Mary Zelle, Waverly

 

Reed Canarygrass

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

3) Mary Zelle, Waverly

4) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Sudan

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Sweetclover

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

4) Mary Zelle, Waverly

 

Timothy

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

4) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Any Other

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

4) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Sweepstakes: Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

POPCORN

Commercial, White Hybrid Popcorn

1) Becky Poduska, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Commercial, Yellow Hybrid Popcorn

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Dawn Troutner, Melbourne

 

Commercial, Mushroom Hybrid Popcorn

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Becky Poduska, Chelsea

3) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

 

Ornamental, Japanese Hulless/White Rice Popcorn

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Red Corn Farm, Melvin

3) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Ornamental, Strawberry Popcorn

1) Red Corn Farm, Melvin

2) Becky Poduska, Chelsea

3) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

4) Lynne Pfantz, State Center

 

Ornamental, Lady Finger Type Popcorn

1) Becky Poduska, Chelsea

2) Dawn Troutner, Melbourne

3) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

4) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Ornamental, Any Other Popcorn

1) Red Corn Farm, Melvin

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Becky Poduska, Chelsea

4) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Ornamental, Shelled Popcorn

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Lynne Pfantz, State Center

3) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

4) Becky Poduska, Chelsea

 

Sweepstakes: Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

SHEAF GRAINS

Brome Grass for Seed

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

3) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

4) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Millet for Seed

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Early Oats

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Mary Zelle, Waverly

4) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Mid Season Oats

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

3) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

 

Late Season Oats

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Orchard Grass

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

 

Rye in Straw

1) David Klindt, Bettendorf

2) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

3) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

4) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Grain Sorghum

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

3) Casey Cortum, Norwalk

 

Spring Wheat in Straw

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

3) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

4) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

 

Winter Wheat in Straw

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Sweepstakes: Chuck Werner, Chelsea

 

SMALL GRAINS AND LEGUMES

Early Oats

1) None Awarded

2) David Klindt, Bettendorf

3) James Petersen, Knoxville

4) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

 

Mid Season Oats

1) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

2) David Klindt, Bettendorf

3) Lynne Pfantz, State Center

4) Thomas Huck, Waverly

 

Late Season Oats

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

 

Oats - Any Other Officially Recognized Variety

1) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

2) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

3) David Klindt, Bettendorf

4) Dwight Sanders, Vinton

 

Red Clover Seed

1) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

2) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

 

Spring Wheat

1) None Awarded

2) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Winter Wheat

1) David Klindt, Bettendorf

 

Any Other

1) David Klindt, Bettendorf

2) Willard Hoskin, Keosauqua

3) Steve Murty, Gladbrook

 

SOYBEANS

Early Soybeans

1) Mary Zelle, Waverly

2) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

3) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

4) Rick Baumhover, Chariton

5) Lynne Pfantz, State Center

6) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Mid Season Soybeans

1) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

2) James Klindt, Bettendorf

3) Thomas Huck, Waverly

4) Mary Zelle, Waverly

5) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

6) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

 

Late Season Soybeans

1) Mary Zelle, Waverly

2) Oxford Farms, Cambridge

3) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

4) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

5) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

6) Dean Stormer, Bridgewater

 

Specialty Food Soybean

1) Kevin Glanz, Manchester

2) Mary Zelle, Waverly

3) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

 

Soybean Bundles

1) Jay Van Wert, Hampton

2) Mary Zelle, Waverly

3) Chuck Werner, Chelsea

4) Ronald Zelle, Waverly

5) Ginger Werner, Chelsea

6) Dean Stormer, Bridgewater

 

Sweepstakes

1) Mary Zelle, Waverly

 

First Place Overall (classes 37-39)

1) Mary Zelle, Waverly

 

First Place Overall (class 40)

1) Kevin Glanz, Manchester won

 

"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.

 

* * *

14 Aug 2012

Loebsack Welcomes New Report Highlighting Growth of Wind Energy Jobs

By Joe Hand

Renews call for extension of Wind Tax Credit

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today welcomed the release of a report from the U.S. Energy Department that highlights the surge in manufacturing and jobs directly related to the wind energy sector.  Loebsack has been a longtime supporter of wind energy programs and has been leading the fight in Congress to extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC).  He has visited wind energy plants across Iowa to see firsthand the need for stability that an extension of the PTC would provide and has repeatedly urged the House and Senate leadership to protect these good Iowa jobs.  Loebsack was also named a USA Wind Champion by the American Wind Energy Association for his ongoing support of wind energy in Iowa and working to extend the PTC.

"The release of this report confirms what many Iowans already know - that the wind energy industry across the state is strong and provides good jobs in our local communities," said Loebsack.  "Congress must get its act together and pass a long-term extension of the Production Tax Credit and not block the continued growth of the wind industry here in Iowa.  If the tax credit is not extended on a long-term basis, it will create uncertainty and put Iowa jobs and the Iowa economy in jeopardy."

A copy of the report can be found here.

###
14 Aug 2012

Obama for America Releases New Television Ad: "Get Real"

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO -- Obama for America released a new television advertisement today titled "Get Real" that highlights the clear choice for voters between Mitt Romney and President Obama's plans for higher education. Mitt Romney thinks that students should "borrow money" from their parents to help pay for college or start a business, and under the Romney-Ryan budget, college aid would be cut for nearly 10 million students and the tax deduction for college tuition would be eliminated. President Obama, on the other hand, understands that a college education should be in reach for as many students as possible - and that's why he has overhauled higher education financing by eliminating bank middlemen from college loans and used the savings to double funding for Pell Grants.

"Get Real" will air in Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio, Virginia.

Please click HERE to watch the new ad.
14 Aug 2012

Gallery Opening

By Meghan Hollister

Figuratively Speaking, a gallery opening featuring the work of eight local artists in a wide variety of media including stop-motion animation, painting, and illustration, will take place at the Phoenix Art Gallery in Moline, IL. 

The gallery opening will be held on Friday, August 24 from 6pm until 10pm.  The event is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be provided

14 Aug 2012

Orion Community School District Receives Significant Gift from Local Entrepreneur

By Natalie Anderson
BETTENDORF, Iowa - The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend and Orion High School invite you to join us for a school-wide assembly at the Orion High School (OHS) gymnasium on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 2:45pm. OHS principal, Nathan DeBaillie, will announce the charitable gift at this time. He will also be available to talk with media about this wonderful opportunity for college and trade-school bound students.

A full press release will be available following the assembly.
14 Aug 2012

QC Interfaith Newsletter - August 2012

By Quad Cities Interfaith

QCI Anniversary! Save the Date!!


Join Quad Cities Interfaith on Friday, October 5th, 2012 for QC Interfaith's 25th Anniversary Celebration Fundraiser at the St. Ambrose Rogalski Center from 6-9pm. Plan on being there to celebrate our anniversary and look ahead to the next 25 years!  Please call 563.322.4910 to buy tickets and  learn about placing your organization's ad in the book !


What's New at QCI


QCI held its annual TACO NIGHT FUNDRAISER on July 17th at Azteca #1 in Davenport.  We had great food and fellowship and raised $2,500.00 for the work of QCI! Thank you to all that joined us that night and made our event successful. Many thanks to Gustavo and all at Azteca for sponsoring this event to benefit Quad Cities Interfaith. 

Prayer Vigil for Jobs and Jobs Equity is  
Sunday, September 23rd

Join local clergy and lay leaders as we come together for music , prayer and to ask invited elected officials and other decision makers to listen
to our call for local jobs and work force diversity for the passenger rail project coming to the Quad Cities.  

The vigil will be :
Sunday, September 23rd at 6:00pm
at First Christian Church - 1826 16th Street, Moline.
More details to come!

QCI Issue Updates


Transportation and Jobs Equity
The Task Force and the QCI Clergy are planning a Prayer Vigil for Jobs and Jobs Equity on Sunday, September 23rd at 6:00pm at First Lutheran Church, Moline. This vigil will bring together local clergy and lay leaders to pray, sing and call on our elected officials and other decision makers to listen to the local community's call for local jobs and workforce diversity for the passenger rail project. As part of  Gamaliel of Illinois, the task force is also working to secure a State wide Project Labor Agreement (PLA) from the contractors ,unions and Department of Transportation that will include requirements for diversity in the work force on all transportation projects in Illinois. The Task Force is also looking to build a local monitoring committee in early 2013, that will hold accountable IL DOT on the Community Benefits Agreement principles it agreed to. For information, please contact Reverend David Geenen, Task Force Chairman at daveg@15thavenuechristainchurch.org

Fundraising
The Fundraising Task Force next meets on Friday , August 17th at 12 noon at the Blue Cat , Rock Island. The Fundraising Committee is currently working on a 25th Anniversary Fundraising Celebration for QCI to be held Friday, October 5th, 2012 at the Rolgaski Center at St. Ambrose from 6-9. We are very excited about this event and will give you more details as our event details unfold.  If you have any questions, call us at 563-322-4910. We hope to have all of you there. We are very excited about all the FUN we are having this year! Fundraising is also planning an end of the year appeal and schedule of events for 2013.

Immigration
Immigration Task Force is planning a fall film viewing and panel discussion of human trafficking. Film title will be announced along with date, time, and place in September's newsletter.

Education

Local QCI leaders attended the Gamaliel Statewide Education Leadership Conference in Chicago on August 11th. Subjects included Punitive discipline for African American and Latinos students and the need for alternative community and faith based initiatives, Dual Language Eduction, and Statewide Opportunity to Learn and Education Redlining Campaign. This will be an issue that QCI will be working on in the fall. If you or your congregation is interested in getting involved, please call us at 563-322-4910 for details.
Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, August 14 - 6:30pm 
QCI Leadership Assembly
St Mary's Church , 516 Fillmore, Davenport 

Tuesday, August 21st - 11 am
QCI Clergy Action Planning Meeting11am
First Christian Church - 1826 16th Street, Moline 

Sunday,September 23 - 6pm
QCI Clergy Prayer Vigil for Jobs and Jobs Equity -
at First Christian Church, Moline 

Thursday, October 18th - 6:30pm
QCI Fall Public Action
location TBA

Welcome to Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter


Hi, we are hoping you are enjoying our newsletter. Please take some time and check out our new website. It's the same web address, but a whole new look. We'd  love to hear any feedback from you about our newsletter and our website at www.qcinterfaith.org. QCI welcomes information about faith-based activities to post to our newsletter. We reserve the right to edit for space and content.  If you like this, please forward to your friends. Have a Blessed Day!
14 Aug 2012

Horseshoe Champions Battle in State Fair Horseshoe Contest

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2012)(readMedia)-- Horseshoe champions vied for the winning title in the Iowa State Junior Championship, the Iowa State Women's Championship and the Open Singles divisions of the Horseshoe Pitching Tournament held Sunday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

The State Fair hosts both Championship and Open Class competitions every Fair day. Division winners are crowned daily. All Horseshoe Pitching competitions take place on the clay courts just east of Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall.

Complete results below:

IOWA STATE JUNIOR'S CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS

1) Austin Witt, Washington

2) Derek Bloodgood, Creston

3) Hunter Clark, Windsor Heights

4) Kyle Hines, Prole

Class A

1) Dakota Havemann, Muscatine

2) Michael Witt, Washington

3) Kylie Clark, Windsor Heights

IOWA STATE WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS

1) Cathy Carter, Council Bluffs

2) Kristy Klejch, Creston

3) Shirley Sprague, Berwick

4) Sheila Brody, Marion

5) Deb Davis, Ankeny

6) Sheryl Mason, Grinnell

Class A

1) Vickie Elliott, Muscatine

2) Leona Gaines, Cedar Rapids

3) Chris Jordan, Des Moines

4) Pam Slippy, Ankeny

5) Rhonda Dalton, Madrid

6) Kelly Turbett, Tama

OPEN SINGLES

Class A

1) Rod Langstraat, Hospers

2) LeRoy J. Law, West Des Moines

3) Meredith Kahrig, Woodsfield, Ohio

4) Tom Cranston, Keswick

5) BJ Benjamine, Tucson, Ariz.

Class B

1) Randy Johnson, Ogden

2) Rick Davis, Indianola

3) Terry Stiles, Maxwell

4) Chris Jordan, Des Moines

5) Jim Formaro, Des Moines

 

Class C

1) Jenn Blanchard, Altoona

2) John Ghrist, Des Moines

3) Kevin Klejch, Creston

4) Steve Fini, Des Moines

5) Lynn Gilmore, Des Moines

Class D

1) Amy Rothermund, Omaha, Neb.

2) Jason Rothermund, Omaha, Neb.

3) Melissa Vraspir, Omaha, Neb.

4) Dan Vraspir, Omaha, Neb.

5) Matt Vraspir, Louisville, Neb.

Class E

1) Mike Strait, Des Moines

2) Jeff Carstens, Des Moines

3) Zach Stiles, Maxwell

4) Scott Wicks, Pleasantville

5) Robert Stiles, Maxwell

Class F

1) Ben Wicks, Pleasantville

2) Mark Verwers, Cumming

3) Ethan Verwers, Cumming

4) Kirk Wicks, Pleasantville

5) Jacob Wicks, Pleasantville

"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.

* * *

14 Aug 2012

Branstad, Reynolds to hold 14 education town hall meetings

By Office of Governor Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that they will hold 14 education town hall meetings. The governor and lt. governor are holding the upcoming town halls across the state, continuing the discussion and soliciting feedback from Iowans on education reform policies, as part of preparation for the 2013 legislative session.

The following events are open to the public:

 

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012

10:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Pocahontas County Education Reform Town Hall @ Pocahontas High School's Vocal Music Room, 205 Second Avenue NW, Pocahontas, IA

5:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Kossuth County Education Reform Town Hall @ Algona High School's Theatre, 600 S. Hale, Algona, IA

 

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012

8:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Hancock County Education Reform Town Hall @ Garner-Hayfield High School's Auditorium, 605 Lyon St., Garner, IA

10:15 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Wright County Education Reform Town Hall @ Belmond-Klemme Junior-Senior High School's Luick Auditorium, 411 10th Avenue NE, Belmond, IA

12:00 Noon Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Humboldt County Education Reform Town Hall @ Humboldt High School's Auditorium, 1500 Wildcat Road. Humboldt, IA

2:00 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Hamilton County Education Reform Town Hall @ City Hall, 400 Second St., Webster City, IA

 

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012

5:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Cedar County Education Reform Town Hall @ Tipton Middle School's Gymnasium, 725 West 7th St., Tipton, IA

 

Friday, Aug. 24, 2012

8 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Jones County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Lawrence Community Center, 600 E. Main St., Anamosa, IA

9:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Jackson County Education Reform Town Hall @ Maquoketa High School's Gymnasium, 600 Washington St., Maquoketa, IA

1:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Delaware County Education Reform Town Hall @ the West Delaware High School Auditorium, 605 New St., Manchester, IA

 

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012

10 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Wapello County Education Reform Town Hall @ Ottumwa High School's Auditorium, 501 E. 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA

1 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Muscatine County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Muscatine Community School Administration Center, 2900 Mulberry Ave., Muscatine, IA

5 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Polk County Education Reform Town Hall @ Stilwell Junior High'sAuditorium, 1601 Vine St., West Des Moines, IA

 

Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012

4 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Pottawattamie County Education Reform Town Hall @ the Abraham Lincoln High School Auditorium, 1205 Bonham Ave., Council Bluffs, IA

###
14 Aug 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Development Funding to Create Jobs, Economic Opportunity and Strengthen Rural Communities

By USDA Office of Communications

DES MOINES, Iowa, August 14, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that 41 community-based organizations have been selected for funding to create jobs and support rural business development.

"USDA has a strong partnership with rural citizens and communities to bring increased economic opportunity," Vilsack said. "These grants are investments that will help organizations build the capacity and expertise of local businesses, which in turn will spur economic activity and strengthen rural economies. "

For example, in Polk County, the Iowa Economic Development Authority is receiving a $200,000 grant to help revitalize the historical commercial district. The authority will work with businesses on ways to highlight local events and community attractions, take advantage of tax credits, and promote local attractions through branding and marketing campaigns.

In Longmont, Colo., the First Nations Development Institute has been selected for a $50,000 grant to provide training and technical assistance to a Native American non-profit organization and two tribes to assist with capacity building. Zender Environmental Health and Research Group is receiving a $183,862 grant to train unemployed, rural Alaskan members in of seven Federally recognized Tribes for environmental technician jobs.

The funding announced today is being provided through the Rural Community Development Initiative Program (RCDI). It helps community-based development organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes and other groups promote economic growth in low-income, rural communities. Recipients are required to obtain matching funds, which increase the value of the grants.

Funding for each project is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement. For a complete list of projects, click here.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $170 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

#

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


#
14 Aug 2012

Plump Pumpkin Pummels Competition at State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/14/2012)(readMedia)-- The giant pumpkin grown by David Miller of Riverside tipped the scales at 933 pounds to claim the top spot and a $1,300 prize in the Big Pumpkin Contest judged Friday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Marc Petersen of Clinton took second place and $750 with a pumpkin weighing in at 928 pounds. Dan Boelman of Pella captured third place and $550 with a pumpkin weighing 903 pounds. Fourth place and $350 were won by Don Young of Des Moines for his 880 pound pumpkin.

Complete results below:

1) David Miller, 933 lbs., Riverside

2) Marc Petersen, 928 lbs., Clinton

3) Dan Boelman, 903 lbs., Pella

4) Don Young, 880 lbs., Des Moines

5) John Shepherd, 852 lbs., Charlotte

6) Chris Schultz, 848 lbs., Decorah

7) Joe Cristoforo, 832 lbs., Mount Pleasant

8) Martin Schnicker, 611 lbs., Mount Pleasant

9) Michael Otto, 565 lbs., Newton

"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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