31 Jul 2012

Hoover's Hometown Days Fireworks Cancelled

By Rick Martin
WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Due to extremely dry conditions in eastern Iowa,
including at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the August 4 fireworks
display scheduled to conclude the Hoover's Hometown Days celebration has
been cancelled. Hoover's Hometown Days is the annual celebration of the
birth of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States.

Long-term weather conditions in the area required park superintendent Pete
Swisher to make the cancellation decision. The fireworks launch location is
directly adjacent to the national park's tallgrass prairie, grassland
highly susceptible to fires during dry periods.  "It would be irresponsible
and pose a significant fire safety risk to allow the fireworks show to
proceed as planned given these drought conditions," Swisher stated.

Swisher considered several factors before making the determination,
including the current weather conditions, recommendations from National
Park Service wildland fire specialists, and burn bans within both Cedar and
Johnson counties.  Swisher also said he has been consulting with West
Branch city officials and the West Branch Fire Department about the
potential need to cancel the display.

"I hope people will consider coming to the Presidential Library and
Museum's east lawn area to enjoy the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band and laser
light show as this year's celebration closes," Swisher said.  The laser
light show represents a new attraction this year not previously a part of
the Hoover's Hometown Days celebration, and will be synchronized with music
performed by the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential
Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are
open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please
allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at
www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

Twitter: @HooverNPS
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Herbert-Hoover-National-Historic-Site/141181735922424
31 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Friday, July 27, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - July 27, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 1981

An Act Concerning: Local Government

The law provides there shall be no township collector elected in counties having a population of more than 2 million inhabitants. Instead, the township assessor shall be the ex-officio township collector, performing all the collector's duties.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3216

An Act Concerning: State Government

The law amends the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation ("P3") Act which authorizes and provides a framework for P3 transportation projects.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3325

An Act Concerning: Children

The law removes language in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act relating to a report that was to be delivered to the General Assembly in January 1991.

31 Jul 2012

Surveys Show Religious Men are Vulnerable to Pornography

By Ginny Grimsley

Several studies and surveys show that many men, regardless of religious piety, share a curiosity in internet pornography:

• 54 percent of pastors said they viewed porn within the past year in a recent Pastors.com survey

• 50 percent of men viewed pornography within one week of attending a marital fidelity event, including Promise Keepers, the survey revealed

• 47 percent of religious respondents said porn is a problem in their home, reveals a Focus on the Family poll

• Every second, 28,258 internet users view pornography, according to worldwide porn industry stats. The majority are men

"Here is more evidence that too many of us - including 'religious' people - are looking for answers outside ourselves. We have a growing spiritual void in North America, and the ripple effect ranges from pornography to drug abuse to domestic violence as people struggle to fill the void," says Dennis Bank, author of Sanctiprize (www.sanctiprize.com).

"Psychology, medications and these other pain relievers do nothing to get to the root of the problem, which is our need to get back to the inherent wholeness we were born with."

If highly religious men have an advantage over those who are less religious, it's not much, he says. Beyond pornography, there are pressures that may make pastors and other religious leaders especially vulnerable to sexual temptation, says Bank, a nondenominational minister. They include :

• Leadership is often a lonely job. More than half of the pastors answered that they feel privileged to be a church leader, but they're also easily discouraged and lonely, according to a LifeWay Research survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors.

• They have a position of power. As the authority on religious leadership in their spiritual community, followers seek a pastor's guidance and influence. Some followers become attracted to the pastor because of his position and may seek sexual affection.

• A lack of accountability. Ministers tend to have a great amount of flexibility in their schedule, and they are trusted figures in their church. For smaller and more isolated congregations, these factors are especially strong.

• No one to share pressures and struggles with. Most of a pastor's inner circle of friends tends to be members of his church, and these struggles may be of a sexual nature. For fear of losing trust, he may act out a fantasy rather than tell someone about it.

• They feed off the approval of others. The nature of the job will attract some who have a strong need for constant approval from others. For that reason, sexual advances from a misguided church member may feel very affirming.

There are plenty of mixed messages in churches these days, Bank says.

"The problem is not that we Christians just haven't found the right gimmick yet - gimmicks are part of the problem," he says. "The problem is we have become distracted from the inherent goodness that God has given us all. What society needs is a spiritual enema!"

About Dennis Bank

Dennis Bank is a former officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and former businessman. He completed Calvary Chapel Bible School's study program and attended the University of Saskatchewan, Acts Seminary (British Columbia) and the Royal Mounted Police Academy. He is currently an unaffiliated, non-denominational minister who offers seminars on reconciliation and healing.

31 Jul 2012

Loebsack Announces Over $1 Million in Funding for Advanced Biofuels Producers

By Joe Hand


Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced a total of $1,073,514 for advanced biofuel producers in Iowa.  The funding is being provided through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.

"Investments in alternative energy sources, such as biofuels, help create jobs here in Iowa and pave the way to America's energy independence by reducing our dependence on foreign oil," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased this funding will go to producers that are on the cutting edge of these groundbreaking technologies."

Under the USDA Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels payments are made to eligible producers based on the amount of biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch.  Examples of eligible materials include but are not limited to: crop residue; animal, food and yard waste material; vegetable oil; and animal fat.  The program supports the research, investment and infrastructure necessary to build a biofuels industry that creates jobs and broadens the range of materials used to produce renewable fuel.

Details of the funding are below.

·         Clinton County Bio Energy, LLC: $64,382 for biofuel from waste products

·         Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC in Washington: $135,510 for biofuel from waste products

·         Renewable Energy Group, Inc. based in Ames, and with facilities in Newton and Danville among others: $873,622 for biodiesel transesterification

###
27 Jul 2012

Rezoning Application Public Hearing Date Change

By Chris Berge
The Scott County has moved the date of its Public Hearing originally scheduled on August 2, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to August 28, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.  This is only a date change.  The time and location remains the same.  Please see the attached media release.
27 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Increase Opportunity for Asian-Americans

By Nafia Khan

New Employment Advisory Council to Promote
More Diversity in State Government

CHICAGO - July 27, 2012. As part of his ongoing efforts to promote diversity in state government, Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law creating the Asian-American Employment Plan Advisory Council. The council will focus on ways to encourage and assist Asian-Americans seeking employment in state government. The governor was joined by numerous legislators, community leaders and representatives from the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community and the Asian American Policy Network.

"Illinois is a place where people of all cultures and backgrounds should feel welcome," Governor Quinn said. "This new employment council will help ensure that Asian-Americans know about and have access to opportunities."

House Bill 4510, sponsored by Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago) and Sen. Tony Muñoz (D-Chicago), creates the Asian-American Employment Plan Advisory Council, which will study the barriers Asian-Americans who seek state employment face and propose solutions that can foster diversity and opportunity. The unpaid, 11-member council will be appointed by the governor and comprised of experts on employment access and Asian-American issues.

"Illinois is a diverse state and we must make sure our agencies reflect that diversity," Rep. Acevedo said. "As the Asian-American community continues to grow, it is important that they have the same opportunities and representation in state government that other groups have. I believe this new law will help to ensure that Asian-American constituents in my district and across the state are being properly served."

"Asian-Americans make up nearly five percent of Illinois' population, but only about two and a half percent of state employees," said Senator Muñoz, a member of the Senate Executive Committee.  "This new law will help to encourage more equity in state hiring and help improve services for Illinois' growing American communities."

The new law also directs the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to prepare an Asian-American Employment Plan in conjunction with the new council. The report will analyze the percentage of Asian-American employment in all levels of state government and be submitted to the governor and the General Assembly with recommendations for how individual agencies can increase the Asian-American community's representation in the state workforce. This legislation passed the General Assembly unanimously and is effective immediately.

"I am thrilled to have been a part of the process of getting this legislation passed," said Theresa Mah, co-founder of the Asian American Policy Network. "The passage of this bill represents an important victory for the Asian-American community in our state and its implementation will make a huge difference in improving equity, accountability and service delivery for all Illinois residents. This legislation could not have been passed without the help of the Asian-American community along with a multiracial coalition of Black and Latino advocates supporting us."

"The signing of this bill is yet another milestone in the Asian-American community's civic engagement efforts leading to full participation and full integration of Asian-Americans into society-at-large," said CW Chan, Chair of the Coalition for a Better Chinese Community. "The legislative process leading to the passage of the bill also demonstrates an increased understanding and support for our community's needs and experiences, thanks in part to advocacy work by many organizations, particularly during the redistricting process, in which CBCAC was fortunate to have played a significant role."

Today's ceremony in Chicago's Chinatown follows Governor Quinn's approval of the Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011, which protects the voting rights of racial and language minority groups in Illinois. The Act helps prevent a community's electoral identity from being weakened by being divided into multiple legislative districts.

###
27 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Friday, July 27, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - July 27, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 3217

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Clarifies technical issues not previously addressed in the Illinois Credit Union Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

###
27 Jul 2012

Iowa Obama Campaign Launches "It Takes One to Get to Six" with Day of Action, Kicking off 60 Day Countdown to Early Voting

By Obama for America Press Office

Obama Campaign Holding Over 170 Events Statewide; Over 4,200 Nationwide

 

DES MOINES - Tomorrow and Sunday, Obama Campaign volunteers in Iowa will participate in an "It Takes One to Get to Six" day of action as part of the "It Takes One" nationwide initiative. The Day of Action begins the 60 day countdown to early vote and the 100 day countdown to Election Day. The campaign is holding canvass kick-off media events in 11 Iowa cities and over 170 events statewide.

 

Last week, First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off the "It Takes One" initiative with a video. Watch at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbWk_PYg600. Iowans can find their local canvass at www.barackobama.com/one and follow the canvassing action on Twitter by using the hashtags #ItTakesOne and #60DaysOut.

 

"That one conversation you have, that one new volunteer you recruit, that could be the difference between waking up on November 7th and feeling the promise of four more years or asking yourself, could I have done more?," said First Lady Michelle Obama.

 

This election is a clear choice between President Obama's vision to create jobs, reclaim security for the middle class and restore the basic values that make our country great, and Mitt Romney, who wants to continue tax giveaways to millionaires and billionaires and return us to the failed policies of the past, including letting Wall Street write its own rules.

 

From Council Bluffs to Davenport, volunteers are talking to their neighbors about President Obama's vision for an economy built to last, because they know how much is at stake.

 

"Every single person can make a difference in this election - and this week we're asking supporters to start by taking one action that will help grow our campaign," said Iowa State Director Brad Anderson. "The idea is that if we all commit to doing at least one thing to organize our communities, the combined impact will ensure that this President can keep moving this country forward for another four years."

 

The following events are open to the press:

 

Saturday, July 28th

Dubuque with Sen. Pam Jochum

Caroline Koppes Home

2115 Embassy West Dr., Dubuque, IA 52002

10:00am

 

Ames with Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald

Story County Dem Headquarters

413 Northwestern Ave., Ames 50010

10:00am

 

Waterloo with Senator Jeff Danielson

Seerley Park

W Seerley Blvd & Iowa St, Cedar Falls 50613

10:00am

 

Davenport with Mayor Bill Gluba 

Home of Judy Voss

2718 E. Locust St., Davenport, 52803

10:00am

 

Mason City with Senator Amanda Ragan

Home of Dean Genth

145 Pebble Creek Dr. Mason City 50401

10:00am

 

Cedar Rapids with Rep. Tyler Olson

Linn Co Democratic Headquarters

2857 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids 52403

10:00am

 

Des Moines with Former Lt. Governor Sally Pederson

OFA Iowa Headquarters

2932 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines 50312

10:00am

 

Burlington with Tom Courtney

Des Moines County Headquarters

900 Osborn St., Burlington 52601

10:00am

 

Sioux City with Rep. Chris Hall

OFA Office

520 14th St, Sioux City 51105

10:00am

 

 

Sunday, July 29th

Iowa City with Sen. Bob Dvorsky

Home of Chris Kovitch

119 Pearl, Iowa City 52245

1:00pm

 

Council Bluffs with Co. Party Chair Linda Nelson

OFA Office

1851 Madison Ave, Suite 200, Council Bluffs 51503

1:00pm

 

Ottumwa

OFA Office

224 E. 2nd St, Ottumwa, 52501

1:00pm

###
27 Jul 2012

Doggy Portraiture Forces Reexamination of Animal Life & Value

By Ginny Grimsley
Vet Proposes Law for Pet Compensation

A popular photographer in Taiwan is making waves in the global animal-rights community with his dignified portraits of doomed dogs.

Tou Yun-fei, a two-time winner of his government's photography award, gave up his job as a well-compensated staffer at a magazine for two years to shoot more than 40,000 human-like images of abandoned canines in Taiwan's animal shelters - just before they were to be put to death.

"These shots, which took up so much of the photographer's time, are striking because of the humanity captured in the expression of the dogs," says Kenneth Newman, a 33-year veterinarian and author of Meet Me at the Rainbow Bridge (www.meetmeattherainbowbridge.com). "Efforts like this in the United States are part of the reason we euthanize far fewer animals today than we did 30 or 40 years ago.

"Now, we need work on changing the laws so that the judicial system recognizes the value of a pet as more than a piece of property."

How effective have U.S. public awareness campaigns regarding pet overpopulation been?

• U.S. dogs are less likely to be euthanized in shelters than in other countries (including Tou's Taiwan). The Humane Society of the United States reports 3 to 4 million cats and dogs are put down every year. A precise number is not known because there is no central data reporting agency for animal shelters.

• During the 1970s in the United States, an estimated 12 to 20 million cats and dogs were euthanized at shelters. These reduction is credited in large part to public awareness  and spay/neuter campaigns, according to the Humane Society.

• In the 1970s, there were 67 million pets in U.S. homes; today, there 135 million.

Newman says the next logical step in our society is passing a law that requires courts to consider the emotional value of a pet when considering legal compensation to owners whose animals die as a result of someone else's neglect, malice or mistake.

"There have been a few instances where plaintiffs made a case for compensation beyond the animal's market value, because of their bond with the pet, and some judges have agreed," Newman says. "But it shouldn't be left to chance. Our laws should accurately reflect the value of our pets for the average American," he says. "Ninety percent of pet owners consider their animals to be part of the family."

Newman experienced a real-life tragedy in 2008, when a careless driver backed up 25 yards without looking, striking Newman and his beloved Labrador, Gracie, and pinning them between the veterinarian's station wagon and the driver's bumper. This inspired him to propose Gracie's Law (available for reading or sharing on his website), which would entitle the owner of a pet killed through an act of malice or negligence to $25,000 in damages.

Gracie's Law would not supersede current laws, he says, which entitle owners to the property value of their pet. And it would not replace criminal prosecution for acts of malice. And owners who decline a recommended veterinarian procedure to save a pet would not be held accountable under the law, he says.

"When you consider the fact that a majority of pet-owning Americans would prefer to be stranded on a desert island with their pet rather than any other human being,'' he says, "that's when you know animals should be legally valued above inanimate objects."

About Kenneth Newman, DVM

Kenneth Newman graduated from Purdue University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1979, and has been a veterinarian for 33 years. After experiencing a badly broken leg and the death of his Labrador retriever in 2008, he drafted and began advocating for Gracie's Law. Newman lives with his wife and their son, as well as several pets.

27 Jul 2012

USDA Challenges Employees to Donate 1.8 Million Pounds of Food for Feds Feed Families Food Drive

By USDA Communications
Food drive helps fill food bank shelves during tough economic times

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2012 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Chief Human Capital Officers, and other federal agencies in the 4th annual Feds Feed Families Food Drive. Feds Feed Families is a voluntary effort undertaken by Federal employees around the country to collect and donate perishable and non-perishable goods to food pantries and banks in their communities.

The challenge, which began in early June, encourages USDA employees to "beat our best" and donate more than 1.8 million pounds of food, topping last summer's donation by USDA of 1.79 million pounds of perishable and non-perishable food. Donations include fresh, healthy produce grown in People's Gardens across the country and collected from partnering with farmers and neighbors in local gleaning efforts.

"Across America - from our rural communities to our largest cities - we know there are families who are working hard but still need some help putting food on their plate," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The Feds Feed Families food drive leverages the spirit of service that's shared by every Federal employee to help our food banks deliver assistance."

In Washington, DC, the Capital Area Food Bank receives collections and distributes them through their network of over 700 partner agencies. Outside of the Washington area, agencies are encouraged to support local providers in their community. USDA field offices have already registered over 1400 food drives nationwide.

The food drive started in June 2009 to help fill food bank shelves during tough economic times. USDA estimates show that nearly 50 million Americans - including 16 million children - struggle to put food on the table at some point during the year. While USDA nutrition assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and school feeding programs touch the lives of one in four Americans, food banks, pantries, community centers, and houses of worship provide extra help. Many of these organizations report an increase in demand during the summer, when schools are out and children are at home with families. In addition, summer traditionally brings a decrease in donations. USDA employees are helping to fill this gap through the Feds Feed Families Food Drive. Learn more at www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov.

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

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