Google to Broadcast Fair Highlights and Special Events

DES MOINES, IA (07/25/2012)(readMedia)-- A media partnership was announced today between Google and the Iowa State Fair to bring a new perspective on the Fair to both Iowans and non-Iowans. Using Google's video and social media platforms, the Iowa State Fair will use the power of the internet to show the world that "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set August 9-19.

During the Fair, Google will be capturing events that represent the spirit and uniqueness of Iowa by posting videos each day that will be broadcast on the Fair's YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/iastatefair.

In addition, the Fair will be launching their Google+ page as a new platform to interact with fans. The page will feature special events, such as Hangouts with bands before concerts, Events in Party Mode so attendees can upload and share pictures, and competitions for the opportunity to get admission tickets into the Fair. The Google+ page will allow fans to share their love of the Fair by engaging in new and exciting ways.

Fairgoers interested in learning more, and getting involved in Hangouts and Events, should circle the Iowa State Fair's page on Google+ and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

"Google's participation as a major sponsor of the Iowa State Fair further demonstrates their commitment to Iowa and her citizens. We are grateful for Google's support of an institution so revered by Iowans and look forward to a mutually rewarding relationship," said John Putney, Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director.

"With our deep roots in Iowa, we are proud to partner with the Iowa State Fair in 2012. We all know "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair...and it's our desire to share those experiences with a national and international audience. Google has invested nearly $1 billion in the state of Iowa, and we are constantly looking for unique ways to give back to a state that has been such a great partner in our growth. Showcasing the Iowa State Fair is a perfect fit for us, and we're proud to be a 2012 sponsor," said Chris Russell, Council Bluffs Data Center Manager.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Discounted advance admission tickets are on sale through August 8, while supplies last. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold his weekly press conference call with Iowa reporters this morning at 10:30am CDT.

Braley will announce new steps he's taking to get the US House to hold an up-or-down vote on the Farm Bill.  House leaders have refused to schedule a vote on the Farm Bill, despite a number of disaster assistance programs from the 2008 Farm Bill expiring and Iowa farmers suffering through a worsening drought this summer.

WHAT: Bruce Braley's weekly press call with Iowa reporters

WHEN:  TODAY, Wednesday July 25, 2012

11:30am EDT // 10:30am CDT

Living Proof Live
July 27-28, 2012 (Friday - Saturday)
Moline, IL: iWireless Center


Beth Moore (Speaker) , Travis Cottrell (Worship Leader)

Description:
Beth Moore's life-transforming Bible Study challenges and inspires women of every age, everywhere. Joining Beth at this weekend event is acclaimed worship leader Travis Cottrell and the Praise Team. Beth's focus will be on the Scripture that God lays on her heart for each individual Living Proof Live event - no two messages are the same. As she explores the Bible and how it applies to real life, you'll be amazed by her own experiences as a believer. You'll also be inspired to magnify and strengthen your own relationship with God.

Bring your friends and we'll see you at Living Proof Live - a fun-filled Bible study, teaching, and worship experience to enrich your mind, soul, and spirit!
See all Living Proof Live dates and locations.
For more information about Moline, IL, click here.

Featured Guests:


Beth Moore
SpeakerBeth Moore is a speaker and author of best-selling Bible studies and other books for women. Beth is a woman of purpose, preparation, prayer, and passion. It's apparent in everything she does, from teaching Bible studies at her home church and on her blog to speaking to the thousands of women who attend her Living Proof Live conferences each year.



Travis Cottrell
Worship LeaderTravis serves as Worship Pastor at Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. For over fourteen years he has served as worship leader at Beth Moore's Living Proof Live conferences sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources. He has recorded several solo projects, including Found, Ring the Bells and the Dove award-winning Jesus Saves Live. When he's not writing music or leading worship, Travis likes to dance in the kitchen with his wife, sing in the car with his kids, laugh like crazy with his friends - and marvel that God would be so gracious to use a boy from Boone to help make His name famous.

Pricing Details:
NEW GROUP PRICING OPTION FOR 2012!!!
Registration for individuals is $65.00 per person. Registration for groups of 50+ attendees, purchased all at the same time is $60.00 per person. Groups of 50+ attendees, registered all at the same time will also receive reserved seating in the venue. There is no cancellation or transfer for group pricing. REGISTER EARLY! Limited reserved seating available.

ASL interpreting available for the deaf / hearing impaired registrants. Please ensure that when you register, you notify our customer service of this need.

Wristband(s) are mailed to each registering individual or group to be worn for admission to the event.

Registration Information
Register by Phone:
Call LifeWay Events Registration toll free at 800.254.2022

Register by Fax:
Fax your information to: 615.251.3730



Cancellation Policy: If you wish to cancel your individual registration 30 or more days before the event, you will receive a refund of 50% of your conference fees (does not apply to lodging charges). There is no refund if cancellation is received less than 30 days before the event. Wristbands must be returned and postmarked thirty days prior to the event. There is no refund on registration for group pricing.

Transfer Policy: We encourage you to take advantage of the ministry opportunity to transfer your registration to another person, or you may apply your registration to another similar LifeWay event. All transfers must be made 30 days prior to the event and will incur a $10 transfer fee. A one-time transfer per customer is allowed. Wristbands must be returned and postmarked thirty days prior to the event. There is no transfer for group pricing.

Recording Policy
During this event, LifeWay will be recording (audio and video) and photographing. Most likely, you will be filmed, recorded or photographed as part of the audience or individually. By your attendance, you are granting your permission to be recorded or photographed for commercial purposes and agree to the following: being recorded, filmed or photographed by any means; commercial or any other use of your likeness, voice and words without compensation; specifically waving all rights of privacy during the filming, recording or photographing and release LifeWay Christian Resources from liability for loss, damage, or compensation from the commercial or other use of your likeness, image, voice or word; compliance with all rules and regulations of LifeWay for this event.
Come early for YOU Lead Training

YOU Lead is a training event designed to help you reach and disciple women for Christ. It is a pre-conference training offered along with Living Proof Live events.Learn more about YOU Lead.

Location:

iWireless Center
1201 River Drive
Moline, IL 61265

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today praised the passage of legislation that would stop the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from finalizing the proposed rule that would limit the work children could perform on family farms.  When the rule was originally proposed earlier this year, Loebsack personally met with the DOL officials to urge them to review Iowans' concerns while working to keep our children safe.  Shortly after the meeting, DOL withdrew the proposed rule.

"Iowa farmers have a long and proud history of feeding their neighbors, state, country and the world," said Loebsack.  "I heard from family farmers earlier this year about the possible negative effects of the rule and personally urged the Department of Labor to not move forward with it.  I was pleased when the Department of Labor withdrew it.  Today's bill takes another step to ensure Iowa's way of life is protected."

In addition to meeting with the DOL, Loebsack urged the Secretary of Labor to ensure Iowa farmers and families had the opportunity to be heard regarding these proposals and also urged the Department to reconsider the provisions relating to the parental exemption for children helping on the farm.

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DES MOINES, IA (07/24/2012)(readMedia)-- Celebrating six years at the Iowa State Fair, the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center continues to educate and delight Fairgoers of all ages. "Nothing Compares" to this hub of agricultural activity that will feature young farm animals and fresh educational programming August 9-19.

Learn about fish farming in Iowa at the new aquaculture exhibit, which features two 500 gallon tanks with viewing windows to see tilapia at different stages of development.

The state-of-the-art agricultural education exhibit also features live births of various species including cattle, swine, goats and sheep, allowing young and old alike to learn about the animal birthing process. Fairgoers can also catch a glimpse of chicks, ducks and polts (baby turkeys).

Animal lovers won't want to miss kid-friendly educational stage presentations on various agricultural topics, including honey bees, farm animal safety and butterflies. Other favorites include such contests as Milk Chug-A-Lug, Puzzling Puzzles and Minute to Win It - Farm Edition.

Also taking the stage, the TAF Magic Show will enchant kids of all ages. This magical extravaganza educates kids about agriculture through storytelling, juggling and music. Shows are daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 & 4 p.m.

Fairgoers can learn about life on the farm by checking out The Way We Live Award display and award ceremonies. The award honors six Iowa farm families for their love of the land and the product they produce.

Visit iowastatefair.org for a complete schedule of events at the Animal Learning Center.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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DES MOINES, IA (07/24/2012)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair invites Fairgoers to get involved with the Fabric and Threads department with a variety of hands-on crafts and sewing projects to participate in. "Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair set August 9-19.

The State Fair Sew-In will be open each Fair day from noon until 5 p.m. in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. This Fair-long project offers Fairgoers a chance to try their hand at simple sewing and quilting while providing warm blankets to local children in need. Every participant will receive a commemorative pin for donating their time. No experience or pre-registration necessary. Volunteer sewing assistants and a site supervisor will be on-hand to supply materials and help with machines.

The Fabric and Threads department also holds a variety of Make It and Take It classes each Fair day. Fairgoers can choose from a variety of crafts offered such as tatting, hand appliqué and quilt block on-a-stick, to name a few. Make It and Take It sessions are held in the Varied Industries Building. Each session has a $10 materials fee and lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

For a complete list of the Make It and Take It projects and times, view the daily program online at www.iowastatefair.org/daily-events/daily-schedule/.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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Greetings!

Don't miss this opportunity to see the stunning Art Nouveau exhibit at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids!

Register by Wednesday, August 1st for your chance to see this once in a lifetime exhibition with the German American Heritage Center on Sunday, August 25th. Insufficient registration will cause this trip to be cancelled, do not delay!

$50 Members or $60 Non-members!
Click on the link below to register or RSVP by calling 563-322-8844!
Get more information
Register Now!
Alphonse Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau features paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and lithographs from the Mucha Foundation in Praugue and London. This exhibit explores Mucha not just as the father of Art Nouveau, but also his Moravian roots, his family, his photography, and his devotion to the Slav people.

We will also see the exhibit It All Comes Out in the Wash which features the embellished textiles that were damaged in the flood of 2008 and have been painstakingly restored!
Lunch will be on your own in the Czech Village followed by a visit to Grant Wood's former home and studio.

We hope you will take advantage of this fantastic bus trip and register right away!
The Bus will meet at 1002 West Kimberly Rd. Davenport. (Behind the Kentucky Fried Chicken) at 9 am!

Where:
Czech and Slovack Museum and Library
Cedar Rapids, IA



When:
Saturday August 25, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CDT

The 45th Annual Willow Folk Music Fest, Aug 11th & 12th, will be held on the Willow Church grounds, near Stockton, Illinois.

Hours: Saturday

  • 11am - 10pm - Open Stage performances featuring flutist/songwriter Debbie Leininger from 6pm-6:30pm.

Sunday

  • 6:30am - 9:30am Breakfast followed by Gospel Music Service,
  • 10:15am-11:15am Christ's Country Choir (please joinus for this)
  • 12pm-5pm Open Stage performances.

More than 100 amateur bluegrass and country singers and acoustic musicians pefrom from a hay wagon on a country church lawn.  Jam sessions in the pasture.  Food and drinks may be purchased on the grounds.  Admission is $5 per day, ages 8 and under are free.  NO dogs, NO alcohol or drugs allowed on Church grounds.

Directions: Willow Church is 3 miles east of Stockton on Rt 20, turn right (south) on Willow Rd, travel six miles. From Freeport go west on Rt 20 past the Lena Kolb Cheese plant for 2 miles, to Willow Rd, turn left (south) and travel six miles.

For more information, please call 815-947-3789.

New Laws to Support Law Enforcement and Protect Court Officers

CHICAGO - July 24, 2012. As part of his ongoing efforts to increase public safety in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today signed two new laws that will help law enforcement crack down on drug crime and protect members of the justice system. The governor signed the new laws at the Illinois State Police Forensics Labs in Chicago and was joined by members of Illinois' law enforcement community who support the new laws, including the Illinois State Police, the Chicago Police Department, and numerous state's attorneys.

Governor Quinn has signed several new laws this summer to crack down on crime and strengthen public safety, including one that empowers law enforcement to prosecute street gangs as organized crime and a law guarding against sex offenders by requiring park districts to perform employee background checks.

"The men and women who protect us from crime every day need the tools to do their jobs effectively," Governor Quinn said. "These laws will help law enforcement get more criminals off the street and protect the members of our judicial system as they carry out justice for the people of Illinois."

House Bill 4081, sponsored by Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) and Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), creates an exemption in Illinois' eavesdropping statute which allows State's Attorneys to give prior approval for the recording of individuals whom law enforcement suspects will commit a drug crime. The evidence obtained in these recordings may be used only in the prosecution of drug crimes or forcible felonies committed during the investigation of a drug crime. Current law allows law enforcement to obtain a court order to record a drug crime, but delays in that process in the past have resulted in missed crimes. This law is also a safeguard for undercover officers who may require immediate assistance when their lives are in danger.

"As a former State's Attorney for Madison County, I know this law will be invaluable in reducing the drug crime that plagues our communities," Sen. Haine said.

This legislation will strengthen the justice system by allowing more credible evidence into criminal proceedings. Judges and juries will be able to hear the actual conversations of those suspected of committing drug crimes, rather than relying on witness testimony that can be unreliable. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will also have more evidence to consider while negotiating plea agreements, which reduce the burden upon the criminal justice system. This new process allows Illinois law enforcement the same flexibility in crime situations as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement in surrounding states. The law is effective January 1.

House Bill 5877, sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), creates the Illinois Judicial Privacy Act, which prohibits individuals, businesses, associations or government agencies from posting a judicial officer's personal information if that officer has requested in writing that it be removed. Upon receipt of the request, government agencies must remove information that is publicly available within five business days. Individuals, associations and businesses must remove the information within 72 hours. A person who posts personal information knowing that it could pose a threat to the health or safety of a judicial officer or his/her immediate family and which is a proximate cause of injury or death would be guilty of a Class 3 felony.

This legislation is an initiative of the Illinois Judges Association, which has found threats to judges rising steadily over the past decade. It was designed in response to the murder of the mother and husband of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow. Law enforcement believes the two were victims of retaliation against the judge following an unfavorable ruling.

Sections of the law concerning the posting of information are effective within 60 days and provisions affecting information use by the Secretary of State for identification cards, vehicle registrations and driver's licenses are effective January 1.

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Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) today joined members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation and Governor Pat Quinn in requesting a Secretarial Disaster Declaration from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.  This declaration will help Illinois' agriculture communities currently being impacted by the drought.

"Agriculture has been a bright spot in our economy over the last several years, especially here in the 17th District, which ranks 14th out of 435 Congressional Districts when it comes to the value of sales of corn and soybeans," Schilling said.  "Some of Illinois' counties have received disaster declarations, but it's time that all eligible counties receive the designation.  Farmers and producers here and across the state of Illinois are finding themselves in a difficult spot with this devastating drought, and just can't wait any longer."

Schilling was also joined last week by Congressmen Aaron Schock (IL-18) and Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) in sending a bipartisan letter to House leadership urging them to bring H.R. 6083, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act, to a vote before August.  The Farm Bill passed the House Agriculture Committee, on which Schilling serves, by a strong bipartisan vote of 35-11 on July 12, 2012.  

PDF of the letter can be found by clicking here.

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To send Congressman Schilling an e-mail, click here

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