06 Aug 2012

Benefit for Janet Green

By Kathie Heaps

Friends of Janet Green will hold a benefit for the 43-year-old wife and mother to help her as she fights bout against breast cancer.

The benefit will be from 2-8 p.m., Saturday, Sep. 22, at Bleyart"s Tap 2218 E 11th Street Davenport, Iowa. All proceeds will help offset the bills being incurred since Green's cancer. She is married to Robert Green and mother of Courtney 16yrs old and Jacob 13 yrs old. Cost of the benefit is $5 per person and includes a walking taco dinner, dessert and a chance to win a 4 Cub's Tickets. The event also will include live entertainment, raffles, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction/basket raffle and bake sale.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. They also are available in advance at these locations: The Hair Doctors, 2942 Harrison St. Davenport; Bleyart's Tap, 2218 E. 11th Street Davenport.

Donations also may be made to Janet Green Benefit Fund, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union 2102 E Kimberly Road Davenport

For more information, call Kathie Heaps at 563-322-1844

06 Aug 2012

Benefit for Mary Davis

By Kathie Heaps

Friends of Mary Davis will hold a benefit for the 47-year-old wife and mother to help her as she fights another bout against breast cancer.

The benefit will be from 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18, at Blackhawk College, 6600 34th Ave., Building 3, Moline.

All proceeds will help offset the bills being incurred since Davis' relapse of cancer. The Erie woman had been cancer-free since June 2004, when the disease returned April 2012. She is married to Bob Davis and mother of Emma 8yrs old. She has coached 21 years at Blackhawk College for women's volleyball. She also has worked 21 yrs in Nov as a hairdresser and owner of The Hair Center in Erie Ill.

Cost of the benefit is $5 per person and includes a walking taco dinner, dessert and a chance to win a 40"flat screen TV. The event also will include live entertainment, raffles, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction/basket raffle and bake sale.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. They also are available in advance at these locations: The Hair Doctors, 2942 Harrison St., Davenport; The Hair Center, 908 Albany St., Erie, Ill.; or Blackhawk College Athletic Department, Bldg 3, Moline.

Donations also may be made to Mary Davis Benefit Fund, First Trust, Erie.

For more information, call Kathie Heaps at 563-322-1844.

06 Aug 2012

Braley Campaign Announces Jeff Giertz to Serve as Campaign Manager

By Jeff Giertz
WATERLOO, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that Jeff Giertz will serve as his campaign manager for the 2012 campaign, effective today.

Giertz will take an unpaid leave of absence from his position as Communications Director in Braley's congressional office.  Molly Scherrman will remain the campaign's Senior Advisor.

"Jeff is a smart and capable leader with deep Iowa roots and years of campaign experience," Braley said.  "He's an excellent addition to my growing grassroots campaign."

Giertz will be based out of the campaign's headquarters in Waterloo. 



06 Aug 2012

Las Lomas Mexican Restaurant pays more than $60,000 in back wages to 8 workers following US Labor Department investigation

By Rhonda Burke

Various FLSA violations found at Muscatine, Iowa, establishment 

 

MUSCATINE, Iowa - The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $60,234 in back wages for eight employees of Las Lomas Mexican Restaurant in Muscatine following an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division that disclosed violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage, overtime pay and record-keeping provisions.

A team of Spanish-speaking investigators from the division's Des Moines District Office conducted employee interviews and reviewed time and payroll records to determine FLSA compliance. The investigators found that the restaurant paid some workers - including wait staff, cooks and dishwashers - "straight time" wages, which did not equal at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and did not include overtime pay for hours beyond 40 in a week.

"Some of these employees were paid as little as $200 a week for 75 hours of labor," said Michael Staebell, director of the Wage and Hour Division's Des Moines office. "We are committed to protecting the many vulnerable workers employed in the restaurant industry and, as demonstrated by the resolution of this case, will vigorously pursue violators to ensure compliance with the law."

All back wages owed have been paid in full, and the company has taken steps to come into compliance with wage regulations by installing a time clock and keeping accurate pay records. Las Lomas Mexican Restaurant is operated by Juan Inc. and has several locations throughout Iowa.

The FLSA requires that covered, nonexempt employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked, as well as one and one-half times their regular rates for hours worked over 40 per week. Additionally, accurate records of employees' wages, hours and other conditions of employment must be maintained.

Accessible and searchable information on enforcement activities by the Department of Labor is available at http://ogesdw.dol.gov/search. Publicly available enforcement data also are available through the free mobile application "Eat Shop Sleep," which enables consumers, employees and other members of the public to check if a hotel, restaurant or retail location has been investigated by the Wage and Hour Division, and whether FLSA violations were found. The app is available at https://sites.google.com/site/eatshopsleepdol.

For more information about the FLSA and other federal wage laws, call the Wage and Hour Division's toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) or visit http://www.dol.gov/whd.

# # #
06 Aug 2012

Illinois National Guard Chaplain Ministers to Troops in Africa

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/06/2012)(readMedia)-- Illinois Army National Guard Chaplain Capt. Paul Weberg of Aurora is providing religious support during Operation Southern Accord 2012, a joint exercise between the United States and the Republic of Botswana.

"I have become more assertive in my ministry," said Weberg. "I'm usually one to sit back and let people come to me, but in this military setting you can't do that. You have to be more missionary."

Weberg is the chaplain for the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade based in Chicago and has served four tours in Iraq.

"He is able to come across very well received. Humbly, yet with a certain confidence," said Sgt. Vincent Guzman, of Chicago, the 404th MEB chaplain's assistant.

Weberg admits Soldiers typically only think of chaplains being around on Sundays for church services, but he is making it a point to ensure Soldiers know chaplains are available for any faith at any time.

"We're much more than that. We're chaplains seven days a week, 24 hours a day," said Weberg.

More than 1,200 military personnel from The Republic of Botswana and the United States are participating in Southern Accord 2012. The exercise aims to enhance the interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and Botswanan Defense Forces and increase stability and security across the African continent.

06 Aug 2012

Braley Statement on President Signing the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act

By Randy Stalsberg

Braley Applauds Bi-partisan Success Honoring Dubuque Veteran

 

Dubuque, IA - Today, President Obama will sign H.R. 1627, the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012.  Included in the law is the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act which will extend a Veterans' Administration adaptive housing grant program that helps injured and disabled veterans retrofit their homes to make them more disability-accessible.  Without this legislation, the adaptive housing program would have expired at the end of 2012.

 

"Meeting Andrew, Jenny and Brody Connolly will always be one of the highlights of my life," Braley said.  "They inspired me, the people of Dubuque and members of both parties in Congress to do more to help one another.  Andrew would have turned 29 last week and I can think of no more fitting tribute to his memory than this bill being signed into law."

 

The Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act is named after the late Andrew Connolly of Dubuque - an Iowa Army National Guardsman who returned from a tour of duty in Iraq with a tumor in his spine. With Braley's help, Connolly was able to get a grant that allowed him to move into a wheelchair-accessible home until his untimely death in August 2011.  Connolly became an advocate for expanding the program, despite his failing health.

 

The bill will extend the adaptive housing grant program for disabled veterans for ten years, through December 31, 2022.  The legislation also increases the adaptive housing grant limit for temporary housing to $28,000, and increases the total adaptive housing grant limit from $63,780 to $91,780, revising current law to exclude the temporary residence adaptation grant from counting towards the total grant amount.

 

The Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act is included on page 12 of the bill to be signed into law today.  To see this section of the bill, go to: http://go.usa.gov/GPe.  In addition, to see Andrew Connolly testifying in Congress on May 3, 2011 about the importance of the Veterans Housing programs, go to: http://youtu.be/3haDUPFAPvo.

 

 

VA Veterans Adaptive Housing Grant Limits

 

Current Law

Andrew Connolly Act (Becomes Law Today)

Expiration Date

December 31, 2012

December 31, 2022

Temporary Housing Grant Limit

$14,000

$28,000

Permanent Housing Grant Limit

$63,780

$63,780

TOTAL Housing Grant Limit

$63,780

$91,780

 

# # #

06 Aug 2012

The Ignorance of Booing

By Ginny Grimsley
'These Kids Sometimes Suffer Lifelong Damage,'
Says Ex-Wife of College Football Coach

Every college football fan has asked, "What was the coach thinking?" at some point or other. That's OK,  says Kathy (Currey) Kronick, author of Mrs. Coach: Life in Major College Football (www.mrscoach14yrs.com), sometimes I wish they would bottle their "BOOs."

As college teams and their fans prepare for the kickoff of another contentious season, Kronick offers insights from her unique perspective as a longtime "Mrs. Coach."

"I have been in stadiums where I've thought to myself, 'This must be what it was like in ancient Rome,' " says Kronick, whose book recounts her years married to Coach Dave Currey. "Some fans get so caught up in the heat of the moment that they forget these players are just kids who may be dealing with injuries or personal problems."

There are many factors that feed into a coach's decision regarding players, plays and clock management, she says. Last-minute decisions may be influenced by events and observations that go back to Pop Warner, or even earlier.

"A football coach's work is never done," she says. "When they're not on the field, in the weight room or at meetings, a head coach's mind is still on football. It was frustrating for me to know all that was behind a decision when fans started booing."

She says fans should remember the following realities in college football:

• Student athletes: It's very difficult to earn a slot on a major college team's roster from high school, and only 2.4 percent of these young players ever make it to the next level. "These are kids just out of high school who have devoted their lives to the game. Most will not become millionaires, or even go pro, so I wish fans would give them a break," Kronick says. "They are also full-time students, too, with all the added pressures of academia."

• Injuries: Some of the most egregious booing comes from fans who think a player isn't tough enough when injured. "The charge is 'lack of heart' when an important player is out of a game due to a 'borderline' injury, which cannot be diagnosed by a doctor or seen in an x-ray," she says. "Many of these student-athletes incur injuries that may affect them if they try to go pro. Even if they don't continue in football, they may carry the limp of the game for the rest of their lives. No athlete should ever be forced to play with an injury."

• Coach knows best: It's the coach's job to obsess over every detail that will help the team win. They do that 24/7, 11 months of the year. (They're off the month of  July, when they attempt to make up for all the family time they've missed, but even then, they're still thinking about the team, Kronick says.) "Their lives revolve around winning - and not making mistakes. A bad call is only so labeled if a play doesn't work," she says. "Couch-surfing coaches and Monday-morning quarterbacks should be aware of that before criticizing."

Coaches always say that if fans buy tickets, they have the right to boo, Kronick says.

"But coaches' wives say, 'Please don't boo around us.' "

About Kathy (Currey) Kronick

Kathy (Currey) Kronick was married to Dave Currey from 1974 to 1989. He was an assistant coach at Stanford University when they met and married, and later moved on to Long Beach State (Calif.), the University of Cincinnati and UCLA. They divorced in 1996. Kronick, who has a bachelor's in education of the deaf and a master's in counseling, is the mother of two children and is happily remarried.

06 Aug 2012

Breaking News: Obama Wins Iowa, Despite Boycott

By Ed Fallon
I am so tempted to tell you how I feel about the movement to Boycott the Presidential Election, but will bite my tongue and save it for today's civil-yet-spirited conversation with Terri Lee . . . and anyone else who wants to call-in at (855) 244-0077 and opine on either side of the issue.

I will, however, weigh-in briefly on Mitt Romney's decision to concede Iowa to President Obama. Yes, if there is a political move dumber than coming out against the wind energy tax credit and calling Iowa's booming wind energy industry a "stimulus boondoggle," I can't think of what it would be.

Even Steve King disagrees with Romney.

Tom Latham cautiously chastised Romney, saying the latter's position "shows a lack of full understanding of how important the wind energy tax credit is for Iowa and our nation." (DM Register, 07/30/12).

And rumor has it that Senator Grassley, the self-described "father of the wind energy tax credit," is livid . . . although there weren't any tweets to corroborate such speculation.

Possibly the most telling comment in terms of the political damage this causes Romney came from Senator Harkin, who simply said, "Good luck in Iowa!"

Unfortunately, Romney's fatal stumble means the presidential candidates will spend less money in Iowa, at a time when our economy could use a boost. On the up side, we won't have to view so many inane television commercials. Bottom line? Put Iowa in the win column for Obama . . . unless that crazy boycott idea catches fire.

Monday, in addition to Terri Lee and me sparring over the proposal to boycott the presidential election, Jeffrey Weiss with Catholic Piece Ministry and I discuss yesterday's deadly US drone attack in Yemen on the eve of the commemoration of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (see Events calendar on my website).

Tuesday, Arnie Arnesen joins me. Arnie is, to some extent, my twin cousin from New Hampshire. Having served in the State Legislature and run for Governor and Congress, Arnie now hosts a daily talk show. With Arnie, one can never predict where the conversation will go, but let's start with the highlights posted in her e-mail message this morning: "Eliz Warren addresses the Dem. Convention good for the base? bad for the Pres?; Electing Ayn Rand for President?; Revolving Doors."

Wednesday, Sean Bremhorst with Students Beyond War is my guest. We'll discuss how some young veterans feel lied to by Army recruiters when the promise of $50,000 for college turns out to be a lot less. Also with me in the studio on Wednesday is Jim Gray, the Libertarian Party vice presidential candidate.

Thursday, we meet Kelli VanDyke-Wulfekuhle with Harbor of Hope Mission, which provides transitional housing for men released from jail or prison. Kelli is helping raise funds to refurbish the facility. Also Thursday, State Representative Dan Kelly joins us.

Friday, Ira Kurzban is my guest. Ira is an American civil rights and immigration lawyer and author. He received widespread media coverage during the 1980s for his representation of Haitian immigrants in Miami. Also Friday, we meet an innovative young entrepreneur: Emily Svec, whose business - Body by Svec - is turning plenty of heads.

So, join the conversation live, Monday-Friday, online from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077. And tune-in to Bradshaw, Monday-Friday from 1:30-2:30, also on the Fallon Forum website. Video and audio podcasts are available, too.

Thanks! - Ed

 

EVENTS

August 6 - Hiroshima to Fukushima: The Nuclear Fallout (DM)
At the Japanese Bell on the State Capitol grounds (next to the Supreme Court Building) at 7:30 pm. This annual lament of the Hiroshima/Nagaski nuclear bombings will feature speakers and music. Contact Jeff Weiss with Catholic Peace Ministry at jjwcpm@yahoo.com or (515) 255-8114.

August 8 - Modernizing Iowa's HIV Statute (Ames)
Community Forum at the Ames Public Library and viewing of the film "HIV is Not A Crime," in response to efforts to change a state law criminalizing HIV transmission. It begins at 6:30 pm and is open to the public at no charge. Contact Mark Kassis at marktkassis@gmail.com or (515) 441-9944.

August 9 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, it's over a frosty libation. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

August 24-26 - White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow (Waukee)
At Hawkeye Antique Acres, 3322 Ute Ave. Twelfth annual event, fostering better understanding of all cultures through drumming, music, dance and story-telling from Native American and other cultures. Contact dcmoonwolf@hotmail.com or (515) 266-3187.

August 30 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

October 20 - Contra Dance at Odd Fellows Hall (Des Moines)
Contra-Indications is hosting a contra dance at Odd Fellows Hall, 2904 Kingman Blvd, 8:00-11:00 pm, with lesson at 7:30 pm. Live music by Barn Owl Band; Jill Allen as caller. $10 adults; free under 12; $25 family maximum. Visit info@contra-indications.org.

06 Aug 2012

RAW FOOD WEEK FOLLOWS STATE FAIR FOOD EXTRAVAGANCE

By Brooke Benschoter

Need some relief from all that food on a stick? Follow up state fair food with week of raw, fresh and healthy.


DES MOINES, IA--Feeling a little sluggish (and guilty) from chowing down on State Fair food?  Recovery is around the corner at Raw Food Week Aug. 20-29, and, don't worry, the word "diet" isn't even on the program.


Raw Food Week covers the basics of living a healthy lifestyle based on the freshest, natural ingredients possible?just in time to reap the benefits of the bounty of the Iowa growing season, farmers' markets and maybe your own backyard garden.


"There will be a variety of ways to experience a healthier way of eating that doesn't mean dieting, but rather thinking differently about what's at the end of your fork," said Sheree Clark, holistic health and nutrition counselor and certified raw food chef.  "The focus of Raw Food Week is to experience, not lecture, and learn from those who have transformed their lives and the lives of others."


Events throughout the week include tastings, presentations, a film screening, as well as the opportunity to experience raw food offerings at several restaurants in metro Des Moines.  The highlight of the week will be a not-your-typical health and wellness presentation by "Dave the Raw Food Trucker," a formerly sick and obese big-rig driver who reshaped his life through a "raw" experiment, which resulted in weight loss of 230 pounds.


Start off the week by ordering in. On Monday local chef Brandi Leuders will take orders for specially prepared raw dinners that can be picked up on Wednesday--so there's one meal you won't have to worry about preparing this week!  Fresh Café is also preparing take-out items that can be purchased throughout the week. The rest of the week unfolds with these events:


Monday, August 20
Movie Night: Special Screening
Forks Over Knives; raw food concessions available
7:00 p.m. $5/person
Fleur Cinema

Tuesday, August 21
Endless Summer: Capturing Your Garden's Bounty
Sheree Clark, Fork In The Road
11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.  $20/person
Walnut Ridge, Clive, Iowa

Wednesday, August 22
Dave "The Raw Food Trucker" Rolls Through Des Moines
4:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. --appearance at West Glen Farmer's Market; free
6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. --presentation at Event Center West, West Des Moines; $20/person

Thursday, August 23
Meals That Heal, Jean Lorentzen, D.O.
7:00 P.M. $10/person
All Play, Des Moines, Iowa

Friday, August 24
Healthy Happy Hour
Cheers! Wine is a "Raw" Food!
5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. $10/person; includes raw food appetizers
Jasper Winery, Des Moines

Saturday, August 26
Farmer's Market?the best raw food around!
Court Avenue, Des Moines: 7:00 A.M. - Noon; free

Sunday, August 26
Raw Sunday Brunch
Seatings At 11:00 A.M. And 12:30 P.M.
$29.95/person for adults; $14.95/person for children under 12
Echo Valley Country Club, Norwalk, Iowa

Restaurants that are including special menu items for Raw Food Week include Alba, Campbell's Nutrition, Fresh Café, Gateway Café, Luna Bistro and Natural Thirst.  Information on all events and how to register can be found at Facebook.com/RawFoodDSM.
Raw Food Week is hosted by the 600+ member Des Moines Raw Food Group.  For more information visit www.meetup.com/RawFoodDSM.-----------------------------------------------------------------------

06 Aug 2012

Harkin Announces Iowa Schedule for August

By Sen. Tom Harkin
Series of events focused on retirement, energy security and drought recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced a week-long series of events across Iowa for the upcoming August work period focused on retirement security, drought recovery, and energy security.  A list of his public events follows.

Monday, August 6th - Fairfield/Keokuk
12:00 P.M.     Briefing and Tour of Energy Projects
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center
200 North Main Street
Fairfield

Senator Harkin will visit the City of Fairfield to tour some of the innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency installations they have pursued.  Mayor Ed Malloy will lead Harkin on the tour of their "Go Green" program, a citywide effort to save energy through conservation measures.  Media interested in attending should join the group at the Arts and Convention Center for this briefing and tour.

3:00 P.M.     Drought Recovery Event
Maple Long Farms
3129 243rd Avenue
Keokuk

Senator Harkin will visit Lee County farmers to see the impacts that the drought is having on Iowa agriculture.  He will take a walking tour of a corn field to explore the impact of the dry weather and then talk to area farmers who have also been impacted.  Harkin is a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Tuesday, August 7th - Fort Madison
10:15 A.M.     Tour Siemens Energy
2597 Highway 61
Fort Madison
**Media is invited to join the Senator outside of the building after the tour.

Harkin will tour this local wind turbine manufacturer to see firsthand how the Production Tax Credit for wind aids our energy security as a country, but also creates jobs locally.

3:30 P.M.     Davenport Industrial Park Rail Spur
601 Blackhawk Trail
Eldridge

Senator Harkin will dedicate a rail spur north of Davenport in Eldridge.  Harkin secured a $3 million grant in the 2005 surface transportation reauthorization bill for this project.  The cities of Davenport and Eldridge expect this project to increase local economic development and create jobs.

Wednesday, August 8th - Des Moines
1:30 P.M.    Des Moines Retirement Security Event
Des Moines Central Public Library Meeting Room
1000 Grand Avenue
Des Moines

Harkin, as Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, recently released a new report examining the retirement crisis in America and laying out a bold proposal to rebuild the private pension system.  The report comes after a series of HELP Committee hearings on retirement security that Harkin has convened over the last two years.   He is hosting a series of events in Iowa intended to start a discussion about the retirement crisis in our country.

Thursday, August 9th - Mason City
3:00 P.M.    Mason City Retirement Security Event
North Iowa Area Community College
500 College Drive
Muse Norris Conference Center, Room 180 B +C
Mason City

Similar to the Des Moines event, this is the second public discussion in the series on retirement security. 

Friday, August 10th - Des Moines/State Fair Day!
9:00 A.M.     Iowa State Fair

Senator Harkin will spend his annual day at the fair, touring the Agriculture Building, visiting the Iowa Pork Producers tent, and taking in the scenes.

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