26 Jun 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Illinois Military Family Licensing Act with First Lady Michelle Obama

By Leslie Wertheimer

Law to Support Military Families Looking for Jobs;

Illinois 23rd State to Grant Expedited Professional Licenses to Servicemembers and their Spouses

CHICAGO - June 26, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn was joined today by First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama as he signed the Illinois Military Family Licensing Act to support military families as they seek employment. The new law will help servicemembers and their spouses obtain the professional licenses they need to continue working after the family relocates to Illinois for military service. Today's action is the latest Governor Quinn has taken in his long history of supporting military members and their families in Illinois.

"Our military families make great sacrifices every day, and they shouldn't have to put their career on hold while their loved ones are serving their country overseas," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will strengthen Illinois and allow these dedicated professionals to waste no time in finding work and making a difference as they settle into their new home."

Illinois will become the 23rd state to adopt pro-military spouse license portability legislation. As part of her Joining Forces initiative to honor, recognize and support military families, First Lady Michelle Obama has advocated for the 100,000 military spouses who serve in professions that require state licenses or certification, and have to bear high financial burdens to transfer their credentials from state to state as they serve this country. In February, the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden asked Governor Quinn and the rest of the country's governors and spouses to improve job portability for military spouses in their states. At the time the First Lady and Dr. Biden addressed the Governors, only 11 states had legislation. That number has since grown to 23-including Illinois- and an additional 7 states have pending legislation.

"Because of Governor Quinn's efforts, more military spouses will be able to advance in their careers. More businesses, hospitals and schools will get the talented, experienced workers they rely on.  And more families will have the income they need and the financial security they deserve.  And above all, military families will know that America has their back, we are working hard every day to serve them as well as they have served this country," said First Lady Michelle Obama.

Senate Bill 275, sponsored by Illinois State Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and State Representative Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley), provides for temporary expedited professional and educational licenses for active duty members of the military and their spouses. State agencies that issue occupational licenses, including the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the State Board of Education, will be able to grant temporary licenses to military members and spouses who hold credentials in other states in more than 50 professions, such as teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists, plumbers, paramedics, social workers, dieticians and therapists.

"When the White House told me about this issue, I immediately vowed to work with their staff to pass this important measure," Sen. Cullerton said. "This new law will ease the burden placed on military families who want to serve their country even more through noble professions in the fields of education, child care services and public health."

"SB275 will reduce the time needed for service members and their spouses to obtain a professional license so they can continue to work and supplement the family income, while still assuring the skills of the licensee and public safety," Rep. Pritchard said. "I look forward to continuing to address key quality of life issues for our servicemembers and their families in Illinois."

In addition to temporary, 6-month licenses, the Act allows IDFPR to consider all relevant experience and training a servicemember has gained through military service towards meeting certain permanent state licensing requirements. These provisions will help military members and their spouses more easily navigate the patchwork of non-uniform regulations across all 50 states. The law takes effect Jan. 1.

Illinois is the home to three major military bases - Naval Station Great Lakes, the Navy's single-site "bootcamp" for training new recruits; Scott Air Force Base, the headquarters for the U.S. Transportation Command, and Rock Island Arsenal, a major weapons manufacturing facility in the U.S.

"This new law is powerful for the more than 16,000 military families who call Illinois home," IDVA Director Erica Borggren said. "Military spouses make tremendous sacrifices to follow their loved ones from duty station to duty station - and temporary, expedited licensure is an important way our State can support them through those sacrifices."

"This is a win-win for Illinois. Military families benefit from increased portability of their professional credentials, and Illinois consumers benefit from increased access to qualified professionals," said DFPR Secretary Brent Adams.

Governor Quinn has long made commitment to veterans, servicemembers and their families one of his top priorities throughout his career in public service. He has led programs including the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program and the Veterans Cash lottery ticket, which has awarded more than $10 million to non-profit organizations across the state that provide health care and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, housing assistance, disability benefits and other services to Illinois Veterans.

As Lieutenant Governor, Governor Quinn championed the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund Act, which established a fund to provide grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components who were called to active duty as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. These grants help service members and their families with the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services and other expenses they struggle to afford because a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.

In 2011, Governor Quinn launched the Welcome Home Heroes program to promote homeownership for Illinois Veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members. The financing package is available statewide, and provides a forgivable grant up to $10,000 toward the purchase of a new home, as well as an additional mortgage tax credit up to $20,000 over the life of the loan. Welcome Home Heroes will make homeownership even more affordable for thousands of military families and create more than 400 jobs throughout Illinois.

For more information about programs for our Veterans, visit Veterans.Illinois.Gov or call the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at 217-782-6641 or 312-814-2460.

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26 Jun 2012

Gov. Branstad announces parade details

By Iowa Governor's Office

"A Salute to Our Veterans and Service Members Parade" will take place Sat., June 30

(DES MOINES) - Today, Gov. Terry Branstad announced additional details regarding this Saturday's "A Salute to Our Veterans and Service Members Parade."

 

This year's celebration is a salute to all veterans and service members and correlates with the official United States Department of Defense Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and 60th Anniversary of the Korean War.

"It is important to honor our heroes here at home," said Branstad. "As a former member of the Army, and now Commander in Chief of the Iowa National Guard, I am proud of the men and women who represent our state on the battlefields across the world and when disaster strikes here on the home front."

The parade will kick off from the State Capitol and travel down Grand Ave. to disperse at Veteran's Auditorium/Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. The parade route map can be viewed here.

Saturday's parade will officially begin at 10 a.m. with a fly-over by the 132nd Fighter Wing down Grand Ave. City of Des Moines police vehicles and official colors are scheduled to start the parade on the ground. There is no grand marshal for the event, rather a riderless horse will lead the parade participants. A riderless horse is a traditional entry to represent fallen soldiers. The governor will walk in the parade wearing his military uniform.

Spectators are invited to watch the free parade and honor Iowans for their service. Observers can expect to see a variety of parade entries included, but not limited to:

  • Veterans and Service members
  • Various military groups, battalions, bands, and vehicles
  • Budweiser Clydesdales
  • Wells Fargo Stage Coach
  • The Iowa Veterans Home Eagle Bus
  • American Red Cross
  • Secretary of State's Honor a Veteran
  • VFW Posts
  • Raccoon River Riders Equestrian Drill Team
  • Specially wrapped trucks from DMACC and Hy-Vee

The parade developed off a similar event that Gov. Branstad held in 1991 to welcome home soldiers from the first Iraq war. The Governor's office has been working in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and Iowa National Guard to coordinate the details of the parade.

 

 

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26 Jun 2012

Spanish-Language Virtual Expert Answers Food Safety Questions on Your Smartphone

By Catherine Cochran

Take "Mobile Pregúntele a Karen" with you for on-the-go tips to prevent

foodborne illness this summer

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2012?A new Spanish-language food safety app is available to consumers around the clock on their mobile devices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. "Mobile Pregúntele a Karen" is the Spanish-language version of Mobile Ask Karen, the virtual expert who answers smartphone users' questions about properly handling, storing and preparing food to prevent illness. The English version of Mobile Ask Karen was launched in May 2011.

 

"Expanding our food safety information to multiple languages means we are reaching a wider audience and preventing more foodborne illness," said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen. "As consumers become familiar with these user-friendly mobile applications, they will develop good food safety habits and have instant access to reliable food safety information."

 

The Pregúntele a Karen website has been available from desktop browsers since September 2010. However, FSIS recognized that consumers often need answers to questions like, "To what temperature should I cook steak?" or, "How can I keep food safe outdoors?" when they are not able to access a computer. The new mobile format now allows people to take the food safety information "Karen" provides in Spanish with them to the barbecue grill, farmers market, grocery store and kitchen.

 

Both Mobile Pregúntele a Karen, which is optimized for iOS and Android devices, and the desktop-based Pregúntele a Karen are available 24 hours a day at m.PregunteleaKaren.gov or PregunteleaKaren.gov, with more than 1,200 food safety answers searchable by topic and by product. Consumers can also email, chat with a live representative, or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline directly from the app. To use these features on the app, simply choose "Contact Us" from the menu. The live chat option and the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), are available in Spanish and English from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

 

Mobile Pregúntele a Karen is part of a multi-faceted USDA initiative to prevent foodborne illness. As part of this initiative, USDA recently joined the Ad Council, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to launch Food Safe Families, a consumer food safety education campaign. Food Safe Families is the first joint public service campaign to empower families to further reduce their risk of foodborne illness at home by checking their key food safety steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill. For more information, go to www.foodsafety.gov.

 

Today's action is in addition to other significant public health measures FSIS has put in place during President Barack Obama's Administration to date to safeguard the food supply, prevent foodborne illness, and improve consumers' knowledge about the food they eat. These initiatives support the three core principles developed by the President's Food Safety Working Group: prioritizing prevention; strengthening surveillance and enforcement; and improving response and recovery. Some of these actions include :

  • Test-and-hold policy that will significantly reduce consumer exposure to unsafe meat products, should the policy become final, because products cannot be released into commerce until Agency test results for dangerous contaminants are known.
  • Labeling requirements that provide better information to consumers about their food by requiring nutrition information for single-ingredient raw meat and poultry products and ground or chopped products.
  • Public Health Information System, a modernized, comprehensive database with information on public health trends and food safety violations at the nearly 6,100 plants FSIS regulates.
  • Performance standards for poultry establishments for continued reductions in the occurrence of pathogens. After two years of enforcing the new standards, FSIS estimates that approximately 5,000 illnesses will be prevented each year under the new Campylobacter standards, and approximately 20,000 illnesses will be prevented under the revised Salmonella standards each year.

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26 Jun 2012

5 Tips for Teaching Teens About Money

By Ginny Grimsley

As children blossom into young men and women, most insist on planning and running their own lives. Parents worry about all the basic essentials for their kids' independent living, like housing, eating properly, staying warm, being careful at night and more. But most parents forget to teach their youngsters one of the most important lessons of all - financial responsibility. The resulting turmoil can spell disaster for a child's future.

Consider this: The average young adult amasses $45,000 in debt by the time they turn 29, according to a recent PNC Bank report.

"This generation of 20-somethings was raised during an economically-thriving period," says financial expert Mark Hansen, author of Success 101 for Teens (www.success101forteens.com). "Undisciplined spending habits, student and car loans, and a tough job market have stymied their financial growth. Perhaps the worst culprit is financial ignorance, but we can count this as a lesson for future 20-somethings."

For young people, organizing finances can be intimidating to the point of prohibitive, he says.

"We need to have a curriculum in schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade, that ensures our kids graduate with financially literacy," he says. "From balancing a checkbook to understanding what it means to pay - and earn - interest, kids need basic money management skills to survive in the world, and most aren't getting them."

Hansen says all teens should know and practice so they can control their financial destinies:

• Saving for dreams - the three-envelope method: Use the first envelope for your day-to-day expenses: gas or lunch money. Pause before blowing this money at the movie theater or a fast-food restaurant! Envelope No. 2 is for short-term goals, which might be clothing or a new laptop. The third envelope is for long-term goals such as a car, college or a "future millionaire club" fund.

• How to create a budget: A budget lets us know what's possible, and not possible, with money. There are six steps to creating a budget. 1. List all of your expenses. 2. List all income. 3. List monthly expenses. 4. Add up these lists separately. 5. Tweak your budget so you can meet your expenses with money left over for savings. 6. Review your budget every week.

• How to set and follow through on goals: First, figure out what your current finances are, then determine what they will be in the future -- one year out, then two years out, then four years later, etc. How will you get to your one- or two-year goal? You need a plan, and most of the time that means either earning more money, spending less, or a combination of the two. Finally, you have to stick to your plan in order for it to work.

• Understanding interest rates, such as credit cards: Interest is a fee paid for using someone else's money. Simple interest is straightforward: 5 percent accrued in your bank account with $100 yields $5 in interest at the end of the year. Compound interest, however, means ever-increasing amounts. This is crucial to understanding debt you may take on from lenders. Know what you are borrowing, and the terms thereof. Just as your money can work for you in a bank account, money borrowed can work against you if it is not paid back in a timely manner.

• How to write checks and balance a checkbook: These days, it's easier than ever to review accounts online, which automatically tracks exchanges. HOWEVER, banks do make mistakes, which is why it's wise to track your accounts independently. Ask. Don't be embarrassed. Banks are putting a premium on service and want to establish a positive relationship with young customers.  If you have a question, speak to someone at the bank. As you take control of your money, you'll also take control of your life.

About Mark Hansen

A successful businessman, a former Palm Beach County, Fla., elected school board member and motivational speaker, Mark has dedicated his life to helping young people overcome obstacles and deal with the challenges of daily living. Struck by a car and nearly killed as a child, Mark fought back through positive actions and reactions to all that he had to overcome. As a result, he relates to teens in a very special way.  Through books such as, "Success 101 for Teens: Dollars and Sense for a Winning Financial Life," and seminars, Mark Hansen is driven to make an impact on teens and young adults and to empower them to rise above and triumph over life's obstacles.

26 Jun 2012

EXCERPTS: Vice President Biden's Remarks in Waterloo, Iowa

By Randy Stalsberg

DES MOINES -- Today, Vice President Biden will deliver remarks in Waterloo, Iowa.

Below are excerpts of his remarks as prepared for delivery --

 

"Here's the bottom line:  Bain and their companies made a lot of money facilitating the outsourcing and offshoring of American jobs.

"Yeah, they made a lot of money, but in the process, they devastated American communities."

"So give Mitt Romney credit:  He is a job creator.  In Singapore.  And China.  And India."

"As governor, his administration signed a $160,000 a month contract that paid people abroad to help poor people in Massachusetts get food stamps.

"And when the Massachusetts legislature passed a bill saying you couldn't outsource state contracts overseas...he vetoed it."

"His whole career, Mitt Romney has looked at the American worker as part of  the problem...

"The president and I see you -- the American worker --  as part of the solution.  ---

"So to all those skeptics -- and to our Republican opponents especially:

"Don't tell me that America can't make things anymore...  can't compete on the world market again...  can't lead the world again."

 

 

"You don't have to look any further than Waterloo.   Look at the John Deere local.  Over the last two years, Deere has added 850 jobs - almost all of them good, union, manufacturing jobs -- and is looking at the highest total employment in 15 years.

"You're not only making them, you're exporting them.

"And Romney called the President 'out of touch' for encouraging young people - you --  to try to get manufacturing jobs.  'Out of touch.'  "Out of touch?

"A perspective president with a Swiss bank account and a retirement account in the Cayman Islands.  Anyone here have a Swiss bank account?   Did you ever think the nominee of a major political party running for President would have a Swiss bank account?  "Talk about out of touch."

"We will never outsource our way to greatness.

"The greatness of this nation is in the grit and determination of the American people.

"And it's because of you, our country is coming back."

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26 Jun 2012

Free Admission Kicks Off 2012 Iowa State Fair Opening Day

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (06/26/2012)(readMedia)-- On opening day, August 9, the Iowa State Fair will jump-start the 11-day celebration with free admission from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Healthiest State Initiative activities. The 2012 Fair runs August 9-19.

From 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Fairgoers can take advantage of free admission with a coupon from the Iowa State Fair special section of the August 5 Des Moines Sunday Register and in the full-page Hy-Vee ad in the Wednesday, August 8 Des Moines Register. One coupon per person, parking not included. Gate admission is also half-price after 5 p.m. Monday through Thursdays. Valid at all gates.

Beginning at 6 a.m., join us on the Grand Concourse for a morning of wellness sponsored by The Healthiest State Initiative. Opening ceremonies will be at 8 a.m., followed by Iowa's largest ZUMBA® class. ZUMBA® is a Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness program.

Fair fun continues all day with contests, food, games and entertainment including performances by The Nadas, JJ Grey and Mofro, Bob Wootton and Steve Holy. Christian music stars TobyMac, Tenth Avenue North and Jamie Grace will perform on the Grandstand stage at 8 p.m. Tickets for the Grandstand show are $32 (plus convenience charges) and are available now through Ticketmaster outlets and the Iowa State Fair Box Office.

A complete listing of opening day activities will be available at iowastatefair.org in July.

About The Healthiest State Initiative

The Healthiest State Initiative is a privately led, public effort that engages Iowans and their communities throughout the state. Its goal is to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by 2016 as measured by the Gallup?Healthways Well?Being Index®. The Healthiest State Initiative involves individuals, families, businesses, faith?based organizations, not?for?profits and the public sector in a broad?based community?focused effort. For more information, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com.

Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating 235 retail supermarkets and drug stores in eight Midwestern states. Founded in 1930, the company is famous for offering quality, convenience, value and "a helpful smile in every aisle." For fiscal year 2011, Hy-Vee recorded total sales of $7.3 billion, ranking it among the top 25 supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the nation. Hy-Vee's 62,000 employee-owners carry out the company's mission of making lives easier, healthier and happier. For more information, visit the website at www.hy-vee.com.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call

800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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26 Jun 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Development Funding to Support Business Growth, Create Jobs

By USDA Communications
Funding Also Will Improve Public Transit in Tribal Communities

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 28 recipients in rural communities for loans and grants to spur economic development and create or save jobs.

"The funding I am announcing today will help rural businesses, entrepreneurs and tribal communities obtain the financing they need to grow their businesses and create jobs," Vilsack said. "These grants and loans represent the Obama Administration's commitment to ensure that rural communities attract capital investments that lead to successful business development, job creation, infrastructure improvements, and economically vibrant communities."

USDA Rural Development is providing the loans and grants through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP), and the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program.

In Arkansas, Clay County Electric Cooperative Corporation is being selected to receive a $500,000 rural economic development loan. These funds will be relent to the Randolph County Nursing home to finance a new, 140-bed facility in Pocahontas, Ark. This effort is expected to create 15 jobs and save 141 existing ones. Beltrami Electric Cooperative, Inc., in Bemidji, Minn., is selected to receive a $195,108 rural economic development grant to help fund infrastructure improvements for an industrial park in Walker. This project is expected to create 346 jobs. With today's announcement, USDA is providing funding for 19 REDLG projects.

USDA Rural Development's RBEG program is funding nine projects to assist rural businesses and citizens and improve public transit for tribal communities in several states. The RBEG program provides grants to small and emerging rural businesses for projects such as distance learning networks and employment-related adult education programs. Rural public entities (towns, communities, State agencies and municipal authorities), Indian tribes and rural private non-profit corporations are eligible to apply for funding under this program.

For example, the Community Transportation Association of America, Inc. (CTAA) was selected to receive a $250,000 grant to provide technical assistance to develop public transit programs for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan; the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in Nevada; the Nooksack Indian Tribe in Washington; the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council in Alaska; the Northern Arapahoe Tribe of Wyoming; the Poarch Band Creek Indians in Alabama; the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians in Oregon; and the Squaxin Island Tribe in Washington.

CTAA was also selected to receive a $500,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant to provide technical assistance to enhance public transit in rural communities in Arizona, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Michigan.

The RBEG program is also funding projects in North Dakota and Vermont. For example, the Center for an Agricultural Economy, in Hardwick, was selected to receive a $191,849 grant that will help fund the cost of a full-time advisor who will work with local colleges to advise agricultural and food businesses in the Northeast Kingdom REAP Zone. This project will focus on increasing local processing, distribution and sales of locally-produced food. In Bowman, N.D., the Bowman County Development Corporation was selected to receive a $73,500 grant to purchase digital theatre equipment to lease to the Bowman Theatre. This funding is expected to create four jobs.

USDA's IRP is designed to increase economic activity and employment in rural communities. Under this program, loans are provided to local organizations (intermediaries) to establish revolving loan funds. These revolving loan funds are used to finance business and economic development activity to create or retain jobs in disadvantaged and remote communities. With today's announcement, the Community Resource Group, Inc., in Fayetteville, Ark., was selected to receive a $400,000 loan to provide low-interest loans to rural water and wastewater facilities in counties in the Mississippi Delta. These loans will be used for capital improvements, predevelopment costs and energy efficiency upgrades.

For a list of all recipients selected for funding under today's announcement, please click here. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council - chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack - the President is committed to a smarter use of existing 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, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development 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.

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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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26 Jun 2012

Missouri Celebrations Booming with Fun

By Sarah Luebbert
Missouri Salutes the USA
"Happy Birthday"

Jefferson City, Mo. ? The Fourth of July. Independence Day. An iconic date in United States history. In Missouri, as in all of the states and territories, the celebrations take many forms, chiefly parades, carnivals and festivals, barbecues and picnics, concerts, and glorious fireworks displays. The Missouri Division of Tourism and VisitMO.com invite you to celebrate the birthday of the United States at festivities and activities across the Show-Me State.

As you travel in Missouri, celebrate with us at one of these outstanding Independence Day events. There are many opportunities from which to choose, and not just on July 4; some are held earlier, while others last beyond July 4. And let's be clear, this is just a small sampling of what's available. Whichever you attend, a great time will be had by everyone in your family. Happy birthday U.S.A.!

  • Central Region:

June 28-July 1:

Independence Day activities are the weekend before the Fourth, at Olde Glory Days, in Clinton. This old-fashioned celebration of our country's birthday includes many activities, among them: free entertainment, a carnival, wiener-dog races, concerts, food, games, a parade, and mega-fireworks.

July 3-4:

Jefferson City's annual Salute to America gets underway Tuesday evening with the Salute to Heroes parade. Downtown streets are closed-off to accommodate Wednesday's activities: a carnival; music concerts; beer gardens; a classic car show; games for the kids; food galore; a bald eagle and birds of prey presentation by the World Bird Sanctuary; and other special activities. A tremendous firework spectacular fills the air above the Missouri Capitol and the Missouri River.

July 4:

Fort Leonard Wood invites you to join the Independence Day Celebrations at Gammon Field. Activities include military-vehicle displays; a horseshoe tournament; interactive games; watermelon-eating/seed-spitting contest; a car show; performances by the 399th Army Rock Band, and a concert by Trixie Delight; the U.S. Army Soldier Show; and a rousing fireworks display. Take your lawn chairs and/or blanket and enjoy this free event. Coolers, outside food and beverages, and pets are not allowed.

Downtown Columbia is the new site for Fire in the Sky. Children's activities take place at Flat Branch Park; two concerts (Ironweed, and the Norm Ruebling Band) take place on the main stage in Peace Park. The fireworks display will be launched from atop the Sixth and Cherry parking garage, downtown.

You can enjoy fireworks from shore and on the water at several venues in the Lake of the Ozarks area, including: Tan-Tar-A Resort, in Osage Beach; Lodge of Four Seasons Resort, in Lake Ozark; and Captain Ron's (573-374-5852), in Sunrise Beach.

In Sedalia, relax in the grandstand for a Sedalia 4th of July Celebration at the State Fairgrounds. Enjoy an evening of special activities, including a flag presentation, a concert, and a big fireworks show.

  • Southeast Region:

July 4:

The Civil War soldiers of Fort D, in Cape Girardeau, were very patriotic. On July 4, they celebrated by firing their rifles and cannon, eating a special meal with friends and civilians, and flying their flags proudly. Fourth at the Fort commemorates those activities. Fort D Historic Site is an original earthworks fort dating from 1861.

Take in the Salem July 4th Chamber Parade, at 6 p.m., in downtown Salem. Fireworks begin at dark, at the Dent County Commons.

In Cuba, Missouri, Hood Park is filled with festivities when the fireworks literally Light Up the Sky for Freedom.

East Prairie holds its annual Independence Day parade at 10 a.m.; a fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. (573-649-3057).

The town of Oran has held the annual Oran 4th of July Picnic for more than 100 years. Enjoy an old-fashioned church dinner; bingo; ice cream social; horseshoe tournaments; and fireworks.

  • Northeast Region:

July 2, 3, 4:

The Heritage & Freedom Fest, held at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, is O'Fallon's largest festival of the year. It features national entertainment; regional bands; a carnival; activities for children; crafters; lots of great food; and two nights of spectacular fireworks.

July 3:

The National Park Service holds the Jefferson Barracks Blast at the Jefferson Barracks Historic District, south of St. Louis. Enjoy music under the stars in the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, and watch a brilliant fireworks display. Concessions are available.

July 4:

Take in the 135th Veiled Prophet Parade, in downtown St. Louis. This annual parade is one of the most enduring family traditions in St. Louis. The parade features giant helium balloons; elaborate custom-built floats; a spirited competition among marching bands; and more than 100 entries.

July 4, 6, 7:

Fair Saint Louis is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the Midwest. The 32nd annual event is held on the grounds of the Gateway Arch, overlooking the Mississippi River. Events kick off early July 4 (before the Veiled Prophet Parade), with a four-mile race and a one-mile family fun run. There are two air shows July 4 (noon and 3 p.m.), including top civilian performers and military aircraft. All three days, enjoy local and national entertainment, Kids Town, and other activities. Appearing on the main stage at 8 p.m.: Heart (July 4); Third Eye Blind (July 6); and Dierks Bentley (July 7). Each evening concludes with the star-spangled fireworks display. Note: The fair is not open on July 5.
July 4-7:

Kirksville's Red White and Blue Festival is filled with activities: apple-pie contest; antique car show; a pancake breakfast; bicycle races; a movie in the park; a parade; and a super fireworks display.

A tradition for 57 years, Hannibal, hometown of Mark Twain, has held National Tom Sawyer Days. A spectacular fireworks display celebrates the birth of the U.S.A. Activities include : the National Fence Painting Championships; a frog-jumping competition; Tom and Becky contest; an arts-and-crafts show; mud volleyball; concerts and entertainment; dancing; food; and the famous Hannibal Cannibal 10k/5k run and 5k walk.

July 7:
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, in St. Louis, holds the 1862 Historic Fourth of July at the Old Courthouse. Volunteers and park rangers, dressed in historic period clothing present music, speeches, and weapon-firing demonstrations. There is a reading of the Declaration of Independence, along with several other 1862-era activities.

  • Northwest Region:

July 3:

Take the family to Legacy Blast, a free fireworks extravaganza in Lee's Summit. Food vendors, entertainers, inflatables, face painters and balloon artists fill Legacy Park; plus, there is a marvelous fireworks display, choreographed to music. Visitors may take their own food; however, alcohol, fireworks and grills are not allowed.

July 3-4:

The aptly named town of Liberty lights up the sky at Liberty 4th Fest, on the square and at William Jewell College. Enjoy the all-American barbecue competition; beer garden; concerts; a parade; vendor booths; a car cruise; and bands. On July 4, fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. at William Jewell College.

July 4:

Join the interpreters at Fort Osage, beside the Missouri River in Sibley, as they celebrate Independence Day at Fort Osage with musket and cannon demonstrations, patriotic speeches and interpretive demonstrations highlighting life on the early 19th century frontier.

Attend Independence Day at Missouri Town 1855, in Lee's Summit, and experience the 4th of July in an antebellum Missouri village as it was celebrated in the 1850s. A variety of activities for the entire family provides the setting for a fun-filled day. A special patriotic parade, where visitors join staff strolling through the village, highlights the day.

Jackson County's Fourth of July Appreciation Celebration is held at Longview Lake Beach, south of Kansas City. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Take the family for an evening of live music, food vendors, and be amazed by the fireworks display.

In Bethany, the Bethany 4th of July Celebration includes a picnic in the park at noon; a parade at 3 p.m.; a cake and ice cream social; a pet contest; and a garden contest. At 5 p.m., the Northwest Missouri State Fairgrounds opens, with food vendors on hand; fireworks start at dusk.

July 4-7:

Parkville's good-old-fashioned Parkville 4th of July Celebration includes a parade, a carnival, games, food, and fireworks.

  • Southwest Region:

June 30:

In Joplin, July 4 festivities begin June 30, with the Independence Celebration at Route 66 Carousel Park. Local band Big Smitty will perform rock cover tunes leading up to a dazzling fireworks show. The concert and fireworks show are free and are scheduled from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.  Parking is $1 and proceeds will be donated to the United Way. Show up early and enjoy family fun with bumper cars, mini golf and amusement rides at the Carousel Park before the performance begins.

July 3:

You can't help but have a great time in Branson at Branson Landing when they present the annual Liberty Light Up Independence Day Celebration. The evening starts with a concert, featuring the Nashville band, "Chain Reaction-a Tribute to Journey." Following the concert, the skies over Lake Taneycomo light up with a choreographed fireworks show-the grand finale will leave you breathless.

July 4:

If you are in the Carthage area, find a comfy spot in Municipal Park for the city's Celebration and Fireworks. The park contains grills and covered shelters; it is an ideal spot for a holiday barbecue.

In Branson, Silver Dollar City theme park turns red, white and blue, celebrating the nation's birthday with a special opening ceremony; a morning salute to veterans; an old-fashioned ice cream social; and fireworks. This special event is part of National KidsFest, which runs thru July 22.

The town of Marshfield holds one of the longest running Independence Day Parade (133rd annual) events west of the Mississippi River. The parade kicks off the Independence Day Rodeo and Fireworks celebration, held at the fairgrounds.

In Springfield, Fireworks at the Field includes a full afternoon of activities in various locations, culminating with America's pastime?baseball. At Hammons Field, watch the Springfield Cardinals play the Midland Rockhounds; after the game, stay for a concert by the band, "Members Only." Then, keep your seat for a tremendous fireworks show.

Of course, there are a lot more Independence Day activities and events all across the Show-Me State. This is a time for everyone to be thankful for the freedom we all share, so find an event near you and celebrate America. Oh . . and be careful out there.

To find thousands of attractions, events, lodging choices and places to eat, check out Missouri's only official tourism website, VisitMO.com. While browsing the website, you can order a free copy of the 2012 Missouri Travel Guide, which is also available by calling 800-519-4800. And yes, there is a free app for that?"Official Missouri Travel Guide."

About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to www.VisitMO.com.

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26 Jun 2012

Kassie Nicole Osborne graduates from Missouri S&T

By Mary Calicotte

ROLLA, MO (06/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Kassie Nicole Osborne of Blue Grass, Iowa, graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology during commencement ceremonies held Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, in the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building on campus. Osborne earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering summa cum laude.

More than 770 candidates received degrees during the ceremonies. The university awards bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, master of science and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Missouri S&T has traditionally recognized graduates earning a bachelor's degree with honors by placing the designation "summa cum laude," "magna cum laude" or "cum laude" on their diplomas. The highest honor, summa cum laude, is awarded to students who have earned a cumulative grade point (GPA) of 3.8 or above on a 4.0 scale for all courses counting toward the degree. Magna cum laude is the designation for a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79, and cum laude indicates a GPA of 3.2 to 3.49.

Missouri S&T is one of four campuses in the University of Missouri System and one of the nation's top technological research universities.

For more information, visit www.mst.edu or contact the admissions office at 800-522-0938.

26 Jun 2012

Agenda for SECC Board Mtg on 6/28

By Annie Nugent
SCOTT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTER (SECC) BOARD
Board Room, 1st Floor, Scott County Administrative Center,
600 West Fourth Street, Davenport, Iowa
JUNE 28, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.

  1. Roll Call: Gallagher, Gluba, Lehman, O'Boyle, Sunderbruch, Ex officio members: Bruemmer, Frederiksen, Malin, and Ploehn
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Approval of Minutes
  4. Approval to purchase software licensing. (Matt)
  5. Recognition of graduates from Leadership Summit. (Mary)
  6. Approval of merit increase for Scott Emergency Communications Director.
  7. Director's report
  8. Next meeting date - July 26, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
  9. Adjourn

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