26 Jul 2012

Braley Statement on Passage of the Federal Reserve Transparency Act

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after the House passed the Federal Reserve Transparency Act introduced by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX). This legislation calls for an extensive audit of the Federal Reserve System before the end of 2012.

"This bill is a bipartisan, common-sense solution to make sure that there is transparency and accountability within the Federal Reserve and I'm proud to be a cosponsor.

 

"We look to the Federal Reserve to provide guidance on the stability of our economy, and as taxpayers we deserve to know that the Fed is handling its responsibilities in a fair and public way. Ensuring that the Federal Reserve undergoes an extensive audit is one way to make this happen."

 

Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) introduced the Federal Transparency Act of 2011 last year and Rep. Braley signed on as a cosponsor, joining 273 other representatives.

# # #
25 Jul 2012

BELLEVUE UNIV. SPRING GRADS LIST

By Jody

(July 17, 2012 - Bellevue, Neb.) Following last month's commencement ceremony, Bellevue University proudly acknowledges the accomplishments of students who have earned degrees from January through June 2012 - 1,217 total, including 364 master's degrees and 853 bachelor's degrees. Graduates from 47 states represent the university's far-reaching impact.  Included among the graduates is Desirae Benge of Davenport with a  BS in International Security and Intelligence Studies.

Bellevue University is ranked second among all Nebraska institutions awarding the highest number of degrees and first among independent institutions, according to a report from the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. The report cites that Bellevue University conferred 3,101 degrees in the 2010-2011 academic year, just behind the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, the state's largest academic institution. A private, non-profit institution, the University accounted for 55 percent of the increase in the number of degrees awarded by independent Nebraska institutions between 2000-01 and 2010-11.
Bellevue University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree programs and 17 graduate degree programs, with more programs in development. Those programs apply the University's unique active learning approach which allows students to attend class in a classroom or online, and meet with fellow students, discuss lessons with instructors, complete assignments and conduct research.

Bellevue University first offered online classes in November 1996 with a handful of students and six courses. Today, Bellevue University has more than 7,000 online students from all over the globe enrolled in more than 400 courses. Overall, more than 10,000 students now attend Bellevue University, making it the largest private university in Nebraska.

Bellevue University is a recognized national leader in providing post-secondary education opportunities for working adults. A private, non-profit institution, Bellevue University serves students at learning sites in three states, as well as worldwide through its award-winning online learning platform. Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit www.bellevue.edu.

25 Jul 2012

KIRKWOOD COMM. COLLEGE SPRING GRADS LIST

By Kirkwood Community College
(Cedar Rapids) Kirkwood Community College has announced the graduating class of 2011-2012. College faculty and administration joined friends and family in saluting the grads at commencement ceremonies at Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, May 12.

from Bettendorf, IA:
  • Lenora Caruso, Liberal Arts, Associate of Arts
  • Kayla Corzette, Horse Science Technology, Associate of Applied Science

from Davenport, IA:
  • Kelli Hermiston, Business Administration, Associate of Arts
  • Kayla Pearson, Criminal Justice, Assocaite of Arts
25 Jul 2012

CANCELLED COLLEGE FISHING CENTRAL CONFERENCE EVENT ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER WILL PROCEED AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED

By Joe Opager
LA CROSSE, Wis. (July 25, 2012) - The National Guard FLW College Fishing Central Conference event scheduled for Saturday, July 28th on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis., that had been cancelled will now proceed as originally scheduled. The tournament that had been rescheduled for Aug. 5th on Rend Lake has now been cancelled.
Anglers will take off from the originally scheduled Clinton Street Bridge in La Crosse, Wis.
The tournament had been cancelled because of U.S. Coast Guard regulations restricting how volunteers can be reimbursed for their assistance. The issue has now been resolved.
More information can be found at CollegeFishing.com.
ABOUT FLW 
FLW is the industry's premier tournament-fishing organization, providing unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to our sponsors, fans and host communities. FLW is offering anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2012 over the course of 191 tournaments across five tournament circuits, each providing an avenue to the sport's richest payday and most coveted championship trophy - the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the "Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water," through a variety of platforms including tournaments, outdoor expos and the world's richest fantasy sports game - FLW Fantasy Fishing. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter and Facebook.
Visit the FLW Outdoors Media Center at FLWOutdoors.com/mc for additional information
25 Jul 2012

Grassley Asks FDA to Explain Instructions to Contractor on Documents

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is asking the Food and Drug Administration to explain a purchase order with a contractor certifying that 80,000 pages of employee communications posted online did not contain sensitive or personally identifiable information.

"The documents contained screen shots of employees' personal email and their email addresses," Grassley said. "That's personally identifiable information by common-sense standards, and it's protected by the Privacy Act.  It appears the purchase order certifying there was no personally identifiable information was incorrect, and the FDA needs to account for that."

Grassley is investigating the FDA's email surveillance of a group of whistleblowers who are concerned about the safety and effectiveness of certain medical devices.  A government contractor, Quality Associates, Inc., and the FDA put 80,000 pages of documents related to the whistleblowers on the Internet in the process of archiving them, raising questions about violations of privacy protection laws.

Grassley wrote to FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg to seek an explanation of the purchase order.  His letter is available here.  Last week, Grassley wrote to Hamburg, seeking information about the scope of the surveillance project and who exactly authorized it.  That letter is available here.

Grassley also wrote to other agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, that had documents made publicly available through the same contractor.

-30-
25 Jul 2012

School Supply Collection-2nd Annual STUFF THE BUS

By Holly Nomura

Quad Cities, USA: The Salvation Army, Wal-Mart and Johannes Bus Service will host the Second Annual Stuff the Bus Event at all four Quad Cities area Wal-Marts.

DATE: Saturday, July 28, 2012

TIME: 10am - 6pm

PLACE: All four Quad Cities area Wal-Marts

The First Day Project unites Quad City area school supply drives to meet the needs of students who require help in obtaining school supplies. Nearly 20,000 students in Quad City schools are from families with incomes low enough to be eligible for Free & Reduced fee waivers for school meals and fees. Some of Quad City area school have an average as high as 60% of students qualifying for Free & Reduced. The First Day Project will supply thousands of Quad City students with the items they need to start their school year with confidence.

Shoppers are encouraged to purchase school supplies and bring them to the school bus so that our community's low-income, homeless, or needy children will be prepared on the first day of school. Items needed include loose-leaf paper, spiral notebooks, colored and regular pencils and pencil boxes, pocket folders, pens, crayons, glue sticks, tissues, backpacks, scissors, erasers, washable markers, watercolor paints, dry erase markers, and hand sanitizer.

Monetary contributions can also be sent to the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, 852 Middle Road, Suite 100, Bettendorf, Iowa, 52722. Donate Online: Go to www.cfgrb.org and click on "donate now." Donations can be designated to a particular school district if noted on the check.

***

25 Jul 2012

Iowa Projects Awarded New Obama Administration Investments to Drive Innovations in Biofuels and Biobased Products

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2012 - As part of the Obama Administration's all-of-the-above strategy to enhance U.S. energy security, reduce America's reliance on imported oil and leverage our domestic energy supply, while also supporting rural economies, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy today announced a $6 million investment in two Iowa projects that will drive more efficient biofuels production and feedstock improvements.

"If we want to develop affordable alternatives for oil and gasoline that will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we need investments like these projects to spur innovation in bioenergy," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "By producing energy more efficiently and sustainably, we can create rural jobs, boost rural economies and help U.S. farmers, ranchers and foresters prosper."

"As part of President Obama's all-of-the-above strategy to deploy every available source of American energy, we continue to strive for more efficient, cost-competitive technologies to produce U.S. energy," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "The investments announced today are helping to accelerate innovation across America's growing biofuels industry, which will help to reduce our dependence on imported oil and support job creation across rural America."

New Biomass Research and Development Initiative Investments

 

Through the joint Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI), USDA and the Energy Department are working to develop economically and environmentally sustainable sources of renewable biomass and increase the availability of renewable fuels and biobased products. The five projects announced today will help to diversify the nation's energy portfolio and replace the need for gasoline and diesel in vehicles.

The cost-shared projects include :

  • Quad County Corn Cooperative ($4.25 million - Galva, Iowa). This project will retrofit an existing corn starch ethanol plant to add value to its byproducts, which will be marketed to the non-ruminant feed markets and to the biodiesel industry. This project enables creation of diverse product streams from this facility, opening new markets for the cooperative and contributing to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's goals for cellulosic ethanol production and use.

Additional information on the Biomass Development and Research Initiative is available HERE.

Leveraging Genomics for More Efficient, Cost-Effective Bioenergy

 

Today, the Energy Department and USDA are also announcing $10 million for eight research projects aimed at applying biomass genomics to improve promising biofuel feedstocks and drive more efficient, cost-effective energy production. These projects will use genetic mapping to advance sustainable biofuels production by analyzing and seeking to maximize genetic traits like feedstock durability, how tolerant feedstocks are to various environmental stresses, and the potential for feedstocks to be used in energy production.

A full list of the projects selected today is available HERE. The projects selected today include :

  • Iowa State University ($1.4 million - Ames, Iowa). Research will explore the genetic architecture of sorghum biomass yield component traits identified using field-based analysis of the feedstock's physical and genetic traits.

Since 2006, the Plant Feedstocks Genomics for Bioenergy research program has invested nearly $70 million helping to identify key genes affecting biomass yield and quality in feedstocks and to accelerate breeding efforts to improve bioenergy-relevant traits.

More information is available HERE.

The Energy Department also released today a new video, Biofuels 101, highlighting how technological advances are increasing biofuel efficiency and reducing production costs.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

25 Jul 2012

Herbert Hoover NHS News Release: Artists-in-Residence Steven S. Walker and Missy Gaido Allen

By Adam Prato
WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Landscape painter Steven S. Walker and photographer Missy Gaido Allen will be the Artists-in-Residence this summer at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Mr. Walker will be in residence from July 29 through August 11, Ms. Allen from August 6 through 10. The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site promotes creative means of communicating the park's national significance and its relevance to visitors.

Steven S. Walker will discuss and demonstrate painting techniques to park visitors on Wednesday, August 8. Meet at the visitor center at 6:00 p.m. and be prepared to go outdoors. The program precedes the 7:00 p.m. family night program at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, celebrating the museum's fiftieth anniversary and featuring the 1962 film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."

Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and raised in Virginia, Steven S. Walker has been creating artwork for most of his life. A former freelance illustrator and college instructor, Mr. Walker found peace of mind and inspiration painting the back roads and rustic barns of Virginia. He has exhibited several solo shows and in various national exhibitions such as the 2012 Salon International and the Richeson 75 Landscape Show. Mr. Walker resides in Westerville, Ohio with his loving wife and biggest fan, Evelyn.

"My intent is to produce work that provides a peaceful getaway from the hectic events of everyday life," said Mr. Walker. "Sometimes the only thing that keeps a person's spirits up from day to day is seeing the sun break through the clouds after a storm. I'd like to think of my paintings as the break in the sky."

On Sunday, August 5 Missy Gaido Allen offers a free introduction to nature photography class for kids ages eight to sixteen. From 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Ms. Allen will teach kids basic photographic techniques and will lead them on a short hike through part of the prairie to the Isaac Miles Farmstead. Participants are encouraged to bring a digital camera with a viewing screen for feedback, but film cameras are acceptable. Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and remember to bring water as the prairie has little shade. The class will begin at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum at 9:30 and will return from the hike to the same place.

Born in Houston, Texas in 1968, Missy Gaido Allen studied studio art and art history in the United States and Italy. She holds a Master's in Art History from Rice University and a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Iowa. Ms. Allen's images are in the permanent collections of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and multiple private collections. She has exhibited her work widely in solo and group exhibitions and has licensed images to Sony and Hasselblad. Ms. Allen lives in Iowa with her family.

"I am interested in showing changes in the landscape over time, such as through the passing of seasons," Ms. Allen said of her photography. "Herbert Hoover National Historic Site would provide me the environment to create meaningful, intensely rich works that connect the viewer to the natural world."

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
25 Jul 2012

13th Annual Walk for the Future Walking for OUR children...and yours.

By Patty Keeley
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:SIDS Foundation hosts the 13th Annual Walk for the Future & Adds two 5K Run Locations

The thirteenth annual Iowa SIDS Foundation Walk for the Future will be held Saturday, August 25, 2012 in seven cities
across Iowa. Participants can register on line or request a registration form or additional information at www.iowasids.org
or by calling 866-480-4741. Participants may also register in person on the day of the walk.

Walk locations across Iowa:
  • Ankeny Walk– Wagner Park Bandshell, 8:30 am
  • Cedar Rapids Walk–Noelridge Park Lagoon Pavilion, 8:00 a.m.
  • Mason City Walk–East Park Prairie Playground, 8:30 am
  • Quad Cities Walk & 5K Run–Crow Creek Park, 8 am
  • Sioux City Walk–Bacon Creek Park, Shelter #1, 8:30 a.m.
  • Washington Walk & 5K Run- Sunset Park, Run at 7 am, Walk at 8:30 am
  • What Cheer Walk- Keokuk County Fairgrounds, 8:30 am

The 2012 walk celebrates thirteen years of walking and fundraising to fight SIDS and SUID in Iowa. The purpose of the
walk is to raise awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and funds for the Iowa SIDS Foundation.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant up to the
age of one year.

The annual walk is a family orientated event for SIDS and SUID families to celebrate and remember those babies that
were only with us for a very short time, and for community members to show their support.

This year's walk sponsors include : Modern Woodmen of America, NCMIC, Jeneary Dental, Transamerica, LS2 Group,
Stairway to the Stars, TrueNorth, Corporate Farmer, Grinnell Mutual, Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, P.C., Children's
Dental Center of Mason City, American Bank, Beaton Inc., Casey's General Stores, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Dr. Tim &
Carol Dettmer, LeMars Sertoma Club, Mahaska Health Partnership, Major Erickson Funeral Home, Medicap Pharmacy-
Ankeny, Quality Construction Services, Inc., and Zany Janie Entertainment.

SIDS and Reducing the Risk
While great strides have been made in reducing SIDS deaths, SIDS remains the leading cause of death for infants from
one month to one year of age. For more information about the Iowa SIDS Foundation, the annual walk, or AAP's safe
sleep risk reduction recommendations, visit www.iowasids.org or call the ISF office at 866-480-4741.

Iowa SIDS Foundation

The Iowa SIDS Foundation is a statewide, 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer organization committed to helping families that
have experienced a SIDS or SUID death, educating the public about SIDS and funding research into the causes of SIDS.
25 Jul 2012

Top U.S. Energy Department Official Visits Iowa, Calls on Congress to Extend Clean Energy Tax Credits

By U.S. Dept of Energy

Under Secretary of Energy (Acting) David Sandalow Toured Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company and ACCIONA, Windpower Highlighting Importance of the Production Tax Credit to Iowa's Economy

WASHINGTON - Today, Under Secretary for Energy (Acting) and Assistant Secretary for Policy & International Affairs, David Sandalow traveled to Iowa to highlight President Obama's strategy to develop every source of American energy.  During his trip, Under Secretary Sandalow toured Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company in Des Moines and ACCIONA Windpower's wind turbine generator assembly plant in West Branch, Iowa - two companies in the wind energy supply chain that are benefitting from federal tax credits for renewable energy generation.  The Production Tax Credit (PTC), which is set to expire at the end of the year, provides an important tax credit to utility-scale wind producers in the United States.

"Iowa is at the forefront of America's growing clean energy economy," said Under Secretary Sandalow. "To continue creating jobs and expanding this important industry, President Obama is calling on Congress to extend clean energy tax credits for renewable energy and manufacturing. These tax credits are supporting thousands of jobs in Iowa and have played a key role in nearly doubling renewable energy in the last four years nationwide."

The two companies Under Secretary Sandalow visited are part of the wind energy supply chain in Iowa. Acciona Windpower produces 1.5 MW and 3.0 MW wind turbines.  At its West Branch assembly plant, the company sources over 80 percent of its components from domestic suppliers.  Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company manufactures systems for the electricity industry, with 22 percent of their business's gross sales coming from power control systems for the wind industry.

"Wind energy is powering manufacturing here at ACCIONA Windpower and all the suppliers we work with across the U.S.," said Joe Baker, CEO of ACCIONA Windpower North America. "Stable policies are critical to the growth of any business, and the wind industry is no exception."

"Many of our customers are developing alternative plans that significantly reduce the number and size of wind projects in the coming years.  If Congress fails to extend the Production Tax Credit, jobs will be lost as early as the first quarter of next year," stated Mr. Fred Buie, President of Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company.

In 2011, Iowa generated nearly 19 percent of its total electricity from wind energy, making it one of America's wind energy leaders.  According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Iowa's wind industry supported 4,000 to 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2010. Nationally, the wind industry projects that nearly 30,000 jobs will be lost next year if the PTC expires, including direct jobs as well as those in the wind energy supply chain.

Extending the PTC has broad support from industry, along with a bipartisan group of congressional members, who recognize the tremendous role stable tax policies play in creating jobs and keeping America's wind industry competitive.

"The Wind Energy industry is very pleased with the Obama Administration's support of extending the Federal Production Tax Credit.  This credit has been an instrumental part of the growth of the wind energy industry nationally and in Iowa since its inception in 1992.  With another extension, the wind industry will continue to grow, create thousands of jobs and contribute to our nation's energy independence," said Iowa Wind Energy Association Executive Director Harold Prior.

"I welcome Under Secretary Sandalow's visit to Iowa to highlight the innovation and potential our state possesses in domestic energy production," Congressman Leonard Boswell said. "In order to build on this progress, Congress needs to extend the Production Tax Credits to give the wind industry in Iowa and across the country some certainty to continue investments and job creation."

The Obama Administration has called for the extension of clean energy tax credits to ensure the U.S. leads the world in manufacturing the clean energy technologies of the future.  As part of his "All-of-the-Above" energy strategy, the President has made it clear that investing in energy, innovation and American infrastructure are critical for creating high-quality domestic manufacturing jobs and building an American economy that lasts.

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