23 Mar 2012

Today is the 2 year anniversary of Obamacare - Let's make it's the last!

By Amy Kremer
There are 3 ways that you can say:
"HANDS OFF MY HEALTH CARE!"
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1. Sign the petition  Click Here
2. Attend the "Hands off our Health Care" rally in Washington DC this Tuesday  Details Here
3.  Make a contribution to help fund our efforts to fight Obamacare  Click Here
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With the 2nd anniversary of Obamacare today and the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to hear arguments regarding it's blatant disregard for the Constitution from March 26th-28th, we must remind the Washington politicians that we will NOT stop until Obamacare is defeated!
Join the Tea Party Express in telling Obama and our federal representatives: "Hands Off My Health Care!"
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We also encourage you to take a look at the new ad that our friends at Dept. 7 have put together.  It is a response to the Democrat ad showing Paul Ryan throwing grandma off a cliff.  To view the ad click here
Please consider making a contribution to the Tea Party Express so that we can continue to fund operations like these.  Please help by making a contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more.
23 Mar 2012

Midwest Ag Producers Make Case for an Effective Safety Net at Illinois Field Hearing

By Andie Pivarunas

Galesburg, Illinois - This morning in Galesburg, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (OK-03) continued the House Agriculture Committee's field hearing series in the district represented by Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17). It was the second of four hearings to be held across the country throughout March and April to gather input in advance of writing the 2012 Farm Bill.

 

Members took testimony from Midwest producers of corn, rice, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, specialty crops and beef.  Witnesses expressed the importance of developing policy that appreciates and recognizes the risks involved with growing food and fiber.  They stressed the need for an effective safety net and a choice of risk management tools so farmers can continue to produce a stable food supply and compete in the global marketplace.

 

"The field hearings give Members of this Committee a chance to hear how programs are working for our agricultural producers. There's no better way to accomplish this than to visit with folks in the countryside. It's important to understand how we can write policy that works for all of agriculture," said Chairman Lucas.

 

"The Midwest - particularly Illinois' 17th District - is an agricultural powerhouse, blessed with some of the most fruitful farmland on Earth, and produces high-quality, affordable food.  This field hearing is a wonderful opportunity for our area's farmers to lay out their priorities for the next Farm Bill to my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee and me.  I'd like to extend my thanks to Chairman Lucas and his staff for recognizing the invaluable contributions of our area to America's food supply, and for including the 17th Congressional District as one of the settings for Farm Bill discussions," said Rep. Schilling.

 

Attending today's hearing were a number of elected officials or their representatives, including staff with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Mark Kirk's (R-IL) Agriculture Advisory Board, Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza, representatives of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, Illinois Department of Agriculture Acting Director Robert Flider, Adams County Circuit Clerk Randy Frese, and more. 

"I want to thank everyone who took the time to join us in today's discussion on farm policy," said Rep. Schilling. "The Farm Bill is a topic that doesn't seem to get much attention in Washington or in the media, but I can't overstate how important it is to communities like ours.  We have our work cut out for us in crafting the next Farm Bill, but the Ag Committee is a truly bipartisan committee.  We will work together to produce a farm bill that works for America, and continues to allow producers like those who testified today to do what they do best."

Written testimony provided by the witnesses is linked below.

 

Witness List:

 

Panel I

 

Mr. David C. Erickson, corn and soybean producer, Altona, Illinois

 

Mrs. Deborah L. Moore, corn, soybean, and beef producer, Roseville, Illinois

 

Mr. John Mages, corn and soybean producer, Belgrade, Minnesota

 

Mr. Blake Gerard, rice, soybean, wheat, and corn producer, McClure, Illinois

 

Mr. Craig Adams, corn, soybean, wheat, hay, and beef producer, Leesburg, Ohio

 

Panel II

 

Mr. John Williams, sorghum, corn, wheat, and soybean producer, McLeansboro, Illinois

 

Mr. Gary Asay, pork, corn, and soybean producer, Osco, Illinois

 

Mr. Terry Davis, corn and soybean producer, Roseville, Illinois

 

Mr. David W. Howell, corn, soybean, pumpkin, and tomato producer, Middletown, Indiana

 

Ms. Jane A. Weber, specialty crop producer, Bettendorf, Iowa

Schilling and the Ag. Committee also invite feedback from members of the public on the future of farm policy to be considered as part of the Committee's Farm Bill field hearing record.  The Committee's feedback form can be found by clicking here.

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23 Mar 2012

High-Risk Pregnancy: Why Me?

By Ginny Grimsley
Understanding and Managing a Potential Preterm Pregnancy

Every year, 1 million U.S. women with high-risk pregnancies are placed on bed rest to protect their developing babies. Despite that, every year, about 500,000 newborns - one of every eight - arrive too early, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Enduring a high-risk pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience of stress, fear and unknowns, leading to more questions than answers. Many of these moms adhere to strict regimes of bed rest; face major changes in lifestyle and relationships; and are subject to dozens of doctor visits and even surgery or medications to protect their unborn children. For them, birth may not be the joy-filled event most families expect.

Knowing those feelings all too well, research scientist Kelly Whitehead wrote High-Risk Pregnancy: Why Me? Understanding and Managing a Potential Preterm Pregnancy (www.hrpwhyme.com), which is backed by fetal and maternal medicine specialist Dr. Vincenzo Berghella, a top pre-term birth researcher. Whitehead's first child died following his premature birth. During her next pregnancy, she spent 4½ months in bed worrying over and trying to protect her daughter.

The book is both a medical reference and provides emotional support for mothers-to-be, with Whitehead providing answers in layman's terms to the myriad medical questions families have. Whitehead also shares coping strategies she discovered, along with what she's learned through benefit of hindsight, and insights from other mothers.

• Try to enjoy being pregnant. Don't miss out on this experience because you're high-risk. Do the normal prego things, even if you have to modify them: Shop online, get a belly cast, shoot expanding-belly photos, and savor those kicks and body changes. Don't forget or stop dreaming about the actual birth and your desires for what it will be like. I regretted missing out on so much while carrying my daughter. Rather than enjoying the pregnancy, I kept focused on the end and my hope she would survive.

• Don't let your emotions become your enemy. Say goodbye to guilt - this is not your fault!  It's okay to be bitter, angry and upset at the world, and to hate "normal" pregnant women, but it isn't going to change anything. So go get mad, yell, and cry, and then move on.

• Pelvic rest sounds easy, but it isn't. It's not fun being forced to become a nun, so don't. There are still ways to enjoy intimacy; you just need to get creative. Think high school - remember how much fun necking was? Try body oil, a massage...whipped cream? Sexy lingerie is still hot, even if you're pregnant. Flaunt your new assets - they surely went up a cup size or two.

• Educate yourself about your situation. Don't go reading about every other possible scenario out there; you don't need to worry about problems that aren't a likely issue for you.

• Ask and you shall receive. It may sometimes feel as though people have forgotten about you, but the reality is they're busy and they have no idea what's it's like for you. If you want company, reach out and invite someone over.

"I know it's tough to be going through a high-risk pregnancy and living in fear every day," Whitehead says. "Though this will be the toughest time of your life, many of us have been through it and now have our children. You can, too.

"Keep your chin up and keep hoping. Healthy babies are born every day to families who've walked the same path."

About Kelly Whitehead

Kelly Whitehead is a scientist-mom, who lost a preemie son and went on to have two high-risk pregnancies. She wrote High-Risk Pregnancy: Why Me? Understanding and Managing a Potential Preterm Pregnancy as an educational tool and emotional guide for those experiencing a difficult pregnancy and the providers who work with them. She is also a trained doula, birth advocate and spokesperson for Sidelines National High Risk Pregnancy Support Network. For more information, check out www.hrpwhyme.com.

23 Mar 2012

Illinois National Guard Medal of Honor Recipients from Civil War to World War II

By PFC Jami Pritchard

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Sunday, March 25, marks National Medal of Honor (MoH) Day. The Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office encourages all media wishing to feature a story on Illinois National Guard MoH recipients from their areas to contact the office for more information. Please view the list below for Illinois National Guard MoH recipients from your area

• About 111 Soldiers with the Illinois Army National Guard who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor from the Civil War to World War II.

• Cpl. Abner P. Allen of Woodford County, Ill, entered service at Bloomington, Ill., enlisted in Co. K, 39th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Petersburg, Va., issued May 12, 1865

• Pvt. John G.K. Ayers of Washlinaw, Mich., entered service at Pekin, Ill., enlisted in Co. H, 8th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 31, 1895

• Cpl. Matthew Bickford of Peoria County, Ill., entered service at Trivolia, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 8th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 31, 1894

• Lt. Col. John C. Black of Lexington, Miss., entered service at Danville, Ill., enlisted in 37th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Prairie Grove, Ark., issued October 31, 1893

• Cpt. William P. Black of Woodford, Ky., entered service at Danville, Ill., enlisted in Co. K, 37th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Pea Ridge, Ark., issued October 2, 1893

• 1st Lt. Wells H. Blodgett of Downers Grove, Ill., entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 37th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Newtonia, Mo., issued February 15, 1894

• Pvt. John G. Bourke of Philadelphia, Pa., entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. E, 15th PA CAV, awarded MOH for actions at Stone River, Tenn., issued November 16, 1887

• Pvt. Emmer Bowen of Erie County, N.Y., entered service at Hampshire, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 127th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 21, 1894

• Pvt. William W. Burritt of Campbell, N.Y., entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 113th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 8, 1896

• Pvt. John H. Callahan of Shelby County, Ky., entered service at Macoupin County, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 122nd IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Fort Blakeley, Ala., issued June 8, 1865

• 1st Lt. Horace Capron Jr. of Peoria, Ill., entered service at Peoria, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 8th IL CAV, awarded the MOH for actions at Chickahominy and Ashland, Va., issued September 27, 1865

• Cpl. Samuel J. Churchill of Rutland County, Vt., entered service at DeKalb County, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 2nd Light Artillery, awarded for actions at Nashville, Tenn., issued January 20, 1897

• Sgt. Carlos W. Colby of Merrimack, N.H., entered service at Madison County, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 97th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued January 31, 1896

• Sgt. John H. Cook of England, entered service at Quincy, Ill., enlisted in Co. A, 119th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Pleasant Hill, La., issued September 19, 1890

• Cpl. Robert M. Cox of Guernsey County, Ohio, entered service at Prairie City, Ill., enlisted in Co. K, 55th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued December 31, 1892

• Pvt. John Creed of Ireland, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 23rd IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Fishers Hill, Va., issued October 6, 1864

• Pvt. James S. Cunningham of Washington County, Pa., entered service at Bloomington, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 8th MO INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 30, 1894

• Sgt. John S. Darrough of Kentucky, entered service at Concord, Ill., enlisted in Co. F, 113th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Eastport, Miss., issued February 5, 1895

• Cpl. James Dunne of Detroit, Mich., entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Chicago Mercantile Battery, Illinois Light Artillery, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued January 15, 1895

• Sgt. Maj. John M. Farquhar of Scotland, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in 89th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Stone River, Tenn., issued August 6, 1902

• 1st Lt. John H. Fisher of Monmouth, Pa., entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 55th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 2, 1893

• Sgt. Henry Fox of Germany, entered service at Lincoln, Ill., enlisted in Co. H, 106th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions near Jackson, Tenn., issued May 16, 1899

• Pvt. William W. Fraser of Scotland, entered service at Alton, Ill., enlisted in Co. I, 97th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued October 24, 1895

• Pvt. Richard J. Gage of Grafton County, NH, entered service at Ottawa, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 104th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Elk River, Tenn., issued October 30, 1897

• Cpt. Nicholas Geschwind of France, entered service at Pleasant Hill, Ill., enlisted in Co. F, 116th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 24, 1894

• Pvt. Andrew E. Goldsbery of St. Charles, Ill., entered service at St. Charles, Ill., enlisted in Co. E, 127th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 9, 1894

• Pvt. Newton T. Gould of Elk Grove, Ill., entered service at Elk Grove, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 113th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 6, 1894

• Chap. Milton L. Haney of Ohio, entered service at Bushnell, Ill., enlisted in 55th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Atlanta, Ga., issued November 3, 1896

• Lt. Col. Douglas Hapeman of Ephratah, N.Y., entered service at Ottawa, Ill., enlisted in 104th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., issued April 5, 1898

• Pvt. Henry M. Hardenbergh of Noble County, Ind., entered service at Bremen, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 39th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Deep Run, Va., issued April 6, 1865

• Sgt. James Henry of Sunfish, Ohio, entered service at Kankakee, IL, enlisted in Co. B, 113th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 9, 1894

• Sgt. Thomas J. Higgins of Canada, entered service at Barry, Ill, enlisted in Co. D, 99th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued April 1, 1898

• Cpl. Patrick Highland of Ireland, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 23rd IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Petersburg, Va., issued May 12, 1865

• Cpl. Lemuel F. Holland of Burlington, Ohio, entered service at La Salle County, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 104th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Elk River, Tenn., issued October 30, 1897

• Pvt. George L. Houghton of Canada, entered service at Brookfield, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 104th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Elk River, Tenn., issued March 27, 1900

• Mus. Orion P. Howe of Portage County, Ohio, entered service at Woken, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 55th IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued April 23, 1896

• John Hughey of Louisville, Ky., entered service at Anna, Ill., enlisted in Co. L, 2nd OH CAV, awarded MOH for actions at Sailors Creek, Va., issued May 3, 1865

• 1st Sgt. Theodore Hyatt of Penn., entered service at Gardner, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 127th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 9, 1894

• Samuel Hymer of Harrison County, Ind., entered service at Rushville, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 115th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Buzzard's Roost Gap, Ga., issued March 28, 1896

• Cpl. Elisha Johns of Clinton, Ohio, entered service at Martintonk, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 113th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 9, 1894

• Pvt. Andrew Johnson of Delaware County, Ohio, entered service at Assumption, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 116th Ill. INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 9, 1894

• Pvt. David Johnston of Indiana County, Penn., entered service at Warsaw County, Ill., enlisted in Co. K, 8th MO INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 16, 1884

• 1st Lt. Simeon T. Josselyn of Buffalo, N.Y., entered service at Amboy, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 13th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Missionary Ridge, Tenn., issued April 4, 1898

• Sgt. Leverett M. Kelley of Schenectady, N.Y., entered service at Rutland, Ill., enlisted in Co. A, 36th IL INF, received MOH for actions at Missionary Ridge, Tenn., issued April 4, 1900

• Pvt. Charles H. Kloth of Europe, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Chicago Mercantile Battery, Illinois Light Artillery, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued January 15, 1895

• Pvt. George Kretsinger of Herkimer County, N.Y., entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Chicago Mercantile Battery, Illinois Light Artillery, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 20, 1897

• Pvt. Joseph S. Labill of France, entered service at Vandalia, Ill., enlisted in 6th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 14, 1894

• Cpl. James W. Larrabee of Rensselaer County, N.Y., entered service at Mendota, Ill., enlisted in Co. I, 55th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 2, 1893

• Pvt. Robert A. Lower of Illinois, entered service at Elmwood, Ill., enlisted in Co. K, 55th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 2, 1893

• Pvt. George W. Lucas of Adams County, Ill., entered service at Mt. Sterling, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 3rd MO CAV, awarded MOH for actions at Benton, AR, issued December 1864

• Sgt. George Marsh of Brookfield, Ill., entered service at Brookfield, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 104th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Elk River, Tenn., issued September 17, 1897

• Capt. Samuel McConnell of Belmont County, Ohio, entered service at Bushnell, Ill., enlisted in Co. H, 116th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Fort Blakeley, AL, issued June 8, 1865

• Pvt. Andrew McCornack of Kane, Ill., entered service at Rutland, Ill., enlisted in Co. I, 127th Ill., awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued January 10, 1895

• Pvt. John W. McDonald of Lancaster, Ohio, entered service at Wayneville, Ill., enlisted in Co. E, 20th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Pittsburgh Landing, Tenn., issued August 27, 1900

• Sgt. Thomas McGraw of Ireland, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 23rd IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Petersburg, Va., issued May 12, 1865

• Pvt. Patrick McGuire of Ireland, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Chicago Mercantile Battery, Illinois Light Artillery, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued January 15, 1895

• 1st. Lt. Nineveh S. McKeen of Marshall, Ill., entered service at Marshall, Ill., enlisted in Co. H, 21st IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Stone River, Tenn., issued June 23, 1890

• Cpl. James K. Merrifield of Penn., entered service at Manlius, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 88th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Franklin, Tenn., issued March 28, 1896

• Cpt. Henry A. Miller of Germany, entered service at Decatur, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 8th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Fort Blakeley, Ala., issued June 8, 1865

• Pvt. Jacob C. Miller of Bellevue, Ohio, entered service at Geneva, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 113th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 20, 1894

• Pvt. Wilbur F. Moore of Lebanon, Ill., entered Lebanon, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 117th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Nashville, Tenn., issued February 22, 1865

• Pvt. Jerome Morford of Mercer County, Pa., entered service at Bridgers Corner, Ill., enlisted in Co. K, 55th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 2, 1893

• Mus. Robinson B. Murphy of Oswego, Ill., entered service at Oswego, Ill., enlisted in Co. A, 127th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Atlanta, Ga., issued July 22, 1890

• Cpl. Thomas C. Murphy of Ireland, entered service at Pekin, Ill., enlisted in Co. I, 31st IL INF, awarded the MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 14, 1893

• Pvt. Marcellus J. Newman of Richview, Ill., entered service at Richview, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 111th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Resaca, Ga., issued May 13, 1899

• Pvt. John O'Dea of Ireland, entered service at Clinton, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 8th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 12, 1894

• 1st. Lt. Menomen O'Donnell of Ireland, entered service in Illinois, enlisted in Co. A, 11th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 11, 1897

• Mus. George H. Palmer of New York, entered service in Illinois, enlisted in 1st IL CAV, awarded MOH for actions at Lexington, Mo., issued March 10, 1896

• Cpl. James W. Parks of Lawrence County, Ohio, entered service at Xenia, Ill., enlisted in Co. F, 11th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Nashville, Tenn., issued February 24, 1865

• 1st. Lt. Thomas H.L. Payne of Boston, Mass., entered service at Mendota, Ill., enlisted in Co. E, 37th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Fort Blakeley, Ala., issued April 1, 1898

• Cpt. Patrick H. Pentzer of Marion County, Mo., entered service at Gillespie, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 97th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Fort Blakeley, Ala., issued October 9, 1879

• 1st Sgt. Edward M. Pike of Casce, Maine, entered service at Bloomington, Ill., enlisted in Co. A, 33rd IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Cache River, Ark., issued March 29, 1899

• Col. Philip Sidney Post of Florida, NY, entered service at Galesburg, Ill., enlisted in 59th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Nashville, Tenn., issued March 18, 1893

• Cpl. Wesley J. Powers of Canada, entered service at Virgil, Ill., enlisted in Co. F, 147th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Oostanaula, Ga., issued October 24, 1895

• Cpl. Winthrop D. Putnam of Southbridge, Mass., entered service at Peoria, Ill., enlisted in Co. A, 77th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued April 4, 1898

• Sgt. George F. Rebmann of Schuyler County, Ill., entered service at Browning, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 119th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Fort Blakeley, Ala., issued June 8, 1865

• Pvt. William Reed of Union County, Pa., entered service at Pekin, Ill., enlisted in Co. H, 8th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued December 12, 1895

• Pvt. Charles W. Rundle of Cincinnati, Ohio, entered service at Oakley, Ill., enlisted in Co. A, 116th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 26, 1894

• Pvt. Jacob Sanford of Fulton County, Ill., entered service at Prairie City, Ill., enlisted in 55th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 2, 1893

• Pvt. Benjamin W. Schenck of Butler County, Ohio, entered service at Maroa, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 116th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 14, 1894

• Maj. John M. Schofield of Gerry, NY, entered service at St. Louis, Mo., enlisted in 1st MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Wilsons Creek, Mo., issued July 2, 1892

• Pvt. John Shapland of England, entered service at Ottawa, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 104th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Elk River, Tenn., issued October 30, 1897

• Lt. William T. Simmons of Green County, Ill., entered service at Green County, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 11th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Nashville, Tenn., issued February 24, 1865

• Pvt. Oscar Slagle of Fulton County, Ohio, entered service at Manlius, Ill., enlisted in Co. D, 104th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Elk River, Tenn., issued October 30, 1897

• Pvt. Reuben Smalley of Redding, NY, entered service at Brookfield, Ill., enlisted in Co. F, 83rd IN INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 9, 1894

• Sgt. Edward B. Spalding of Ogle County, Ill., entered service at Rockford, Ill., enlisted in Co. E, 52nd IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Pittsburgh Landing, Tenn., issued January 15, 1894

• Cpl. Benona Sprague of Onondaga County, NY, entered service at Chencys Grove, Ill., enlisted in Co. F, 116th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 10, 1894

• Pvt. William G. Stephens of New York, NY, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Chicago Mercantile Battery, Illinois Light Artillery, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued December 21, 1894

• 1st Lt. George H. Stockman of Germany, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 6th MO INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 9, 1894

• Pvt. George Stokes of England, entered service at Jerseyville, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 122nd IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Nashville, Tenn., issued February 24, 1865

• Sgt. Henry H. Taylor of Jo Daviess County, Ill., entered service at Galena, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 45th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 1, 1893

• Sgt. William Toomer of Ireland, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. G, 127th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 9, 1894

• 2nd Lt. James D. Vernay of Lacon, Ill., entered service at Lacon, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 11th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued April 1, 1898

• Pvt. Thomas J. Ward of Romney, W. Va., entered service at Macon County, Ill., enlisted in Co. C, 116th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued July 27, 1894

• Cpl. John Warden of Cook County, Ill., entered service at Lemont, Ill., enlisted in Co. E, 55th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued September 2, 1893

• Lt. Col. Loyd Wheaton of Calhoun County, Mich., entered service at Illinois, enlisted in 8th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Fort Blakeley, Ala., issued January 16, 1894

• Cpt. Patrick H. White of Ireland, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Chicago Mercantile Battery, Illinois Light Artillery, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued January 15, 1833

• Pvt. John Whitmore of Brown County, Ill., entered service at Camden, Ill., enlisted in Co. F, 119th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Fort Blakeley, Ala., issued June 8, 1865

• Pvt. Andrew J. Widick of Macon County, Ill., entered service at Decatur, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 116th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued August 11, 1894

• Pvt. Elwood N. Williams of Philadelphia, Pa., entered service at Havana, Ill., enlisted in Co. A, 28th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Shiloh, Tenn., issued September 28, 1897

• Cpt. Richard H. Wood of Cumberland, NJ, entered service at Woodburn, Ill., enlisted in Co. A, 97th IL INF, awarded MOH for actions at Vicksburg, Miss., issued December 12, 1895

The following are Medals of Honor accredited to Illinois during WWI:

• Cpl. Jake Allex of Prizren, Serbia, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. H, 131st IL INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions at Chipilly Ridge, France, issued under G.O. No. 44, 1919

• 1st Sgt. Johannes S. Anderson of Finland, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. B, 132nd INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions at Consenvoye, France, issued under G.O. No. 16, 1919

• 1st Sgt. Sydney G. Gumpertz of San Raphael, Calif., entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. E, 132nd INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions in Bois-de-Forges, France, issued under G.O. No. 16, 1919

• Cpl. Ralyn M. Hill of Lindenwood, Ill., entered service at Oregon, Ill., enlisted in Co. H, 129th INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions near Donnevoux, France, issued under G.O. No. 34, 1919

• Pvt. Berger Loman of Bergen, Norway, entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. H, 132nd INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions near Consenvoye, France, issued under G.O. No. 16, 1919

• Cpt. George H. Mallon of Ogden, Kans., entered service at Minneapolis, Minn., enlisted in 132nd INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions in the Bois-de-Forges, France, issued under G.O. No. 16, 1919

• Cpl. Thomas A. Pope of Chicago, Ill., entered service at Chicago, Ill., enlisted in Co. E., 131st INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions at Hamel, France, issued under G.O. No. 44, 1919

• Sgt. Willie Sandlin of Jackson, Ky., entered service at Hyden, Ky., enlisted in Co. A, 132nd INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions at Bois-de-Forges, issued under G.O. No. 16, 1919

• Pvt. Clayton K. Slack of Plover, Wis., entered service at Madison, Wis., enlisted in Co. D, 124th Machine Gun Battalion, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions near Consenvoye, France, issued under G.O. No. 16, 1919

The following are Medals of Honor accredited to Illinois during WWII:

• Pfc. Dexter J. Kerstetter of Centralia, Wash., entered service at Centralia, Wash., enlisted in Co. C, 130th INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions near Caliano, Luzon, Philippine Islands, issued under G.O. No. 97, 1945

• Sgt. John R. McKinney of Woodcliff, Ga., entered service at Barberton, Ohio, enlisted in Co. A, 123rd INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions near Tabio, Luzon, Philippine Islands, issued under G.O. No. 14, 1946

• Staff Sgt. Howard E. Woodford of Barberton, Ohio, entered service at Barberton, Ohio, enlisted in Co. I, 130th INF, 33rd DIV, awarded MOH for actions near Tabio, Luzon, Philippine Islands, issued under G.O. No. 14, 1946

23 Mar 2012

Simon supports Complete College reform package

By Justin Stofferahn

Report cards, math reforms to boost college completion rates

SPRINGFIELD - March 23, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, State Sen. Michael Frerichs and Women Employed are backing education reform bills that are designed to increase college completion rates and better prepare students for the workforce.

The Complete College reform package aims to improve college and career readiness, smooth transfers from community colleges to universities and make it easier for parents and students to compare higher education institutions.

The bills are being introduced following Simon's fact-finding tour of the state's 48 community colleges, and they reflect state and national efforts to boost graduation rates, build stronger relationships between schools and employers and move to a more transparent and accountable higher education system.

The Senate Higher Education Committee is expected to call the Sen. Lightford-sponsored legislation on college report cards and a college transfer audit for a vote on Monday. A third bill creating state-recommended math curriculum that aims to cut down remediation needs at college, sponsored by Sen. Frerichs, also will be called next week.

"Our reform package puts Illinois on track to have the best educated workforce in the nation," said Simon, the Governor's point person on education reform. "We want students to make informed choices. We want to send them to their chosen destinations ready to learn. And we want to make sure they transfer seamlessly between colleges, universities and the workforce. We're approaching college completion from all angles, with the ultimate goal of graduating more students who are job ready."

Sen. Lightford (D-Maywood) agreed to sponsor part of the Complete College Illinois reform package after successfully negotiating sweeping education reform bills last year, and Sen. Frerichs' (D-Champaign) district is home to the state's top university. The Complete College Illinois reform package will require collaboration among the K-12, community college, university and for-profit higher education systems.

"We want to continue our work to make higher education as accessible to Illinois' working families as possible. That's what this common sense legislative package is about," Lightford said. "We're seeking to make information more accessible and streamline the credit transfer process so that working families in Illinois have the information they need to choose the right school, and community college students can more easily make the transition to four-year institutions."

"Employers in my district, and across the state, have called on the legislature to enact policies that would strengthen the standards that provide us with a top-notch educated work force," Frerichs said. "The college reform package will raise those standards and reinforce our position as global leader in technology and agriculture."

Women Employed, a nonprofit advocacy organization working to improve women's economic status, backs Complete College reform package. It will help more women achieve the credentials they need to advance in their careers.

"Education is a very important factor in women being able to get good jobs and support families. And women who are trying to get ahead are wasting time and money on courses that they cannot transfer or programs that are not a good fit for them," said Meegan Dugan Bassett, senior policy associate at Women Employed. "These bills will help make higher education in Illinois work better for the low- and middle-income families who need it most."

The Complete College Illinois reform package contains three bills:

SB 3803 requires the higher education community to create a consumer report card that could contain information such as tuition and completion rates. The consumer report cards would be standard across all Illinois colleges and universities that accept students receiving state or federal financial aid. The P-20 Council will coordinate the project over two years, with input from education stakeholders across the state including the Illinois Community College Board and Board of Higher Education. SB 3803 will help students to make informed choices about where to attend college.

SB 3804 authorizes a comprehensive audit of transfers between community colleges and universities that accept students who receive state financial aid. The transcript audit will look for areas where transfer students are being denied credit for completed coursework and recommend ways to strengthen the state's transfer system, known as the Illinois Articulation Initiative. SB 3804 will help students complete college on time and make better use of taxpayer dollars.

SB 3244 directs the Illinois State Board of Education to design math curriculum for high schools by March 2013. This would be the first-ever recommended statewide curriculum model for any subject. It would define the scope and sequence of study for math and math equivalent courses throughout a student's high school years and could lead to early college enrollment. SB 3244 aims to better prepare students for post-secondary work and reduce expensive and time-consuming remedial math needs at colleges and universities.

###

Lt. Governor Simon, Experts to Gather on Capitol Hill to Release Latest College Attainment Report

and Discuss the Urgent Need to Redesign America's Higher Education System

WHAT: Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and the Lumina Foundation, the largest private foundation focused on enrolling and graduating more Americans from college, will release a new, third edition of the foundation's signature report, A Stronger Nation through Higher Education. Detailed breakdowns of college attainment data will be made available at the national, state and county level. The report will also include attainment information for the nation's 100 largest metro areas.

 

Experts will discuss: how America is doing as college completion rates continue to climb globally; what can be done to address tuition increases that have made the cost of a degree prohibitive for too many; what CEOs are saying about the availability of skilled workers as the economy improves, and much more.

 

Lumina Foundation selected Simon to represent Illinois in its Postsecondary Productivity Strategy Lab sites. The Strategy Labs provide policymakers in 22 states technical assistance on Lumina Foundation's "Four Steps to Finishing First" reform agenda. The steps include performance funding, student incentives, new learning models and business efficiencies.

 

WHEN: Monday, March 26th

2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. CT

*A reception will immediately follow in the same room.

WHERE:               Rayburn House Office Building

Committee on Education and the Workforce Hearing Room #2261

Washington, DC

Members of the media who cannot join this news conference in person can participate via teleconference by dialing: (800) 230-1085.

WHO: Speakers to include :

·         Lumina Foundation President and CEO Jamie Merisotis

·         Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon

·         Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce Director Tony Carnevale

·         American Chamber of Commerce Executives President Mick Fleming 

RSVP: Any member of the media can join the teleconference by dialing the number above.

 

QUESTIONS: You can reach Lucia Anderson at landerson@luminafoundation.org or 317.951.5316 if you have any questions.

 

*The Stronger Nation report will be embargoed until 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 26.*

 

23 Mar 2012

USDA publishes final rule to restore the nation's forests through science and collaboration

By Rick Martin

Secretary Vilsack announces publication of the final land management planning rule

 

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture's final Planning Rule for America's 193-million acre National Forest System that includes stronger protections for forests, water, and wildlife while supporting the economic vitality of rural communities.

This final rule - which follows USDA's Feb. 3 publication of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement - replaces the 1982 rule procedures currently in use, and provides a new framework to be used for all individual management plans for 155 national forests and grasslands across the country. Over half of Forest Service units are currently operating with plans that are more than 15 years old.

"This new rule provides the framework we need to restore and manage our forests and watersheds while getting work done on the ground and providing jobs," said Vilsack.  "The collaboration that drove this rulemaking effort exemplifies the America's Great Outdoors initiative to foster conservation that is designed by and accomplished in partnership with the American people."

The USDA and the Forest Service carefully considered over a quarter million comments received on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement issued in February to develop today's final rule, which emphasizes collaboration, sound science and protections for land, water and wildlife.

The final rule strengthens the role of public involvement and dialogue throughout the planning process. It also requires the use of the best available scientific information to inform decisions.

"We are ready to start a new era of planning that takes less time, costs less money, and provides stronger protections for our lands and water", said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.  "This new rule will bring 21st century thinking to a process that is sorely needed to protect and preserve our 193 million acres of amazing forests and grasslands."

Land management plans under the final rule will include :

  • Mandatory components to restore and maintain forests and grasslands.
  • Requirements to provide habitat for plant and animal diversity and species conservation. The requirements are intended to keep common native species common, contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species, conserve proposed and candidate species, and protect species of conservation concern.
  • Requirements to maintain or restore watersheds, water resources, water quality including clean drinking water, and the ecological integrity of riparian areas.
  • Requirements for multiple uses, including outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, wildlife and fish.
  • Requirements to provide opportunities for sustainable recreation, and to take into account opportunities to connect people with nature.
  • Opportunities for public involvement and collaboration throughout all stages of the planning process. The final rule provides opportunities for Tribal consultation and coordination with state and local governments and other federal agencies, and includes requirements for outreach to traditionally underrepresented communities.
  • Requirements for the use of the best available scientific information to inform the planning process and documentation of how science was used in the plan.
  • A more efficient and adaptive process for land management planning, allowing the Forest Service to respond to changing conditions.

Continuing the strong emphasis that has been placed on public engagement throughout this rule-making effort, USDA is forming a Federal Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary and the Chief on implementation of the final rule. The nomination period closed on February 21, 2012 with committee members to be announced this spring.

The Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests in Idaho, the Chugach National Forest in Alaska, the Cibola National Forest in New Mexico, El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico and California's Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests will begin revising their plans using the final rule this spring. These eight national forests were selected because of their urgent need for plan revisions, the importance of the benefits they provide, and the strong collaborative networks already in place.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

USDA works with state, local and Tribal governments and private landowners to conserve and protect our nation's natural resources - helping preserve our land, and clean our air and water.  President Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors initiative in 2010 to foster a 21st century approach to conservation that is designed by and accomplished in partnership with the American people.  During the past two years, USDA's conservation agencies? the U.S. Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Farm Service Agency?have delivered technical assistance and implemented restoration practices on public and private lands.  We are working to better target conservation investments: embracing locally driven conservation and entering partnerships that focus on large, landscape-scale conservation.

#

23 Mar 2012

Bringing Political Intelligence Agents Out of the Shadows

By Grassley Press

Senator Chuck Grassley will continue to work to enact legislation requiring the agents of the $400 million political intelligence industry to disclose their interests, as lobbyists do. These operatives collect information from Congress and federal agencies and sell the information to Wall Street firms. This week, the majority leader of the United States Senate dealt a blow for good government and transparency by using his power to shut out Senator Grassley's effort.  It was a victory for Wall Street and those who prefer the secrecy of the status quo.  It was a defeat for the American people and the overwhelming majority in Congress that supports the legislation.

Click here for the audio clip.

Here is the text of the address:

This week, the majority leader of the United States Senate used his power to shut out my effort to require political intelligence agents to register, as lobbyists do.

At a growing rate, political intelligence professionals collect information from Congress and federal agencies and sell the information to Wall Street firms.  The firms use the information to buy and sell stocks and presumably profit.  My proposal is focused on the people who make their living gathering information and selling it to Wall Street.  It specifically exempts reporters from any disclosure requirements.

A Washington Post news story this week said the political intelligence amendment, combined an enhanced prosecution amendment by Senator Leahy, which also was dropped, "transformed the (insider trading) bill into the most sweeping ethics legislation Congress had considered since 2007."

The decision to scrap a requirement for registration by political intelligence professionals is a blow for good government and transparency.  It's a victory for Wall Street and a defeat for the American people.  It's a victory for those who prefer the secrecy of the status quo.

 

The reform had the support of 60 senators in a vote earlier this year, and the original House bill has 286 co-sponsors.  So, even though political intelligence registration got left out of this bill, I'll keep looking for ways to bring it back.

 

-30-

 

23 Mar 2012

American Red Cross More Amazing Stories this Red Cross Month

By Gail McGovern
Dear Friend,

When Red Cross Month began on March 1, a few weeks ago, we couldn't have predicted what would happen.

The very next day, deadly tornadoes ripped through communities in the Midwest and South, leaving thousands of families reeling as they struggled to clean up the wreckage of their homes and rebuild their lives.

Almost immediately, Red Cross relief was mobilized to the scene. Donations flooded in from all over the country, as our responders, volunteers, and supporters pitched in time and donated blood. It added up to an incredible outpouring of support that truly embodies the collective spirit of Red Cross Month.

Our work together this month continues to prove what we've always known: for the Red Cross community, everyone in need is a neighbor, whether they're down the street, across the country or around the world.

Whether you've recently donated, given blood, taken a class or received help after a disaster, we thank you, and we would love to hear from you - share your Red Cross story today.
23 Mar 2012

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions

By Iowa Judicial Branch

March 23, 2012

Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 11-1986

IOWA SUPREME COURT ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY BOARD vs. JAMES A. SCHALL
23 Mar 2012

The Power of Love Portrayed in New Book

By Author House
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - America's sweetheart, Julia Roberts, once said about love, "I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together." Love is a powerful emotion. True love even more so. Set in New Mexico - the romantic Land of Enchantment - Amber's Ambitions (published by AuthorHouse) is a new esoteric love story by author Janice I. Meissner.

In Amber's Ambitions, Amber meets a kind gentleman named Armand from Albuquerque - the two instantly become enamored with one another and their love for one another quickly blossoms.

An excerpt from Amber's Ambitions:

"My dearest love, there are no words in any language which could express my love for you because of all the work you do in the business and in our home. Your energy gives me help when I need it. I appreciate your unconditional love. It goes without saying how much my male character is admired when we find our bliss. My love, your touch is so special for me. It could only be found with you, Amber. I love you as completely as I know how. I admire you, I adore you, and realize you were meant for me to love, which I certainly do."

"Many men look at women only as sex objects," says Meissner. "Women are not held in high esteem, whereas Armand loves, adores and totally respects Amber. He reflects the love she has for him."

About the Author
Janice I. Meissner is a native Iowan who spent 35 years in Minnesota. After retiring she and her husband moved to New Mexico, where she works as a floral designer and instructor.  Meissner is also author of Oh! Rachel.

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