Iowa Wetland Management District Seeks Public Input on Future Management at Series of Open Houses

Open Houses (3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.):

• February 13: Clear Lake, Lakeview Community Room, 10 North Lakeview Drive
• February 14: Algona, Water's Edge Nature Center, 1010 250th Street
• February 15: Spirit Lake, Dickinson County Nature Center, 2279 170th Street, Okoboji
• February 16: Jefferson, Milwaukee Railroad Depot, 507 East Lincoln Way

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be hosting four open houses to request input from the public in developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Iowa Wetland Management District (District). The District was established in 1979 as part of Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge; however, Iowa Department of Natural Resources shares management responsibilities on many of the District's public lands. The primary purpose for establishment of the Wetland Management District was waterfowl production and migratory bird conservation.

The CCP will set wildlife, habitat and public use priorities and guide management decisions on the District for the next 15 years. The official public scoping period begins January 30, 2012 and will last 30 days. This scoping period is a time in which the District actively solicits comments from partners, stakeholders, local communities, neighbors, visitors and the public.

Although comments are welcome from anyone at any time during the planning process, they are most useful if received during this 30 day period. The open houses are just one way for you to participate in scoping and have your ideas on management of the District considered during the planning process.

The Service needs public input to questions like these:

• How would you like to see the habitats and wildlife managed on the District?
• Should public use and visitation be allowed and encouraged on the District?
• What do you think are the most important management issues facing the District?

If you have input to share, but cannot attend the open houses, please send comments to:

Tim Miller, Project Leader                 Phone:  515-928-2523
Union Slough NWR                           Fax:      515-928-2230
1710 360^th Street                         Email:  Unionslough@fws.gov
Titonka, IA 50480

For more information on the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visit http://midwest.fws.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwmidwest, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwsmidwest, watch our YouTube Channel at  http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at  http://www.flickr.com/photos/.

Better than Dancing with the Stars and American Idol, on February 17 & 18 the Music Departments of Davenport Central and West high schools proudly present the Great River Show Choir Invitational at the Adler Theater.  The talented teens of Iowa and beyond will be presenting two nights of dazzling dancing, creative costumes, magnificent music, and great family entertainment.  

The middle school show choirs all competing for Grand Champion. What is a Show Choir you ask? All show  choir participants must audition for the opportunity to perform. Once selected, all participants spend endless produced and directed by professional Choreographers.  Costumes are then selected, fitted, and re?fitted until the finished product is a show choir performance that rivals most area stage performances. These show choirs then travel to many different venues all competing for the chance to become the "Grand Champion".  

The Great River Show Choir Invitational is unique in many ways. Most importantly, it allows the show choirs to perform on a professional stage, with professional sound and light crews. For many students, performing career. This Invitational is sponsored by two different high schools working together to bring you a weekend of excellent family entertainment at an extremely reasonable price.  

The Great River Show Choir Invitational at the Adler Theater begins Friday at 5:30 PM on February 17, 2012. Ticket prices are $5.00 for the Middle School Competition. High School competition begins Saturday, February 18 at 8:00 AM. Ticket prices are $8.00 for the Saturday competition, $8.00 for the Evening Finals Competition or $14.00 for the entire Saturday and Finals competition. An all weekend pass is available for $16.00.  Student tickets are $5.00 for each session, and there is a $1.00 per ticket discount for seniors.  Awards will be announced approximately 5:00 PM and Finals will begin at 7:30 PM. The Grand Champion will be announced at the conclusion of the Finals competition.  

Come which will begin approximately 7:30 PM.  For more information please visit our website at www.greatrivershowchoir.com Please feel free to call Tom Stanger at 322?3660 if you have any questions, or would like to arrange interviews with the Directors or performers.

We hope you will come support your local high school talents, and enjoy the show!!

Who: High School Show Choirs from 24 regional Junior and Senior High Schools from Omaha to Chicago, hosted by Davenport's Central and West High Schools.

What:  Usually held in school gymnasiums, the Great River Event is the only one that showcases the choirs in such a large and ornate performance theater.  With over 2400 comfy seats, this is truly the finest class competition in the Midwest

When:  Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18th, with the middle school competition beginning Friday night at 5:30.  High school groups compete from 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday, with final competitions starting at 7 PM until 11.

Where:  The Adler Theater in downtown Davenport.

Hosting Sponsored by the The Bechtel Trusts and Foundation and the Riverboat Development Authority, this event will support the expenses of the Central and West Show Choirs.  During the completion season, each of the regional groups take turns hosting events to help lower the costs for participants, and to show off their facilities.

Waterloo, IA - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after learning of the death of US Marine Corps Master Sgt. Travis Riddick of Centreville, Iowa, in Afghanistan:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Riddick family.  I am grateful for Master Sgt. Riddick's service and commitment to our country.  He made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of the country he loved.  I urge Iowans to keep the Riddick family in their thoughts during this difficult time."

# # #

Ansley Jo DeVrieze, a junior Biology major and the daughter of Jay & Stephanie DeVrieze of Moline, and Lisa Marie Kistner, a GSR in Elementary Education and the daughter of Dale & Marianne Kistner,also of Moline, were among the of 284 students from Greenville College who qualified for honors at the conclusion of the fall semester.

To qualify for the Dean's List, freshmen are required to maintain a 3.5 grade point average (4.0 scale). Sophomores, juniors and seniors must have a 3.7 GPA. A College Scholar is a student who has made the Dean's List for three or more consecutive semesters.

Greenville College is a four-year Christian liberal arts school located in Greenville, IL., with over 1600 traditional, adult and graduate students. Founded in 1892, it is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. For further information please visit www.greenville.edu.

-30-