04 Jan 2012

My Caucus Endorsement(s)

By Ed Fallon

Dear Friends,

It's really dumb to endorse a candidate, or even multiple candidates. All you do is anger your friends, fire-up your enemies and burn political capital. So, with that in mind, here are my endorsements:

DEMOCRAT: Go "uncommitted." President Obama has disappointed his base on so many issues, even signing the National Defense Authorization Act. Obama needs our support to win in November. He needs to know that we're unhappy, and that we intend to hold him accountable. We do that with a strong showing of uncommitted Democrats at Tuesday's 7:00 pm caucus. Call the Iowa Democratic Party at (515) 244-7292 to find out where to caucus.

REPUBLICAN: Support one of the less extreme candidates: Ron Paul, John Huntsman, Buddy Roemer or Fred Karger. Any of them would provide a far healthier debate with President Obama on key issues. Of course, three of these candidates have long been dismissed by the corporate media and the Republican Party. That's wrong, it's unfair, and pre-picking an "acceptable" field of candidates must change . . . but that's a battle for another day. Call the Iowa Republican Party at (515) 282-8105 to find out where to caucus at 7:00 pm on Tuesday.

These endorsements in no way reflect my opinion on next fall's general election. And whether you attend the Democratic or Republican caucus, you should introduce resolutions on issues important to you.

So, join the conversation Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (no Fallon Fourm on Caucus night) from 7:00-8:00 pm at 98.3 FM and online. Call-in at (515) 312-0983 or toll-free at (866) 908-TALK. You can download the Fallon Forum as a podcast, too. Thanks!

Ed


EVENTS

Ongoing - Occupy Des Moines (Des Moines)
At Stewart Square, East 14th and Grand, all are welcome at a daily assembly at 6:00 pm (2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday). Lots of regular activities planned. Check the Occupydsm Facebook page for details. Also, check Occupy Iowa's Facebook page for information about other actions around the state.

January 3 - Iowa Caucuses (Statewide)
At 7:00 pm, 1,774 precinct Democratic and Republican caucuses will vote for presidential candidates, elect delegates to the county conventions, and adopt resolutions to build the parties' platforms. Contact either the Iowa Democratic Party at (515) 244-7292 or the Iowa Republican Party at (515) 282-8105.

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

January 5 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, this is probably it. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

January 7 (and every Saturday) Occupy Decorah (Decorah)
At the Winneshiek County Courthouse steps at 1:00 pm to discuss issues and plan action. Contact Jim Tripp at tripp@mail2jim.com.

January 12 - Cool Congregations Coffee (Ames)
From 7:00-8:30 pm at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave for conversation about what faith communities in Iowa are doing to care for the earth. See firsthand what Bethesda Lutheran has done, installing a ground source heat pump system to heat and cool their facility with a goal of reducing their energy use and costs. Contact Sarah Webb at (515) 238-3587 or coolcongregations@iowaipl.org.

January 14 - Forey Fest (Des Moines)
There has been an outpouring of care and concern for Forey, the barefoot runner who was badly beaten recently. This will be an event filled with fun to benefit Forey. Details are still in progress, but the day will include a 5K run/walk and live music at Full Court Press bars and restaurants. See Forey Fest Facebook Page for details.

January 17 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month: belly dancing to Irish gigs and reels, Lebanese cooking washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians patrons welcome, at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.

January 26 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

04 Jan 2012

MRDC Celebrates First Anniversary on January First Friday

By Ryan Burchett

Le Claire, Iowa, January 2, 2012 - Mississippi River Distilling Company will be ringing in the new year and celebrating their first anniversary this Friday, January 6, during their First Friday Feature from 5:30-8 p.m.  MRDC officially opened their doors December 17, 2010, but the First Friday evening gives the public a chance to celebrate with the owners and distillers.


"This past year has flown by for us," owner/distiller Ryan Burchett says.  "It's been a great year of learning, growth and a lot of fun in the process.  We hope all our fans and supporters come out to celebrate this milestone with us."


MRDC will feature two signature cocktails; a Mississippi Sunset featuring River Baron Artisan Spirit mixed with orange juice, grenadine and a splash of Sierra Mist and Hot Buttered Baron, a drink to warm you up on a cold January night.  Chef Stephanie Godke will prepare an orange cranberry sauce made with River Rose Gin and serve it over angel food cake.  She'll also showcase River Pilot Vodka in a vodka vinaigrette antipasto platter.  Live music will fill the distillery to add to the celebration and discounts on bottles of spirits will be offered.


"This has been a banner year for us with nearly 28,000 visitors in the first year, the release of six products, and approximately 30,000 bottles of spirits sold," Garrett Burchett, owner/distiller comments. "We've seen a lot of momentum and are excited for our second year of business."


The brothers will continue to keep busy with their latest seasonal spirit, Windmill Rye Whiskey, to be released February 3 followed by the much anticipated second release of Cody Road Bourbon on March 2. Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment. The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

04 Jan 2012

Celebrating our favorite things - ARC Taste of Galena

By Rick Martin

22nd Annual ARC Taste of Galena - February 3, 2012

GALENA, Ill. - It's time to eat for a cause.

In Galena, it's hard to choose just one place to be. One favorite thing. The Galena Art & Recreation Center (ARC) is making it easy and bringing all of their Galena favorites together in one place. Just for you.

On February 3, Galena's best - ranging from restaurateurs to winemakers and cheesecake bakers to caterers - will gather together at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa from 7-10 p.m. to celebrate "Our Favorite Things" for the Galena Art & Recreation Center.

Now in its 22nd year, the ARC Taste of Galena has become a sought-after event that promises an evening of pleasure for your taste buds. Past years have presented delectable dishes such as: slow roasted glazed pork loin, Yukon Gold mashed potato bar with toppings, blue cheese soup, lobster ravioli, salmon with béarnaise on potato galette, pan fried pork dumplings, sushi, Louisiana crab cakes, Southwest tortilla chip soup, gourmet pomegranate balsamic and blood orange olive oil salad, homemade fudge, toffee, assorted cheesecakes, and chocolate molten cake with caramel sauce. And that's just a partial listing. Is your mouth watering yet?

Your taste buds won't be the only thing thanking you. Your feet will thank you, too, as they may be keeping rhythm to the catchy beat of the Rob Martin Quartet, a live jazz ensemble, who will perform throughout the evening.

For a complete and up-to-date listing of ARC Taste exhibitors and menus, view the event's useful website at www.tasteofgalena.com. The site also provides attendees with a quick and convenient way to purchase Taste tickets online. In addition to online sales, tickets may also be purchased at the Galena Art & Recreation Center, 413 S. Bench St. or the Galena Territory Association Owners' Club Complex, 2000 Territory Dr., both in Galena. Cost is $30 per person.

"We are really excited about this year's 'Taste' where our favorites will be showcasing their favorite 'tastes','" said Sarah Petersen, the ARC's executive director. "It's always a fun evening, and this year promises to be one of the best yet. I recommend purchasing your tickets early as this event has sold out in the past. The Galena ARC also extends special thanks to Miss Kitty's Grape Escape, First Community Bank of Galena and Galena State Bank and Trust Co. for their sponsorship and support."

This year, childcare is again available. The Galena Thunder Volleyball team will sponsor a "Kids Night Out" starting at 6 pm at the Galena Art & Recreation Center the same evening. To register, contact Jane Holland at 815.238.6010 or email hollandcamp19@mac.com.

The ARC Taste of Galena is a core fundraiser for the Galena Art & Recreation Center, a not-for-profit organization that provides programs for all ages. The funds raised at the ARC Taste are included in the ARC annual operating budget and will assist with the ongoing process of balancing the budget and achieving financial security.

To learn more about the Galena Art & Recreation Center and the community programs it offers, visit www.galenaarc.org. For information about room availability, shopping, dining, attractions, events and more, please go to galena.org, the Web site of the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, or call 877.464.2536 toll-free.

 

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04 Jan 2012

Does Iowa Represent the Nation? On POPVOX, the answer is "Yes"

By Marci Harris

Every four years, as Iowa readies to be the first state in the nation to vote in the presidential primary, discussions arise: How well does Iowa represent the nation?

In honor of the upcoming Caucus, POPVOX gives you a peek of the bills that moved Iowans to contact Congress in 2011.  At least comparing responses from Iowans on POPVOX to nation-wide totals, it appears that throughout 2011, the messages going into Congress from Iowa were very similar to those of the nation as a whole.
Most on the Iowa list mirror the Top Ten for all of POPVOXNation:

 

  • Iowans overwhelmingly opposed allowing robocalls to cell phones, which ranked # 1 in top bills of 2011 that caused people to contact Congress.  As the first caucus state, they likely have unique insight on what it means to be the target of political campaigns trying every tactic to catch voters' attention.  100% of Iowans weighing in on POPVOX opposed H.R. 3035, the Mobile Informational Call Act (which was dropped by it's sponsor on December 17.)  Ninety-nine percent nation-wide opposed the bill.
  • In Iowa, as across the nation, those in favor of eliminating the prohibition of marijuana made a strong showing in support of H.R. 2306, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act. (90% support in Iowa, 91% nationwide.)
  • Similarly, Iowans rallied to support preserving military pay in case of a government shutdown with S. 724, the Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act (93% support, compared with 95% support nationally)
  • Iowans have also shown strong opposition to SOPA, H.R. 3261: the Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261), with 97% opposing, compared to 98% nationally.
  • Sixty-six percent of Iowans on POPVOX supported H.R. 2, the Repeal the Job-Killing Health Care Act, slightly more than the 60% nationwide that support the bill.
  • "Fair Tax" proposals got a lot of attention in Iowa: The House version, H.R. 25 has 77% support in Iowa and 80% nation-wide; while the Senate version, S. 13, has 63% support in Iowa and 80% nationwide.
  • The National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act, H.R. 822, has 71% support in Iowa and 78% nationwide.


The bills that got attention in Iowa but did not register in the nationwide top 50 all included some variation on the theme of regulating ammunition or fishing tackle for lead content.

  • S. 838, the Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act.
  • H.R. 1445, prohibiting EPA regulation of ammunition and fishing tackle based on lead content.
  • H.R. 1443, the Outdoor Sports Protection Act.

Check out the Top 10 Bills in Iowa for 2011:

About POPVOX
POPVOX is a neutral, nonpartisan advocacy platform that meshes legislative data with individuals' personal stories and sentiment. POPVOX delivers public input to Congress in a format tailored to actionable policy decisions and empowers users to leverage their expertise and numbers.
For more information, visit: www.popvox.com

04 Jan 2012

Update from the Lundberg Congressional Exploratory Committee

By Kevin Lundberg
Dear Friends,

Happy New Year, and thank you to all who have already responded to our call.  At the close of 2011, on December 31 we surpassed 550 people joining the team. Many are also busy sending the word out to all they know. This is a great beginning.

But it is still just a start. Hundreds have joined, thousands are needed, and I need to decide if we have what it takes to successfully move forward with an official candidacy for Colorado's Second Congressional District, or not by the end of next week. With the state legislative session beginning the following week, and precinct caucuses on February 7, there is no time to spare.

We have now compiled a great deal of information about the potential race onour website: www.Lundberg2012.com. Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested in sending a powerful message to Washington.

I will do my utmost to win, but I must have thousands of people standing with me. The incumbent, Jared Polis, is the richest Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He will bring many millions of dollars to this race. We have an opportunity to show the political establishment that thousands of committed volunteers can be more potent than all the political ads money can buy.

Arm yourself with the facts at www.Lundberg2012.com and join this extraordinary political movement that could make history in 2012. =20

For Life and Liberty!

Kevin Lundberg
04 Jan 2012

Several more news items from the Ron Paul Campaign

By Gary Howard
Ron Paul Campaign Airs Final New Hampshire TV Ad 'Believe'
Ad features prominent Republican surrogates such as State Sens. Andy Sanborn and Ray White
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that it will begin airing its final television ad 'Believe' in the key early voting state of New Hampshire.

The 60-second ad will run beginning today on broadcast and cable television statewide in New Hampshire, and on broadcast television in the greater Boston market.  The ad features prominent Granite State surrogates such as political activists and leaders including state Sens. Andy Sanborn (R-Henniker) and Ray White (R-Bedford), both of whom have endorsed Ron Paul for the presidency.

A key feature of the ad is New Hampshire politicians and luminaries condemning the outsize growth of the federal government - calling is "overtaxing" and "overspending" - alongside declarations that the upcoming election is about trust.  The ad then presents Ron Paul as an honest and consistent candidate, and the sole alternative to flip-floppers responsible for the costly mistakes of the past.  The ad also showcases, in the words of its subjects, the strengths of Ron Paul's 'Plan to Restore America.'

"Ron Paul is surging in New Hampshire and is in it to win it.  We have a first-class organization and tremendous support from a state where his message of personal and economic liberty resonates well.  This ad will serve as the closing argument for why Ron Paul is the only authentic conservative in this race, and the only one capable of  bringing authentic change to Washington," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

To view the television ad online, please click here.

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Ron Paul Iowa Team Touts New 'Homeschoolers for Ron Paul'
Latest families valuing education freedom reside in Dallas, Des Moines, Polk and Lee counties
ANKENY, Iowa - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today new members of its active 'Homeschoolers for Ron Paul' nationwide coalition.  New members hail from Dallas, Des Moines, Polk, and Lee counties, all Iowa.

Below are the statements of new coalition members who agree with Dr. Paul's position that no nation can remain free when the state has greater influence over the knowledge and values transmitted to children than the family does.
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As President, Dr. Paul has pledged to veto any legislation that would encroach on homeschooling parents' rights to educate their children.

James and DeAnn Cline educate their three children from their Polk County home.  They stated they support the 12-term Congressman from Texas because he is the only candidate who knows and actually understands the Constitution.  Further, they wrote, "Ron Paul is a man of integrity who has a proven record of not being swayed from his allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.  He is the only man of principle who is ready, willing and able to make the hard decisions that are necessary to turn our country away from its current path of destruction.  We believe Ron Paul to be the candidate who will restore lost liberties and defend our remaining liberties through faithful adherence to the U.S. Constitution."

Lee County residents John and Angela Helwig have homeschooled their children for 17 years.  They stated that they would support Dr. Paul even if they were not homeschooling, because they feel he is the only candidate looking out for the future of America.  "We are happy that Ron Paul is fully behind the right to homeschool.  That is not the primary reason we support him though," said John. "We agree with his stance on monetary issues as well as foreign policy."   

Stacy Bastian is a homeschool parent from Dallas County.  Stacy explained that Dr. Paul earned her support because, "He has a consistency of message and a thoughtful analysis of our nation's problems and what can be done to fix them."  Stacy continued, "He says what he means and he means what he says, a trait generally lacking in politicians.  He champions personal liberty and personal responsibility, trusting that individuals and families, not government, are best positioned to manage a range of matters including the education of their children." 

Stacy also stated, "I respect and agree with his call for more fiscally responsible government and one that engages its time and treasure here, rather than on endless wars and 'nation building' abroad."

A past member of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and homeschooling parent, R.W. Ballard of Des Moines County said, "The reason I support Ron Paul for President is his consistent message of individual freedoms as outlined in the Constitution.  His highlighting of our money issues since the Federal Reserve was introduced in 1913 and eventual federal tax law overload is also one of the most enlightened stands we have today.  His stand against our constant involvement in wars not associated with our borders is also a key message."

"And let us not forget his stand for the unborn and young children as our Godly heritage to grow in the fullness of our Constitution and freedoms given not by men but by God," added Mr. Ballard.

Victoria Holmbeck, who is a new homeschooling parent from Des Moines County, weighed in on why she supports Dr. Paul saying, "I am excited to have a nominee to vote for who is Christian and will seek to be led by His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in every decision he makes."  She continued, "Ron Paul's integrity and value to truly care for the American people and not his career or fame is why I am voting for him."

Victoria further stated, "Our nation needs to be restored to its Constitution which will entail specific benefits for myself as a homeschooler: to put the rights of educating one's child back in the hands of the parent instead of the government, and having a balanced budget so our children can grow up in a nation without being in debt."

As a first basic step, those interested in joining the "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition should visit the official page here.  Those residing in Iowa should email Iowa Voter Outreach Director Meghann Walker at meghannw@ronpaul2012.com.

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Sioux City-area Christian Pastor Endorses Ron Paul for President
Rev. Adam Pierce says Ron Paul "affords us the only honest opportunity at protecting our civil and religious liberties."
ANKENY, Iowa - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul was endorsed today by the Rev. Adam Pierce, Associate Pastor of Buchanan Avenue Baptist Church in Sioux City.

In making his endorsement, Rev. Pierce mentioned he was doing so as a private citizen and not on behalf of the Buchanan Avenue Baptist Church or its congregants.

"As both a veteran and a preacher, I support Dr. Ron Paul because he affords us the only honest opportunity at protecting our civil and religious liberties, which are currently being threatened," said Rev. Pierce, who has been a Baptist pastor for 10 years.

"Dr. Paul offers a balanced approach in every area of government and his voting record is above reproach.  Casting a vote for Ron Paul is the only choice we have as Americans to remain the greatest nation in the world and retain our Constitutional foundation," added the pastor.

Rev. Pierce is a proud husband of more than 18 years, and parent to four children ages 3 to 14.  He also is an eight-year Navy veteran, E-5/Gunners Mate Guns.

Ron Paul 2012 Iowa Chairman Drew Ivers responded, "The Iowa team is pleased to accept the endorsement of Rev. Pierce, who counts military service among his high achievements.  We hope his endorsement and others like it will propel Ron Paul to a strong top-three finish in the caucus."

If ministering in Iowa, local pastors interested in discussing an endorsement are invited to email the Iowa Director of Voter Outreach, Meghann Walker, at meghannw@ronpaul2012.com.

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Ron Paul Iowa Team Salutes 25 New 'Veterans for Ron Paul'
Largest-yet coalition rollout representing 13 counties follows recent veterans-themed rally
ANKENY, Iowa - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today the names of 25 Iowans joining the active "Veterans for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition.

The announcement occurs on the heels of a similar recent 20-veteran announcement, a 'Salute to Veterans' rally in Des Moines, and a Des Moines Register op-ed by Ron Paul addressing veterans issues, all in the last week.

Surpassing the recent record-setting rollout for this coalition, the additional members reside in Butler, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Jackson, Jasper, Linn, Pocahontas, Polk, Scott, Warren, Washington, and Woodbury counties, all Iowa.

Support for the Ron Paul 2012 campaign in the Hawkeye state continues to benefit from the backing of veterans such as the ones speaking out today.  Reasons for Dr. Paul's substantial support from voters who are veterans include his dedication to veterans while in Congress, highlighted in an ad here, and the fact that he is himself a former Air Force flight surgeon.

Representing 13 counties, information about each veteran is provided in the following sequence:  Name and residence, rank, branch, conflict/assignment, years of service.

Butler County

Dean Dietz of Dumont, Specialist, US Army, Vietnam, 1 year.

Cass County

Richard Marriott of Atlantic, Seaman Apprentice, US Navy, Desert Storm/USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Cedar County

Adam Kofoed of West Branch, Specialist, US Army, South Korea, 3 years.

Ashley Hayes of West Branch, Private First Class, US Army, South Korea, 1.5 years.

Cerro Gordo County

Nate Johnson of Mason City, Airman First Class, US Air Force, 1 year.

Jackson County

Charles Meyer of Maquoketa, Sergeant, US Army, Afghanistan, 5 years.

Jasper County

Don Seibert of Monroe, Specialist-5, US Army, Vietnam (two tours), 3 years.

Linn County

David Ward of Cedar Rapids, Petty Officer Third Class, US Navy, Japan, 6 years.

Duane Weltha of Marion, Staff Sergeant, US Air Force, Saudi Arabia, 4 years.

Pocahontas County

Norma Halverson of Laurens, US Air Force, 5.5 years.

Polk County

Michael Berry of West Des Moines, Major, US Army, Germany/Korea/Panama/Honduras/Guatemala/Poland/Kuwait/Iraq, 27 years.

Jonas Cutler of West Des Moines, Corporal, US Marines, Gulf War, 4 years.

Terry Hout of Des Moines, Specialist-4, US Army, Vietnam, 2 years.

Ryan Lewellin of Des Moines, Corporal, US Marines, Iraq, 6.5 years.

Charles Janzen of Windsor Heights, Private First Class, US Army, 2 years.

Ron Richards of Des Moines, Senior Airman, US Air Force, 4 years.

John Lindley of West Des Moines, US Army, Iraq, 4 years.

Matthew Gray of Des Moines, Specialist, US Army, Iraq & Afghanistan, 5 years.

Gabe Lanz of Des Moines, Specialist, US Army, Iraq & Afghanistan, 8 years.

Scott County

Donald Collins of Davenport, Specialist, US Army, Germany, 10 years.

Warren County

Delbert Edwards of Indianola, US Navy, Battleship New Jersey, 4 years active 9 years reserve.

Crystal McIntyre of Indianola, US Army, 8 years.

Washington County

Steve Lord of Ainsworth, Corporal, US Marines, Japan/Thailand/Okinawa, 3.5 years.

Woodbury County

Marco Linares of Sioux City, Sergeant, Iowa Army National Guard, Afghanistan, 4 years.

Pastor Al Milligan of Danbury, Specialist-4, US Army, West Germany, 3 years.

As a first basic step, those interested in joining the "Veterans for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition should visit the official page by clicking here.  Those residing in the Hawkeye State should email Iowa Voter Outreach Director Meghann Walker at meghannw@ronpaul2012.com.

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Ron Paul Draws Big Crowds on Final of Three-Day Visit to Iowa
Western Iowa events in LeMars, Sioux Center and Sioux City all yield impressive turnout
ANKENY, Iowa - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul attracted big crowds in three Western Iowa town hall meetings tonight, continuing a pattern of packing venues with supporters and undecided voters.

More than 220 people attended Paul's Plymouth County Town Hall Meeting in LeMars, where the 12-term Congressman from Texas spoke about how there could be no liberty without valuing life, and how no constitutional government could exist in the absence of a moral people.  More than 175 people?a full-capacity crowd stacked up against the doorways?attended his Sioux County Town Hall Meeting held in Sioux Center where he spoke about economics and family.  And a remarkable 275 people attended his Sioux City Town Hall Meeting to hear Paul's views concerning a strong national defense, private property, and lasting prosperity.


Ron Paul speaks to 220 voters in LeMars at his Plymouth County Town Hall Meeting.


Ron Paul greets 175 voters in Sioux Center at his Sioux County Town Hall Meeting.


Ron Paul takes the podium to the applause of 275 voters at his Sioux City event.

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04 Jan 2012

Davenport Parks and Recreation

By Kenneth Asta
Centennial Park Winter Hours

Davenport, Iowa, December 29, 2011 - Effective January 1, 2012 the lights at the

basketball courts in Centennial Park will turn off at 10pm and the skate park lights

will turn off at 2am.

Centennial Park is a popular park located at River Drive and Marquette Street in

Davenport. It contains outdoor basketball courts, a skate park, a dog off-leash park, cricket

and rugby fields, and a riverfront trail among other amenities.
04 Jan 2012

Cody, WY: Buffalo Bill Historical Center and Cody Chamber Launch Partnership for Cody High Style

By Marguerite House

Cody, Wyoming's, western museum complex, the Bill Historical Center, and the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce announced Friday, December 29, 2012, that the Chamber has taken the reins of the cutting edge Cody High Style Fashion Show held each September as part of the city-wide Rendezvous Royale. In addition, the two entities will now collaborate to produce the Cody High Style western design exhibition?a partnership that will continue to see that the event is held at the Center as part of Rendezvous Royale.

"In much the same way as we have worked so successfully with the Chamber to host the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, we now add the highly popular Cody High Style into the mix," explains Bruce Eldredge, the Center's Executive Director and CEO. "The Chamber staff will manage the two events while we continue to provide space for the Cody High Style western design event."

For a number of years, the fashion show has been held in the Center's main lobby area with the runway erected above the admissions area. "Without a doubt, we've had an extraordinary time with our designers, models, and attendees," Eldredge adds. "However, we've embarked on a new strategic plan and have begun to examine how we use our resources. We simply think that the Chamber of Commerce is best suited to coordinate the fashion show as part of their efforts to promote city-wide events. With our friends at the Chamber in charge, we have no reservations at all that the show will continue to be a highlight for Rendezvous Royale attendees."

Since 1999, Rendezvous Royale, billed as "celebrating the arts in Cody, Wyoming," has brought hundreds of visitors to share in fun, engaging activities as summer winds down. The event consists of the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, Cody High Style, Boot Scoot n' Boogie, and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Patrons Ball.

"We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce and support its efforts to bring more events and activities to our community," Eldredge said. "In so doing, we'll attract more visitors?especially in the shoulder seasons?and that is definitely what we'd all like to see."

To learn more, visit http://www.bbhc.org/explore/events/rendezvous-royale/.

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04 Jan 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, December 30, 2011**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - December 30, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 355

An Act Concerning: Government

Makes numerous changes to the State Employee Health Savings Account Law to comply with the State Employee's Group Insurance Act and IRS Code.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 1602

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Allows people with temporary disabilities to receive permits to use crossbows while hunting.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 3036

An Act Concerning: Public Utilities

Contains a number of changes to amend smart grid legislation (PA 97-0616). Changes pertain to consumer and regulatory protections.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 773

An Act Concerning: Public Aid

Allows the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to deposit federal Medicaid matching dollars into the Public Aid Recoveries Trust Fund (PARTF).

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 1226

An Act Concerning: Education

Increases the enrollment at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences from 600 to 720 students. Requires all students to reside within the city of Chicago, with at least 50 percent of the student population residing within a 2.5 mile radius of the school.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1762

An Act Concerning: State Government

Allows HFS to exempt applicants for 20 senior level positions from education requirements, provided they have backgrounds in healthcare administration, healthcare finance, healthcare data analytics or healthcare information technology.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1795

An Act Concerning: Education

Transfers Illinois business and vocational schools from the jurisdiction of ISBE to the IBHE, and makes changes to the school approval process and general procedures.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Feb. 1

 

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04 Jan 2012

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions

By Iowa Judicial Branch
Iowa Supreme Court Opinions

December 30, 2011

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. 11-0532

OYENS FEED & SUPPLY, INC. vs. PRIMEBANK

No. 11-1068

IOWA RIGHT TO LIFE COMMITTEE, INC., Plaintiff, vs. MEGAN TOOKER, In Her Official Capacity as Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board Executive Director; JAMES ALBERT, JOHN WALSH, PATRICIA HARPER, GERALD SULLIVAN, SAIMA ZAFAR, and CAROLE TILLOTSON, In Their Official Capacities as Iowa

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