04 Jan 2012

Riverboat Development Authority Grant Enables Davenport Junior Theatre to Perform First-Ever Stage Adaptation of Tween Novel Mia the Melodramatic

By Nicholas Depew

Artistic Director Daniel Sheridan and the Davenport Junior Theatre Board wanted to produce a stage adaptation of author Eileen Boggess's tween novel Mia the Melodramatic.

Thanks to a generous $8000 grant received in December 2011 from the Riverboat Development Authority, an organization devoted to supporting "programs benefiting residents of Scott County, Iowa," that dream will become a reality.

"We are excited to be producing this project," says Sheridan.

Founded in 1951, the Davenport Junior Theatre in Davenport, Iowa is, according to Sheridan, the second-oldest children's theater in America. Teaching and performing with children from the ages of 3 to 18, Davenport Junior Theatre, a program of the City of Davenport Parks and Recreation Department, has touched many young people in its long and proud history.

One of them was Boggess herself. Boggess worked at the theater from her freshman year of high school through the end of her junior year. "It was a very good time in my life when I look back at it," says Boggess.

Mia the Melodramatic, published in 2008 by Bancroft Press, is the second book of Boggess's Mia Fullerton series. It's preceded by Mia the Meek (2006) and followed by Mia the Magnificent (2010).

Based on Boggess's own experiences at the Davenport Junior Theatre, Mia the Melodramatic follows Mia Fullerton as she spends the summer working at Little Tykes Theatre. "All of Mia's friends have moved away or gone to camp, and her mom signs her up for this theater group," says Boggess. "Of course, chaos ensues."

With the Riverboat Development Authority grant, the Davenport Junior Theatre has purchased 750 copies of Mia the Melodramatic to be distributed to youth in the Davenport area.

"It will be great for Eileen to come back and visit the very schools she once attended," says Sheridan.

The play, adapted by Boggess herself, will be performed February 18 through February 26, 2012 as the first show of the Davenport Junior Theatre's 60th season.

Leading independent house Bancroft Press has published some of the country's very best fiction and nonfiction over the past two decades.

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04 Jan 2012

Response to the new REPUBLICAN PARTY OF IOWA CAUCUS PROCEDURE

By Drew Veysey
The Republican Party of Iowa caucuses SHOULD be among the most transparent, honest, democratic, and grassroots-based political activities in the country. In the interests of building a stronger democracy in our great country and in Iowa, here is a detailed overview and response for what should happen at the 1,774 caucus precincts on the evening of January 3rd, 2012.

"After the chair and secretary are elected, candidate representatives from each campaign are given time to speak on behalf of their candidate." This should include a representative of those fed-up with the current system of the 1% choosing candidates for Iowans to rubber-stamp, such as "uncommitted."

"Once the speakers have finished, sheets of paper are be passed out to every registered Iowa Republican from the precinct. Voters then write down their candidate preference." We expect the right to same day registration will be fully-honored.

"Every vote is counted. The caucus chair and secretary will count the votes in front of the caucus and a representative from each campaign is allowed to observe the counting of the votes. The results are recorded on an official form provided by the Republican Party of Iowa and are announced to the caucus." A representative of those who chose not to vote for a 1% candidate must be allowed to observe and video record this procedure.

"A caucus reporter is chosen to report the results to the Republican Party of Iowa, accompanied by campaign representatives to verify the results reported to Iowa GOP officials." A representative of those who chose not to vote for a 1% candidate should be able to verify the results also.

"RPI officials do not count results; they aggregate them from around the state and report them to the media. To ensure consistency in reporting, campaign representatives have the opportunity to be present with RPI officials as votes are reported to the public." Votes should be counted on site, in full view of caucus participants, and not counted at an undisclosed location.

"We will be reporting the votes for Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Buddy Roemer, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, "No Preference," and "Other."" Good. We encourage all Iowans fed-up with a system that caters to the interests of the extremely wealthy and well-connected to caucus for "uncommitted" ("No Preference").

""No Preference" votes include those who vote "present," "no preference, "uncommitted," or "none of the above."" Finally, we have clear word from the leaders of the Iowa GOP how this shall be handled, in contradiction to the statements made recently by some GOP county chairs. "After the Presidential preference poll is completed the caucus will elect precinct committee representatives; delegates, alternates, and junior delegates to the county convention; and discuss and submit platform resolutions for consideration at the county convention." We encourage all those fed-up with a system that mostly the represents of Wall Street and the 1% to caucus for "uncommitted," and then run as delegates to the GOP county conventions.
04 Jan 2012

More news from the Ron Paul Campaign

By Gary Howard
In Case You Missed It:  Bachmann Key Aide's Statement on Sen. Kent Sorenson Defection
Bachmann Iowa political director Wes Enos fires back at Mrs. Bachmann's claim that Sen. Sorenson's desertion was financially-motivated
ANKENY, Iowa - U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's Iowa political director Wes Enos recently made enlightening comments concerning Iowa State Sen. Kent Sorenson's defection to the Ron Paul camp from his position as Iowa Chairman for the Minnesota congresswoman's campaign for the presidency.

Hours ago, Sen. Sorenson resigned from his post with the Bachmann camp and publicly endorsed Ron Paul for the presidency, committing to get out the vote for the 12-term Congressman from Texas in the pivotal first-in-nation voting contest.

Mr. Enos made his comments in response to unfounded allegations that Sen. Sorenson's defection was made due to financial incentives made by the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign.  Mr. Enos's comments on the matter follow, and are presented in full:

"I won't say much about the situation or the conflicting statements beyond this; I can say unequivocally that Kent Sorenson's decision was, in no way financially motivated.  His decision had more to do with the fact that the Ron Paul supporters have been something of a family to him since he was first elected in 2008 and here in the end, as it becomes more and more apparent that the caucus cycle is coming to an end, Kent believed that he needed to be with them as they stand on the cusp of a potential caucus upset.  While I personally disagree with Kent's decision, and plan to stay with Michele Bachmann because I truly believe in her, I cannot, in good conscious watch a good man like Kent Sorenson be attacked as a 'sell-out' ....That is simply not the case, and it was not the basis of his decision," said Mr. Enos.
Sen. Kent Sorenson Statement on Bachmann Allegations
Calls Bachmann's untrue claim a "last-minute effort to salvage what's left of her campaign."
ANKENY, Iowa - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign released the following statement from Iowa State Sen. Kent Sorenson.

Last night Sen. Sorenson defected to the Ron Paul camp, endorsing the 12-term Congressman from Texas before a crowd of more than 600 Paul supporters and media.  Moments before his endorsement and in past months, Sen. Sorenson had served as Iowa Chairman for U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's campaign for the presidency. 

In the minutes that followed the endorsement, Rep. Bachmann made baseless claims suggesting the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign provided Sen. Sorenson with a financial incentive to join the Paul camp - and, that this was a deciding factor in the senator's decision to endorse Paul.

Below please find comments from Iowa State Sen. Kent Sorenson:

"I have to say, I've been saddened by the way Congresswoman Bachmann's campaign has decided to handle my decision to endorse Ron Paul for President of the United States.

"Like many folks here in Iowa and throughout the country, I simply came to the realization that Ron Paul is the candidate for true pro-life, pro-gun, pro-limited government conservatives.

"The recent smears from the media and the national political establishment motivated me to rush to Congressman Paul's aid because he did the same for me in both of my races for the Iowa General Assembly.

"As for the ridiculous allegations that Congresswoman Bachmann and her surrogates have made, I was never offered money from the Ron Paul campaign or anyone associated with them and certainly would never accept any.

"Financial reports come out in just days which will prove what I'm saying is true. 

"Even Congresswoman Bachmann's political director issued a statement defending my character.  Since then, he's been fired by the Bachmann campaign for daring to tell the truth.

"Sadly, the values I most appreciated in Congresswoman Bachmann appear to have gone out the window in a last-minute effort to salvage what's left of her campaign.

"On the other hand, Congressman Ron Paul's track record of standing up for constitutional principles and traditional values is unmatched.

"He's proven he is the one candidate who can take on defeat both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama."

Below please find comments from Wes Enos, recently-terminated Iowa political director for the Bachmann Presidential campaign, referenced in Sen. Sorenson's above statement:

"I won't say much about the situation or the conflicting statements beyond this; I can say unequivocally that Kent Sorenson's decision was, in no way financially motivated.  His decision had more to do with the fact that the Ron Paul supporters have been something of a family to him since he was first elected in 2008 and here in the end, as it becomes more and more apparent that the caucus cycle is coming to an end, Kent believed that he needed to be with them as they stand on the cusp of a potential caucus upset.  While I personally disagree with Kent's decision, and plan to stay with Michele Bachmann because I truly believe in her, I cannot, in good conscious watch a good man like Kent Sorenson be attacked as a 'sell-out' ....That is simply not the case, and it was not the basis of his decision," said Mr. Enos.


Iowa State Sen. Kent Sorenson Endorses Ron Paul for President
Former Iowa chairman for U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann pivots to Paul camp citing, "Ron Paul has established himself as the clear choice."
ANKENY, Iowa - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul was endorsed today by Iowa State Senator Kent Sorenson (R-Indianola) in a major pivot that promises to give Paul extra momentum in the run-up to the January 3, 2012 Iowa Caucus.

In making his endorsement Sen. Sorenson is leaving his post as Iowa chairman for U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's presidential campaign here.  The resignation and endorsement take effect immediately.

"Congressman Paul is delighted to accept the endorsement of Senator Kent Sorenson, whose blessing and assistance carry a great deal weight in Iowa.  The fact that he doesn't take this decision lightly tells a great deal about the Senator and Ron Paul.  This endorsement is a rare find and we hope it pushes us nearer to our goal of a strong top-three finish at the January caucus," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

Kent Sorenson was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2011 and represents District 37 after serving in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2009 to 2011, representing District 74.  The senator is a member of several committees including the Judiciary, Natural Resources and Environment, and State Government committees.  He is also the ranking member of both the Senate and Joint Oversight Committees and a member of the Advisory Council for Agricultural Education, the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency Council, and the Human Rights Board.

Senator Sorenson has been leader in the fight in defense of traditional family values, the sanctity of life, and a restoration of Second Amendment rights.

The full endorsement statement from Senator Sorenson follows.

Sorenson Statement

The decision I am making today is one of the most difficult I have made in my life.  But given what's at stake for our country, I have decided I must take this action.

Today, I am switching my support from Michele Bachmann to Ron Paul for the 2012 Iowa Caucuses and the presidency of the United States.

I still maintain an immense amount of respect for Michele.  The reasons are many.  She's never betrayed conservatives on issues like taxes, the Right to Life, and the Second Amendment.  So over the past few months, I have been saddened at the dismissive way she's been treated among some conservatives especially after winning the Iowa Straw Poll.

But the fact is, there is a clear top tier in the race for the Republican nomination for President, both here in Iowa and nationally.  Ron Paul is easily the most conservative of this group.

The truth is, it was an excruciatingly difficult decision for me to decide between supporting Michele Bachmann and Ron Paul at the beginning of this campaign.  Dr. Paul and his supporters were a major help in my successful campaigns for Iowa House and Senate even when I couldn't count on the support of the Republican establishment here in Iowa.

Of course, battling the establishment is nothing new for Dr. Paul or for myself.  During my time in the General Assembly, I've established myself as a leader in the fights for traditional marriage, the Right to Life, and the protection of the Second Amendment - sometimes even against the wishes of my own party.

Since my election, I've learned that doing the right thing isn't always easy.  It's easy to see why so many legislators "sell out" once elected.  The pressure to do so is immense.

But what America needs now is a President who will not just "go along to get along."  Instead, we must send someone who puts doing what is right above all else to the White House.  That candidate is Ron Paul.

Ron Paul is the only candidate to predict the current mess we find ourselves in economically, and he's the only candidate to offer a true plan to cut spending and balance our budget.

He's also consistently spoken out against government spending, assaults on individual liberties, and unnecessary trillion-dollar military adventurism for over 30 years.  Polls show he is the Republican candidate that can take on and defeat President Obama in November 2012.

Like all true conservatives, I wholeheartedly agree with Ron Paul that government is too big, and both parties share in the blame.  We agree that it is immoral to print money and pass on mounds of debt to the next generation.  We agree that life begins at conception and must be protected.  We both believe that the Second Amendment must be defended unwaveringly, and that there are too many wars being fought with no end in sight and no obvious path to a defined victory. 

Of course, as a state legislator, I recognize that Dr. Paul's strong views on the 10th Amendment will enable me to fight for what I believe in right in my own backyard instead of having to constantly wait on one-size-fits-all "solutions" from Washington, D.C.

With the entire Republican establishment intent on smearing Ron Paul and his dedicated supporters, I understand this decision could impact the way people see me and my entire political career.  But this is the right decision, and one in which I proudly stand behind.

To the truly wonderful people I met on the Bachmann campaign, I look forward to working with them in the future as we further the fights for the Right to Life, traditional marriage, and the restoration of our Second Amendment rights here in Iowa.   I personally wish her all the best as she continues to battle in Congress.

As for conservatives who are rightly concerned with defeating establishment Republicans Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and - even more importantly - Barack Obama in 2012, Ron Paul has established himself as the clear choice.

If you are as frustrated as I am with what's been done by the ruling class, I urge you to join me in supporting Dr. Paul.  We can send the national big government political establishment a message they will never forget by voting for Ron Paul for President in the January 3 Iowa Caucuses.

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Ron Paul Iowa Team Salutes 20 New 'Veterans for Ron Paul'
Largest-yet coalition rollout represents 11 counties, coincides with Des Moines 'Salute to Veterans' rally
ANKENY, Iowa - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today the names of 20 Iowans joining the "Veterans for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition on the very night he is holding a major 'Salute to Veterans' rally in Des Moines.

This is the largest-yet rollout for this key coalition.  The additional members hail from Polk, Bremer, Clayton, Warren, Clarke, Story, Franklin, Scott, Marshall, Benton, and Tama counties, all Iowa.

Veterans are signing on in droves to the coalition, further demonstrating the dynamism of the Iowa campaign organization's outreach to Hawkeye State heroes.  Success in this area is attributed to Ron Paul's clear and consistent stance on behalf of veterans while in Congress, as featured in his own Des Moines Register op-ed published today and found here.  An ad released earlier in the campaign highlighting Dr. Paul's service to veterans in his home district can be viewed here.

Ron Paul, himself a former Air Force flight surgeon, is holding a rally tonight in Des Moines to salute those who have served and to offer a warm welcome to those recently returning from the Iraq conflict. 

The following sample of veterans representing 11 counties have publicly proclaimed their support ahead of tonight's rally.  As available, information about each veteran is provided in the following sequence: Name and residence, rank, branch, conflict/assignment, years of service.

Polk County

Joe Creveling of Des Moines, US Marines, Korea '50-51, 4 years.

Bill Mech of Windsor Heights, Lieutenant (Junior Grade), US Navy, 4 years.

Todd Walton of Des Moines, Petty Officer Second Class, US Navy, 6 years.

Bremer County

Elijah Wright of Jamesville, US Army National Guard, Afghanistan, 5 years.

Richard Wright of Jamesville, US Navy, 2-3 years.

Clayton County

Joe Kierpaul of Guttenberg, Sr. Airman, US Air Force, Turkey, 4 years.

Dave Fassbinder of Monona, US Navy, Vietnam, 4 years.

Warren County

Robert Winslow of New Virginia, Specialist-4, US Army, 3.5 years.

Clarke County

Dale Mastarone of Osceola, US Army, West Germany, 6 years combined active/reserve.

Story County

Tomas Mullins of Ames, Petty Officer Second Class, US Navy, two deployments aboard USS San Juan in the Persian Gulf 2005 & 2007, 6 years.

Franklin County

Eric Grote of Hampton, US Army/US Air Force/Iowa National Guard, Turkey/Germany, 20 years.

Scott County

Gene Costello of Bettendorf, Gunnery Sergeant, US Marines, Iraq/Japan/Qatar/Kuwait/Norway, 13 years.

Shadrack Roberts of Bettendorf, US Army, Germany/Bosnia-Herzegovina, 4 years.

Doug Erenberger of Davenport, US Army, Specialist-5, 3 years.

Ron Waline of Eldridge, Private First Class, US Marines, 4 years.

Randy Edwards of Bettendorf, Staff Sergeant, US Marines, four combat deployments in Iraq, 8 years.

Anthony Woolever of Davenport, US Army/IL Guard, deployed to Iraq, 8 years.

Marshall County

Merrell Kilborn of Marshalltown, Sergeant, US Air Force, 4 years.

Benton County

Laverne Wille of Belle Plaine, Petty Officer Third Class, US Navy, Vietnam, 3 years 9 months.

Tama County

Charles Betz of Tama, Corporal/Petty Officer First Class, US Marines/Navy, Persian Gulf, 15 years 9 months.

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

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04 Jan 2012

COE COLLEGE LOCAL ATHLETES RECOGNIZED

By Ryan Workman

Coe athletics can be followed on the college's website: www.CoeAthletics.com. Located near the heart of Cedar Rapids, Coe is a selective, private, nationally recognized liberal arts college providing superior quality educational experiences for students since 1851.

Christina Grimm of Bettendorf, volleyball, 2009, Pleasant Valley High School, daughter, Chris and Mary Grimm, junior, 3rd-year.  The volleyball team is under the direction of sixth-year Head Coach DeAnn Woodin, the 2011 Iowa Conference Coach of the Year. Coe won its first Iowa Conference Championship in school history this fall, finishing the year with a 31-4 record, the most wins in school history. The Kohawks were a perfect 8-0 during the Iowa Conference season.

Keenan McLaughlin, also of Bettendorf, cross country, 2010, Pleasant Valley High School, son, Patrick and Melinda mcLaughlin, sophomore, 1st-year,    , The cross country team is under the direction of 18-year Head Coach Elaine Rydze.


Tom Wakeland, also of Bettendorf, men's soccer, 2008, Bettendorf High School, son, Mark and Jean Wakeland, senior, 3rd-year.  The soccer team is under the direction of tenth-year Head Coach Homer Screws.

Hannah Helms of Moline, women's tennis, 2010, Moline Senior High School, daughter, Michael and Jodi Helms, sophomore.  The women's tennis team is under the direction of 23-year Head Coach Eric Rodgers, the 2011 Iowa Conference Coach of the Year. The Kohawks won their fourth Iowa Conference Championship in school history this fall. Coe will host the IIAC Automatic Qualifier Tournament this spring as the regular season champion. Coe finished the fall season 13-0 in dual meets.

04 Jan 2012

Personhood USA's National Presidential Pro-life Forum Now Available Online

By Randy Stalsberg

ARVADA, Colo. -- 12/28/2011 -- Personhood USA has published the audio from Tuesday night's National Presidential Pro-life Forum.  Four of the Republican candidates for President participated in the event including Texas Governor Rick Perry, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

The event, moderated by nationally syndicated radio host Steve Deace, was a collaboration of many of the country's top pro-life organizations including Personhood USA and Champion the Vote.

Governor Perry commented that his view of exceptions in abortion law had changed in recent weeks from a meeting with Personhood USA Spokeswoman Rebecca Kiessling.  "We had a fairly lengthy and heartfelt conversation about how she was conceived in rape. Looking in her eyes, I couldn't come up with an answer to defend the exceptions for rape and incest," he said.

Representative Bachmann noted that her pro-life convictions aren't hyperbole, but rather that they would be a priority.  "As President of the United States, I won't just talk this talk," said Bachmann. "I won't relegate pro-lifers to the corner and pat them on the head. I will actually do something about it."

Senator Santorum opened his remarks by clearing up a common misconception.  "When politicians say 'I believe life begins at conception,' that is conceding ground, and the ground that we concede is by using the term 'believe,'" clarified Santorum.  "Life beginning at conception is not a 'belief.'  It's not an article of faith.  It's an article of fact.  It's biological fact that, in fact, that life begins at conception."

Speaker Gingrich began, contemplating the core of the issue:  "What does it mean when we say that we are 'endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness'?  And that immediately raises the question of: Who is the 'we' that is endowed, and when does that endowment begin?  And I think this is as important of a discussion as anything we'll have in defining our very fabric as a society that cares deeply about the morality of life."

To listen to the program, follow the links below.

Live Action President Lila Rose: http://bit.ly/vFIIon

Governor Perry: http://bit.ly/vCGV9q

Representative Bachmann: http://bit.ly/tVx26w

Senator Santorum: http://bit.ly/vjoeR3

Speaker Gingrich: http://bit.ly/vkEYnR

Or listen to the event in its entirety, go to http://www.personhoodusa.com/townhall

04 Jan 2012

The 18th Annual Iowa Illinois Regional Auto Show features announced

By Carol Slaughter

The nation's largest auto show producer, Motor Trend Auto Shows, announces the 18th annual Iowa Illinois Regional Auto Show, coming to the Davenport RiverCenter Friday through Sunday, Feb. 10-12. The event, which showcases 2012 autos, and some 2013 models is a joint effort of auto dealers of 18 counties in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Show times are:

Friday-Saturday, Feb. 10 & 11 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 12 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Special events during the show include :

Guests will be offered a chance to win $10,000 in the Break the Bank Code Contest.

Friday is Quad City Times Day at the show. Special promotions are planned.

Sunday: Family Day -- Kids 12 and under free with paid adult. Personal appearance by famed cartoon character Scooby Doo sponsored by
MediaCom . There will be a petting zoo, jumpy inflatables, and professional balloon artists making animal characters for kids and perform magic tricks.
More information will be coming as special vehicles are announced.

Proceeds from the Auto Show benefit the Iowa -Illinois Regional Auto Show  Scholarship Fund. Over $175,000 has been given to college bound and trade school students to date. $30,000 is expected to be given at this year's VIP Premier Event.

For more information, visit www.quadcityautoshow.com or call Nissi Marketing at (563) 388-6744.

04 Jan 2012

NFPA Issues Winter Fire Warning

By Lorraine Carli

Holiday tragedies prompt warnings on winter fires

NFPA reminds the public to take action to be safe this winter

December 28, 2011 - In the aftermath of a number of deadly holiday fires, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges the public to take simple steps to protect their family and property from fire. According to NFPA, December, January and February are the top months for home fire deaths.

"Recent fire deaths during this holiday season are tragic reminders that we are at the time of year when home fires peak," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "Taking simple steps to prevent fires and making sure you have working smoke alarms can save lives."

NFPA suggested ten things you can do this winter to stay safe from fire:

 

  • All heaters need space.  Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
  • Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container with a lid. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
  • Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
  • Develop and practice a home escape plan that includes two ways out of each room and an outside meeting place.

 

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and NFPA are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. Learn more information about the organizations' joint safety campaign, "http://www.nfpa.org/winter"

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

Subscribe to NFPA RSS News feeds

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04 Jan 2012

Pack Carver for Iowa Women's Basketball Game

By Rick Martin

MONTICELLO, IA What has been billed as the biggest Iowa Women's basketball game of the year at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, will also be benefiting Camp Courageous. Tickets are now available for the Iowa vs. Nebraska basketball game to be held on January 8, 2012 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are only $5.00 each, if bought through Camp Courageous.  The general public will be paying $9.00 at the door. Special pricing will be available for Camp Courageous campers and those with special needs.  It is also a Whiteout Carver Game - All fans are encouraged to wear WHITE to the game.   There will also be post-game autographs.

A portion of all tickets sold through Camp Courageous will go to the camp.  This is a win-win-win situation for everyone. The ticket buyer saves $4 off the door price of a ticket, the Iowa Hawkeye Women's Basketball Team win by showing this nationally televised game what a great team they have and what great fans they have, and Camp Courageous benefits from a portion of the price of every ticket purchased going to the camp.

To purchase tickets go on-line to:

www.campcourageous.org

or by calling 319/465-5916 ext 2100 to place an order

or by mailing your request to: Hawkeye Tickets, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310

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04 Jan 2012

EMILY'S LIST LAUNCHES SCORECARD EVALUATING 2012 REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES: WHO IS THE WORST FOR WOMEN AND FAMILIES IN IOWA?

By Randy Stalsberg

WASHINGTON D.C. - EMILY's List today introduced a new tool aimed at women voters to evaluate the 2012 Republican presidential candidates' potential impact on women's health, jobs, retirement security, choice, workplace fairness, women and families, and more.

The EMILY'S List "Republican Presidential Scorecard" shows the candidates who scored worst on women's issues (in order of most egregious): former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich; Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN); former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney is tied with Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX); former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA); former Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman; and Governor of Texas Rick Perry.

The issues on which candidates are most damaging to women and families are "Access to Women's Health and Choice," "Retirement and Medicare," and "Jobs." For the women and families of Iowa, these candidates' stances on the jobs bill alone could negatively impact 69,100 women who own their own businesses, which employ 57,900 Iowans.  Moreover, the cuts to Medicaid and Medicare that these candidates support would cut benefits for 172,500 Iowa women and 43,000 Iowa Seniors.

To access additional information on the "Republican Presidential Scorecard" featured below, please see the EMILY's List website: http://emilyslist.org/scorecard

 

*** MANDATORY CREDIT EMILY'S LIST***

The EMILY's List "Republican Presidential Scorecard" will be an ongoing effort to communicate with women voters about the Presidential race and what's at stake. The scorecard will be continually updated to adjust to the changing dynamics of the primary.

State-specific impacts of the positions advocated by the Republican candidates will be released in early primary and caucus states, with a paid on-line media component.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY's List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 900,000 members across the country, EMILY's List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY's List has worked to elect 86 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY's List had the largest number of members and donors in our 25 year history.

For more information on EMILY's List, please visit www.emilyslist.org.
04 Jan 2012

Specialized Illinois National Guard Unit Mobilized for Afghanistan

By readMedia

Nearly 20 Soldiers Mobilize Jan. 4 as Part of an Embedded Training Team

SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/28/2011)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for approximately 20 Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded training team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A9 will be Jan.4 at 1 p.m. at the Illinois Military Academy at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

The BEST Soldiers will train for a brief time at Camp Atterbury, Ind., before deploying to Poland for approximately two months to train with the Polish Land Forces. The unique mission allows Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. Following the training, the Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month mobilization. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

"This mobilization illustrates the diverse skill sets and training of our Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and the variety of missions we support in today's challenging international environment, as well as in our state and community," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "These troops are instrumental in helping train foreign Soldiers to defend their country while polishing our Guardsmen's skills."

The team will assist the Afghan government to extend its authority across the country, perform security operations and help stabilize the war-torn nation. The Soldiers will also mentor and support the Afghan National Army and support Afghan government programs to disarm illegally armed groups.

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and are required to notify the Public Affairs Office by 10 a.m., Jan.4 or they will not be allowed access onto Camp Lincoln. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569.

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