04 Jan 2012

New USDA TV Feature January 4, 2012: Conservation Programs Present and Future

By USDA Communications Office
Conservation Programs Present and Future

 

 

INTRO: Conservation programs are the backbone of U-S-D-A's efforts to address environmental concerns. The

U-S-D-A's Bob Ellison has more on the importance of these programs and their role in solving future challenges. (1:55)

 

U-S-D-A'S NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE PROGRAMS HELP PRODUCERS AND OTHER LANDOWNERS PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. N-R-C-S CHIEF DAVE WHITE SAYS DECREASED SUPPORT FOR THOSE PROGRAMS WOULD HAMPER THAT EFFORT. 

 

Dave White, Chief, NRCS: If we lacked the financial wherewithal to assist producers it would be severely damaging for private land conservation in the United States. We believe that the fate of the environment will be determined by the men and women who own and operate that land and the millions of individual decisions they make every single day. And the better informed they are, the more help we can give them, the better chance we have of keeping our land productive into the future.

 

AND WHITE SAYS THOSE LANDOWNERS WHO HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT NEED TO KNOW THEY WON'T BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS.

 

White: I think we've got to change the whole regulatory mindset to working with people to do the right thing and in return for that, they don't have to fear regulation. Somebody coming in and telling them what they are going to do. Because frankly all the conservation in the world is not going to do you any good if our farmers and ranchers and woodland owners cannot stay in business.

 

WHITE SAYS N-R-C-S PROGRAMS WILL BE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN ADDRESSING LONG TERM ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES.

 

White: I think the biggest challenge we as a nation face in the coming decade is going to be water. Water quality is going to be huge. Equal to that is the issue of water quantity. So one of the key things in order to address water quality, water quantity is the health and resilience of our soils and we're going to make a major effort to try to improve that.

 

N-R-C-S PROGRAMS CURRENTLY AFFECT MORE THAN TWENTY SEVEN POINT SEVEN MILLION ACRES IN THE UNITED STATES. FOR THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, I'M BOB ELLISON.

04 Jan 2012

WINTER CELEBRATION at CENTENNIAL PARK and The River's Edge:

By Ron Summers

Looking for some family fun on Sunday?

Davenport Parks and Recreation Winter Celebration Sunday, January 8
WINTER CELEBRATION at CENTENNIAL PARK and The River's Edge:  A FREE event! January 8th 2pm-4pm.
Chills and thrills are what you will find at this fun filled family event.  Put on your coats and mittens and come join us for some inside/outside winter fun.  We will have snow sports (weather permitting), hot chocolate, and activities for kids.  Outdoors at Centennial Park will be winter trucks displays, snowshoeing, disc golf baskets, eagle watching and Snowstar information.  Inside at The River's Edge will be face painting, snowflake making, photos, arts and crafts and Silver Skates (registration and fee required).
04 Jan 2012

Iowa Supreme Court Requests for Further Review

By Iowa Judicial Branch

FURTHER REVIEW RESULTS

December 19, 2011

 

DENIED:

 

NUMBER

COUNTY

CASE NAME

 

 

10-0731

Hardin

Currie v. State

10-1196

Linn

State v. Moon

10-1382

Cedar

Rouse v. Durant Cmty. Sch. Dist.

10-1491

Polk

State v. Moritz

10-1544

Taylor

State v. Strough

10-1685

Dubuque

Davison v. Dubuuqe County Sheriff's Office

10-1899

Plymouth

State v. Bender

10-2119

Polk

UPS v. Slaymaker

11-0018

Polk

Gray v. Harding

11-0048

Kossuth

In re Marriage of Larson

11-0062

Scott

State v. Jackson

11-0065

Polk

State v. Atkinson

11-0088

Palo Alto

Whitacre v. Brown

11-0160

Polk

State v. Robinson

11-0262

Dubuque

State v. Chest

11-0428

Des Moines

State v. Ringold

11-1326

Polk

In re M.L.

11-1402

Johnson

In re C.B.S. & K.M.B.

11-1563

Jefferson

In re M.M.

11-1595

Woodbury

In re A.R.A.-C. & A.A.A.-C.

 

 

 

 

 

GRANTED:

 

 

NUMBER

COUNTY

CASE NAME

 

 

10-0631

Butler

State v. Becker

11-0117

Dubuque

Pitts v. Farm Bureau

11-0325

Dubuque

In re Marriage of Vaughan
04 Jan 2012

Ron Paul Campaign Celebrates Great Victory at Iowa Caucus

By Gary Howard
Paul makes history in first-in-nation voting state
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign is celebrating a great victory with its strong top-three finish at the Iowa Caucus.  Below please find comments from Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton:

"The Ron Paul campaign is celebrating a great victory tonight.

"There were three tickets out of Iowa, and Ron Paul earned one of them.

"One of the three tickets, the one belonging to Rick Santorum, is a dead-end due to Santorum's weak fundraising and lack of national campaign organization.

"This is now a two way race between establishment candidate Mitt Romney and the candidate for real change, Ron Paul.

"Ron Paul has a top notch national organization, tremendous fundraising prowess, and unequaled enthusiasm among his volunteers and supporters.

"Dr. Paul has taken the first step towards earning the delegates it will take to be the GOP nominee and is the only candidate not named Mitt Romney with the ability to do so.

"Ron Paul is now off to New Hampshire, South Carolina, Louisiana, Nevada, Maine, North Dakota, Washington, Colorado, and beyond.

"See you on the campaign trail."

###
04 Jan 2012

Cain is Right on "Gotcha" Question Campaign Ends but Media Attacks on Cain Continues

By Rick Martin
(New York) During an appearance this morning on "The Early Show", former presidential candidate Herman Cain was asked a question about the number of active and reserve military personnel. Mr. Cain gave a correct answer of 3 million total military personnel in the armed services. (U.S. Department of Defense figures for active military personnel, reservists and civilian personnel indicate 3.03 million personnel.) 

It is with regret, however, that Mr. Cain needed to clarify the anchor's query as a 'gotcha' question. She proved him right with an attempt to correct him, albeit with incorrect figures.

These media attempts to 'catch' Mr. Cain in an error, or trip him up, began during his presidential campaign. Unfortunately, during a campaign, there is not always the opportunity to set the record straight when the media misrepresent information.

As evidenced during this morning's interview on CBS "The Early Show", Mr. Cain is rewriting these rules. It is clear that an overall effort remains to discredit Mr. Cain as he looks to help Americans rewrite their future.

It is with every good intention Mr. Cain called the question for what it was, a 'gotcha'. It's time to set the record straight. America has too much at stake to be misguided or misled by misinformation, intentional or otherwise.
04 Jan 2012

24th Annual QC Wind Ensemble Solo Competition

By Patrick Driscoll

The Quad City Wind Ensemble is pleased to announce the Twenty-Fourth Annual Young Performer's Solo Competition.  Auditions will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at the Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University, in Davenport. The winner will appear as the guest soloist with the Quad City Wind Ensemble at our concert on April 29 at the Galvin Fine Arts Center. In addition to performing with the Quad City Wind Ensemble, the first place winner will receive a $250 scholarship from the Quad City Wind Ensemble for private study.  The second place winner will receive a $150 scholarship and the third place winner will receive a $100 scholarship for private study. Entrants must be students currently involved in a high school instrumental music program and complete an entry form to be received or postmarked no later than March 9, 2012.

The Quad City Wind Ensemble is pleased to announce the Twenty-Fourth Annual Charles B. DCamp Young Performer s Solo Competition. Auditions will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in Madsen Hall at the Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, Iowa. The winner will appear as the guest soloist with the Quad City Wind Ensemble at our Sunday, April 29, 2012 concert at the Galvin Fine Arts Center. Please submit completed forms to: Julie Crouse, 27553 Frederick Drive, LeClaire, IA 52753. Entry forms must be received or postmarked no
later than Friday, March 9, 2012.

In addition to performing with the Quad City Wind Ensemble, the first place winner will receive a $250 scholarship from the Quad City Wind Ensemble for private study. The second place winner will receive a $150 scholarship and the third place winner will receive a $100 scholarship for private study.

All entrants must be students currently involved in a high school instrumental music program. The soloist must perform a wind or percussion solo for which a band/wind ensemble accompaniment is readily available. There is no entry fee for this competition. The guest soloist must perform the same piece in the concert as performed during the audition. Previous first place winners must audition on a different piece. All applicants must audition using piano accompaniment and furnish two copies of the solo part for the adjudicators. One of the copies may be a photo-copied reproduction of the original.

The Quad City Wind Ensemble, founded by Charles B. DCamp in 1987, is comprised of some of the Quad City area s top wind and percussion players who audition for membership in this select group. It is recognized as one of the finest adult wind ensembles in the nation.

The QCWE is dedicated to music education in public schools. The Charles B. DCamp Young Performers Solo Competition is one way it supports music education of the QC area s youth. In addition, all participants in school band programs are admitted free to all QCWE performances.

Please feel free to make photocopies of this letter and the attached application as needed. If you have any questions about the solo competition, please contact Julie Crouse, the competition coordinator, at 27553 Frederick Drive, LeClaire, IA 52753 or by email at crousefamily2001@gmail.com.


Sincerely,
Susan Hanford
QCWE Chairperson

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.

 

#   #   #

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

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