20 Dec 2011

Safe Holiday Decorating Tips from Amica Insurance

By Laura Meade Kirk

Amica Insurance reminds everyone to take care when decorating for the holidays

LINCOLN, RI Dec. 16, 2011 - Decorating for the holidays is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but Amica Insurance reminds everyone that holiday decorations also can be dangerous.

About 12,500 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries directly related to holiday decorations, lights and Christmas trees, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Candles and Christmas trees also are a leading cause of fires this time of year, according to CPSC statistics. Candles cause about 11,600 fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths, 1,200 injuries and $173 million in property losses. And Christmas trees are blamed on about 300 fires each year, resulting in an average of 10 deaths, 30 injuries and more than $10 million in property damages.

"That's why Amica Insurance urges everyone to be extra careful with their holiday decorating," said Lisa Melton, an assistant vice president with Amica Insurance. "A few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your family safe this holiday season."

The CPSC offers these tips for safe decorating:

  • If you're choosing a real tree, make sure it's fresh. It should be green. The needles should be hard to pull from branches, and the branches shouldn't break when bent. The tree also shouldn't lose many needles when its trunk is tapped on the ground.
  • If you're using an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled "fire resistant." This doesn't mean the tree if fire-proof, but it should resist burning.
  • Keep artificial and real trees away from heat sources.
  • Use only flame-resistant decorations to trim your tree.
  • Lights, whether used indoors or outside, should be tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which means they comply with safety standards.
  • Check all lights for broken and cracked bulbs, frayed wires and loose connections.
  • Don't attach more than three standard-size sets of lights on an extension cord.
  • Do not overload extension cords with any decorations.
  • Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable or that could pose a choking hazard for a young child.
  • Never hang stockings or other decorations above a fireplace with an open flame.
  • Move candles away from anything that can catch fire and never leave them unattended.

"Sometimes people are having such a nice time during the holidays that they forget to extinguish candles," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Always put out lit candles before leaving a room or going to bed. Always keep burning candles within sight."

It's also important to use care when using your fireplace this time of year, Melton said. Make sure there are no decorations near the fireplace when it's in use, and don't throw cardboard boxes or wrapping paper into a fire because they can ignite suddenly and burn intensely, creating a dangerous situation.

"It's also important to never leave lights on or fires burning if you're leaving the house or going to bed," Melton said. "You don't want a fire or injury to ruin your holiday season, so please make sure all of your decorations are safe. "

About Amica Mutual Insurance

Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation's oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, with corporate headquarters in Lincoln, RI, is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,200 people in 40 offices across the country.

20 Dec 2011

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions December 16, 2011

By Iowa Judicial Branch
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. 07-1459

MYRON BRANDON, Plaintiff, vs. IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR HENRY COUNTY

No. 09-0724

CEDAR RAPIDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT and EMC INSURANCE COMPANIES vs. CHRISTINE PEASE

No. 09-1097

ROBERT OBERBILLIG and PATRICIA OBERBILLIG and FRANK SCAGLIONE and MELBA SCAGLIONE vs. WEST GRAND TOWERS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

No. 10-1543

STATE OF IOWA vs. DANIEL DEAN RAINSONG
20 Dec 2011

Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives January 1 - 15

By Marvin Whittaker

Red Cross Celebrates National Blood Donor Month

The need is constant:    Every day in our country, approximately 44,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident victims.


January is National Blood Donor Month and the American Red Cross thanks its committed blood donors for dedicating their time to give hope to patients in need. Throughout the month of January, the American Red Cross is celebrating the contributions of millions of blood donors who give patients hope.

 

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been celebrated in an effort to educate Americans about the importance of regular blood donation and the impact it can have on patients in need. Help maintain a stable blood supply by becoming a dedicated donor and encouraging others to give for the first time. Make an appointment today and join the nearly 4 million Red Cross blood donors across the country dedicated to changing lives, one donation at a time.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

 

Blood Donation Opportunities

 

CARROLL COUNTY

1/13/2012, 8:30 am- 2:30 pm, Milledgeville High School, PO Box 609 Hwy 40, Milledgeville

 

CLINTON COUNTY

1/8/2012, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, National Guard, 1200 13th Avenue North, Clinton

 

HENRY COUNTY

1/5/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First United Methodist Church S Campus Bldg, 224 N. State, Geneseo

 

1/7/2012, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm, YMCA, 315 West 1st St., Kewanee

 

1/10/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1001 9th Street, Orion

 

1/11/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee

 

1/12/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St John's Vianney Church, 313 S West Street, Cambridge

 

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

1/12/2012, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Quad City International Airport, 2200 69th Ave., Moline

 

SCOTT COUNTY

1/6/2012, 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Anytime Fitness, 5260 NW Boulevard, Davenport

 

WHITESIDE COUNTY

1/3/2012, 8:00 am-11:00 am, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

 

1/4/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

 

1/10/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

 

1/11/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

 

1/12/2012, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Tampico Fire Department, 103 North Main Street, Tampico

 

 

###

20 Dec 2011

UNIV NORTHERN COLORADO FALL GRADS

By TheLink Delivery Service
Ashley Marie Lichtenberg, of Bettendorf was among about 630 undergraduate and graduate students who received degrees from the University of Northern Colorado during fall 2011 graduation ceremonies Dec. 9-10.  Ms. Lichtenberg received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

19 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Endorsed by Mayor-Elect Shawn Dietz of Hampton

By Gary Howard
Franklin County Tea Party co-founder and county GOP vice chair calls Paul "honest and consistent"
ANKENY, Iowa - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that Mayor-Elect Shawn Dietz of the City of Hampton, located in Franklin County, has endorsed Ron Paul for the presidency.

In making his endorsement, the mayor-elect cited Paul's 'Plan to Restore America,' as well as a full complement of issue stances that distinguish the 12-term Congressman from Texas from other Republican competitors.

"We're pleased that incoming Mayor Dietz has endorsed Ron Paul, and has done so with such conviction," said Ron Paul 2012 Iowa Chairman Drew Ivers, referring to the mayor-elect's attached letter.  "Endorsements by Iowa's political, faith and civic leaders are what promise to propel us to a strong top-three showing in the caucus."

Mayor-Elect Dietz is co-founder of the Franklin County Tea Party, and Vice Chair of the Franklin County Republican Central Committee.  A former factory worker who was laid off due to 2008 government-imposed economic collapse, he also is a husband and father of three children.

The full text of Mayor-Elect Dietz's letter to Iowans follows:

To my fellow Iowans:

With our nation's founding principles in jeopardy of extinction, elections at all levels of government are increasingly more imperative to the survival of our Republic; none more visible and important than that of the office of President of the United States.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate has provided a detailed plan of how he proposes to make major Federal Government spending cuts, $1 Trillion in his first year as President.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate has presented logical plans to address important issues to my family, my neighbors, and myself; such issues as national security, illegal immigration, life, monetary policy, foreign policy, debt, and ending overseas nation building.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate has been honest and consistent in his positions for 30+ years.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate continues to fight unapologetically for the restoration of American Government to the United States Constitution.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate unconditionally supports our troops by promising to immediately bring them home to their families where they belong.

Only one politician in my lifetime, and likely for many generations, has so accurately and passionately represented the self-evident Truths laid out in the Declaration of Independence; "...that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness..."

I've asked myself this question, WHY do I love this country? The answer was simple. Liberty. The next question was who to support for President in 2012. Today it is with great pride as a co-founder of the Franklin County Tea Party, as the Vice Chair of the Franklin County Republican Central Committee, and as the Mayor-Elect of the City of Hampton, Iowa that I officially announce my endorsement of the Champion of the Constitution, Texas Congressman, Dr. Ron Paul for President in 2012. Please join me at the January 3rd Iowa Caucus and vote to Restore America Now with a vote for Ron Paul...

For Liberty!

Shawn Dietz
Mayor-Elect
Hampton, Iowa

###
19 Dec 2011

Statement From Herman Cain

By Friends of Herman Cain
In response to continued media enquiries Herman Cain released the following statement:

"I am no longer a candidate for elected office, nor have I been since suspending my campaign almost two weeks ago. Having millions of Americans supporting my candidacy and solutions for our country was humbling and immensely gratifying", said Herman Cain. "Though my candidacy has ended, I continue debating the appropriate role of government in society and fighting for more fiscal discipline and solutions to America's problems."

For More Information:
Mark Block, Chief of Staff to Herman Cain
caincos@gmail.com

19 Dec 2011

New Guide to GOP Presidential Candidates' Positions on Social Security Unveiled

By Randy Stalsberg

(Washington, DC) - Today, Social Security Works unveiled a new guide which reveals that the top six Republican Presidential candidates agree: If they had their way, they would cut or do away with Social Security, America's most successful insurance program. The guide shows that when these Republican Presidential candidates say we need to "save" Social Security, what they really mean is we need to end Social Security.

"Iowa caucus-goers should know that the Republican candidates are out of touch on the issue of Social Security," said Nancy Altman, co-director of Social Security Works.  "Tea Partiers, mainstream Republicans, Democrats, and Independents all overwhelmingly support Social Security, oppose benefit cuts, including opposing raising the retirement age, and oppose trading the program's guaranteed retirement income for the gamble of the Wall Street 'casino.'  In contrast, as the guide reveals, the Republican candidates favor raising the retirement age and partially privatizing the program.  They outrageously defame Social Security by calling this trust, which holds workers' hard earned contributions, a Ponzi scheme, a fraud, or even, unconstitutional, notwithstanding that its constitutionality was upheld three-quarters of a century ago."

"The Republican candidates - all six of the front-runners - could not be more out of step with the American people!  Americans -- Democrats, Independents, and, yes, Republicans -- overwhelmingly support Social Security and oppose the kinds of radical cuts and changes the Republican candidates favor. They can't afford to have their benefits cut   and they do not want Wall Street bankers and other campaign contributors to steal their and their children's Social Security," said Eric Kingson, co-chair of the Strengthen Social Security Campaign.

Social Security provides benefits to nearly 600,000 Iowans, including more than 70,000 Iowa workers with disabilities.  With less than three weeks to go before the Iowa Caucuses, Social Security has a lot at stake on the caucus outcome.  The brief guide below includes such horrible gems as "fraud" and "privatization" language from Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Michelle Bachmann, and Rick Santorum.

Called Social Security A Fraud, Ponzi Scheme, or Unconstitutional

Wants to Raise the Social Security Retirement Age

Supports Some Form of Privatization

MICHELE
BACHMANN

[Social Security] "is a tremendous fraud. no company could get away with this, they'd be thrown in jail if they ever tried to do what the federal government did with people's Social Security money."

-Fox News, February 17, 2010

Voted to raise the Social Security retirement age to 70, which would cut benefits by up to 20 percent for new beneficiaries when fully phased in.

-Voted Yes on Republican Study Committee Budget, Roll call Vote 275, April 15, 2011

"But people that are younger than [10 years away from retirement], they need to have some options in their lives, so that going forward they can have an ownership of their own Social Security, their own retirement."

-Fox News, February 17, 2010

NEWT
GINGRICH

"it is a fraud and a lie the way that congress deals with Social Security."

-Cain-Gingrich Debate, november 5, 2011

No position stated.

"any candidate who is not prepared to give younger americans the right to choose [a private account] has no serious plan for Social Security."

-Cain-Gingrich Debate, November 5, 2011

RON
PAUL

"Technically, [Social Security is unconstitutional]. ...there's no authority [in the constitution for it]."

-(Fox News Sunday, May 15, 2011)

No direct position, but Paul sees it as irrelevant since he would dismantle the entire program and allow people to opt-out of Social Security.

-(MSNBC interview, April 27, 2011)

"But I want to privatize the retirement funds and put the responsibility on the individual."

-(CNN Situation Room interview, September 8, 2010)

RICK
PERRY

Social Security "is a Ponzi scheme for these young people. ...the idea that [young people] are working and paying into Social Security today, that the current program is going to be there for them... is a monstrous lie on this generation, and we can't do that to them."

-Iowa Caucus event at the Vine Coffeehouse,

8/27/11

"if you're a forty-five year-old or less, we're going to move that retirement age up to sixty-nine or seventy."

-Town Hall, 9/5/11

"if only the new Dealers had been kind enough to allow workers to make their own choice about whether to participate [in Social Security]. as we know from experience, individuals would have done better on their own [with private accounts]."

-Fed Up, 2010, page 61

MITT
ROMNEY

"There simply is no [trust] 'fund' safely invested somewhere... to put it in a nutshell, the American people have been effectively defrauded out of their Social Security. ... let's look at what would happen if someone in the private sector did a similar thing... They would go to jail. But what has happened to the people responsible for the looming bankruptcy of Social Security? They keep returning to congress every two years."

-No Apology, 2010, pp. 172-3

"Alternatively, we could gradually raise the retirement age. this does have a certain logic to it..."

-No Apology, 2010, p. 173

"One thing that [President Bush] proposed, and it's a good idea, is to take some of that money, or all of that surplus [Social Security] money and allow people to have a personal account."

-town hall, 6/5/2007

RICK
SANTORUM

No position stated.

"I proposed [raising the retirement age] back in 1994, and I think that's an option that has to be on the table."

-(Meet the Press, June 12, 2011)

"We're in the middle of a phase-up [in the retirement age] to age 67...We need to continue to do that."

-(Remarks at Lancaster, SC, September 13, 2011)

"Personal retirement accounts provide individuals?not the government?with control and ownership. and they hold the promise of a greater return for future generations than what they are promised by today's Social Security system."

-(the Hill, March 1, 2005)

###

19 Dec 2011

Help The Salvation Army Recover from our Great Loss!

By Holly Nomura
Best bBell ringer had accident while volunteering in kitchen at Family Service Center

Quad Cities, USA: December 15, 2011 - The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign has lost its most special bell ringer due to a fall. If you have been to NorthPark Mall near Younker's Court this season, you may have met Captain Ray in her old-fashioned Salvation Army bonnet. Captain Ray is an 89-years-old retired Salvation Army officer and follows Majors Gary and Karen Felton to their appointed community each Christmas to bell ring for the entire season. She will not be able to finish 2011, though, and the donations lost will be in the thousands of dollars.

Volunteer Bell Ringers are needed to help collect donations now more than ever. The sign up is easy at www.ringbells.org. You can choose the day, time and location of your choice.

You can get involved with The Salvation Army's Christmas programs to make your own Christmas even brighter by purchasing a toy for a child at a Wal-Mart Angel Tree - the Angel Tree program has been extended to Sunday, December 18th due to a 10% increase in need over 2010.

Captain Ray's fall occurred in the kitchen while she was volunteering at the Family Service Center. After a week of rest and still no recovery, a second x-ray showed a fractured hip and hip replacement surgery was scheduled immediately. She would appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery. Get-well cards can be sent to: 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, IA 52803. ###

19 Dec 2011

2012 Daddy Daughter Dance

By Kenneth Asta

You are personally invited to register early for our popular Daddy Daughter Dance.

We want to reserve your spot today.... What a great Gift!

Daddy Daughter Dance

An evening filled with charm, fun and dancing awaits you and your special girl at this special event. You will enjoy dancing, buffet dinner, prizes and more! "Daddy" can be an Uncle, Grandpa, or any special person. Daughters of all ages will enjoy the evening full of entertainment and take home a gift too.  *Pictures available on sight for an additional fee. This makes for a great gift.

 

Sunday, February 19th

from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Event held at the River Center, Mississippi River Hall

136 E. Third, North Building, Davenport

PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY-NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR!!!

Couples will be admitted beginning at 5:30pm

FEE: $40.00 per couple

$20 for each additional child

 

Click here for more information and registration instructions.

19 Dec 2011

Herbert Hoover NHS News Release: Winter Children's Programs at the West Branch Public Library

By Adam Prato
WEST BRANCH, IOWA–Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will partner with the West Branch Public Library from January through April of 2012 to offer
literacy and educational programs.

A National Park Ranger from Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will lead "Pajama Storytime" activities on the first Tuesdays of each month from January through April. The West Branch Public Library welcomes pre-schoolers, their parents, and families to "Pajama Storytime" each Tuesday evening in the Library Children's Area from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Story time helps develop preschoolers' early literacy and socialization skills. A bedtime snack is provided.

"Get to Know Your National Parks" on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from January through April with a National Park Ranger from Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Children of all ages can learn how National Parks preserve America's natural and historical heritage with a focus on a different national park each time. "Get to Know Your National Parks" meets at 2:00 p.m. in the Library Children's Area. The program will last about one hour.

The West Branch Public Library is at 300 North Downey Street in West Branch, Iowa. For more information about library programs, call Youth Librarian Becky Knoche at (319) 643-2633. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358
319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

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